Appointment of Perm Secs: Oke ogun people appeal to Akala

The people of Oke ogun in Oyo State, Nigeria, have called on the state governor, Otunba (Dr) Christopher Alao Akala to intervene urgently in the process being adopted for the purpose of appointing officials into the Permanent Secretaries cadre in the state’s Civil Service.

The appeal was contained in an open letter sent to the governor following an announcement made by the state’s head of service, Dr Ebenezer Olusola Okebukola on the procedure to be employed in the appointment of the next set of permanent secretaries.

Permanent secretary position is the highest in civil service.

A Public Service Announcement signed by the head of servcice on January 14, 2009 has directed “all substansive directors and general managersl in the Oyo State Civil Service’  interested in becoming perm secs (as permanent secretaries are called) to submit their curricullum vitae to his office.

But top government officials maintained that this is contrary to established procedure anywhere and particularly in Oyo State which inherited the record of a well managed and efficient civil administration from  the days of people like Chief Simeon Adebo, Chief (Mrs) Teju Alakija etc.

They contended that no-one used to know exactly who was to be appointed perm sec until the announcement was formally made. That it was only known to the top echelon of government and the head of service.

“This new approach is to give room for lobby and undue influenccing of the situation.” said a  retired head of service who would not want his name in print for obvious reason.

He went further to say that since such an approach would be worsening the morale of civil servants that has been going down since the politicisation of perm sec appointment.

“In those days, such appointments are made on merit and on the basis of seniority. But these days, people are brought not only from below but even sometimes from outside.”

When asked how those to be appointed are to be determined if they were not to submit their credentials, the technocrat responded that “there is no top government official who does not have a file in the governor’s office and in the office of the head of service. As such, they could get whatever information they needed from such files. They only  needed to ask the specific officer for clarrification where there is doubt or something”.

Okebukola’s announcement first aired on the state’s broadcasting station and later circulated read in part:

“this is to inform all substansive Directors and General Managers in the Oyo State Civil Service that His Excellency, The Executive Governor, Otunba (Dr) Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala JP psc has approved their participations in the examination for appointemnt of Permanent Secretaries in Oyo State.

Consequently, all Substansive Directors and General Managers are to submit 10 copies each of their Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) indicating their career progression. Copies of letters of promotion and gazette publications should be attached to the C.V. The document should be forwarded to the Office of the Head of Service on or before Tuesday 20th January, 2009, while the date of the examination will be announced later.

The statement was signed by Overseer (Dr0 Ebenezer Olusola Okebukola, Head of Service as the Announcer.

In a swift reaction however, a group known as Oke ogun Concerned Citizens faulted this procedure.

In a release entitled ‘When Will Justice Be Done?’, the group which has retired civil servants who served at federal, state and local government levels, academics and administrators as membersamong them, insisted that the public announcement is fraught with a lot of dangers. Apart from the bastardisation of civil service procedure which the development amounted to in its view, the group also expressed the fear that the procedure was adopted for the purpose of further marginalizing Oke ogun.

Below is the text of the open letter

OKE OGUN CONCERNED CITIZENS

January 19, 2009.

Otunba (Dr) Christopher Alao Akala

The Governor

Oyo State of Nigeria

Secretariat

Ibadan

Your Excellency

WHEN WOULD JUSTICE BE DONE?

Your Excellency would permit this mode of correspondence and the choice of title. They are both borne out of frustrations which the people of Oke ogun zone of Oyo state, who we represent, have continuously been subjected to.

Our present concern over which we seek your urgent intervention is in the announcement by the outgoing Head of Service (HoS), Dr E.O. Okebukola, on the issue of appointment of Permanent Secretaries for the State Civil Service. In the announcement over the radio, Directors were requested to submit their credentials for consideration for the post of Permanent Secretaries.

The announcement appears strange, for this would be the first time according to our findings that the search for the appointment of such cadre (PSs) would be so advertised. But more importantly, knowing the history of marginalization of the region in such appointments and considering that Dr Okebukola’s tenure was extended at the expense of an Oke ogun man, we can not but be apprehensive.

For one, Okebukola’s tenure is only about 90 days more, so the question is: could the apparent ‘rush’ be an attempt to impose PSs on the incoming Head of Service? On the other hand, is there any truth in the information gaining currency that a further extension is being contemplated?

We wish to passionately use this medium to appeal to the conscience of Your Excellency that JUSTICE  must not only be done now in the appointments of Permanent Secretaries and the incoming Head of Service, they must be seen to have been done – and done rightly.

In the first instance, the position of the Federal Character Commission (FCC) which is in conformity with Section 4 (14) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is that in the appointments of this nature as being contemplated, Oke ogun zone with ten (1) local government councils is entitled to 30 %, Ibadan (with 11 LGs) 34 %; Ogbomoso (with five LGs) 15 %; Oyo (with four LGs) 12 % and Ibarapa (with three LGs) 9 % slots out of the 30 permanent secretaries in Oyo State Civil Service.

And, again, it must not be forgotten that the post of Head of Service, which Okebukola is to vacate on or before April 2009, should justly and rightly go to the deserving official who is an Oke ogun man.

We pray that God Almighty will strengthen your Excellency to uphold the truth. And may He fortify you in enthroning justice in the Civil Service of Oyo State, amen.

Akeem Daramola, Co-ordinator                                   Tunde Afonja, Secretary.

Akala solicits support for Aseyin

Oyo State Governor, Otunba Christopher Adebayo Alao Akala has appealed to those who are still in court over Aseyin stool to withdraw such cases and co-operate with the incumbent, Oba  Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle Salau Oloogunebi-Ajinese I.

The governor made the appeal at Iseyin while speaking at the 2nd Coronation anniversary of the monarch. The occasion served as a formal crowning of the king.

Akala who was conferred with a chieftaincy title of Agbaakin of Iseyin on the occasion reminded the aggrieved that it is God who put people in positions of leadership “and once someone has been so installed, we should co-operate with him and give him our maximum support”.

A few other people too including the Speaker, were conferred with various titles on the occasion.

Speaking earlier, the Aseyin praised the Oyo State government for its efforts at developing the state. He regretted that big as Iseyin is, “it does not have any post secondary educational institution. It is in this regard I am appealing to the state government to consider establishing one in this historic town”.

He wondered whether Emmanuel Alayande University could be located at Iseyin.

Programs that culminated in the installation ceremony on December 27, 2008 actually began on Monday Dec 22nd with a football match.

Other events were visit to Ebedi hill, launch of a book on the Aseyin, drama presentation, prayers in mosque and church.

Adediran assures Irepo staffers on welfare

Irepo Local Government chairman, Hon Abdullateef Sulaiman Adediran has expressed the readiness of his administration to ensure that workers of the council are well treated at all times.

He gave this assurance during an inter-religious prayer programme organised to usher in the new year 2009.

The chairman popularly called ‘Santana’, explained that the prayer was organised with a view to thank God for seeing the council through the year 2008 and to beseech Him for a glorious 2009.

He thanked the council’s staffers for their cooperation with his adminisration since inception and urged them to continue to give in their best. In return, his government would ensure that the workers’ interest is well served at all times.

It was the first time Muslims and Christians in Irepo would gather at that level for such purpose.

The Muslim creed was led by the Chief Imam of Kisi, Alhaj Soliu Ali (Kinniun Adinni) supported by Alfa Lateef Sakaloro and Alfa Musbau Badmus. Christians were led by Reverend S.Ola Ajala, Evangelist Isaac Adigun and Pastor A.A. Ayinde.

In their respective sermons, the clerics admonshed political office holders to exhibit humility in office, be their brothers’ keepers, demonstrate compassion and maintain a low profile of living. they should also ensure that they strive to better the lot of the people over whom they govern.

The clerics used the occasion to formally welcome Adediran back from Saudi to which he went on holy pilgrimage. Rev Ajala of the First Baptist Church, Kisi pleasanatly surprised everybody when he sang the Muslim way to welcome the chairman.

The inter-religious service which held on January 8, 2009 was attended by political functionaries, career officials as well as interested members of the public.

Taiwo calls for greater attention to ex servicemen

Chairman, Iseyin local government council, Hon. Akeem Olayinka Taiwo has called on members of the public to show more enthusiasm and support to the cause of those who have fought for this country.

He made the call at Iseyin while speaking at this year’s Armed Forces Remembracne Day.

Recalling that the day is celebrated annually as mark of respect for the sacrifices borne by soldiers who laboured for the country, Taiwo said that it is important to contribute meaningfully to the endowment of the ex servicemen so that the disabled among them as well as families of those who have departed could be taken care of.

Chairman, Iseyin local government council, Hon. Akeem Olayinka Taiwo has called on members of the public to show more enthusiasm and support to the cause of those who have fought for this country.

He made the call at Iseyin while speaking at this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day.

Recalling that the day is celebrated annually as mark of respect for the sacrifices borne by soldiers who laboured for the country, Taiwo said that it is important to contribute meaningfully to the endowment of the ex servicemen so that the disabled among them as well as families of those who have departed could be taken care of.

Oladokun calls better attitude to education

Former  Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Chief Iyiola Oladokun has called on the government at all levels to pay more attention to the deplorable condition of education in the country.

He made the call while speaking at a ceremony to distribute scholarship awards to beneficiaries by an organisation of Oke ogun indigenes based in the United states of America (USA), the Oke ogun Progressive Association (USA) Incorporated.

According to Oladokun, education has always been a vehicle of development. But it is much more so now in view of the globalisation age that we are in.

Oladokun who was chairman of the occasion called on parents too to further buckle up in ensuring that their children are well educated “because that is the visa out of marginalisation, neglect and poverty”.

Also speaking on the occasion, president of the OPA, Prof Olusegun Odesina who was represented by the body’s erstwhile secretary, Engr Toye Okesola said that his organisation embarked on the scholarship project because of its realisation that education is the key to development ‘anywhere in the world’.

Other speakers on the occasion such as Mr Kunle Adeduntan, Barister Bayo Oladele both of them Permanent Secretaries from Oke ogun, Chief Isaac Oketola, one time Special Adviser to the Oyo State Governor, Deacon S.A. Oyedemi, chairman of Oke ogun Patriotic Movement, Chief Okiki Abiola of Oke ogun News, Mr Wole Oladokun and Mr Jare Ajayi of Oloye News underscored the need to use education as a weapon to wean Oke ogun from its age-old marginalisation, neglect and deprivations.

Public relations officer of OPA, Mr Sunday Adegbola thanked participants for the encouragement being given the organisation since the programme began about six years ago.

Beneficiaries, this year includ their local government councils and the institutions they are attending respectively are Joseph Oluwakayode Olanipekun, Atisbo LG, LAUTECH;

Oluwatobi Babarinde, Saki West, O.A.U, Ile Ife; Ayodeji Olayinka Olabiyi, Saki East, LAUTECH; Abdulazeez Abdulsalam, Olorunsogo LG, Unilorin; Adebayo Mathew Adeyemi, Oorelope LG, Unibadan; Mathew Oyedibu, Irepo LG, LAUTECH; Opeyemi David Babalola, Iwajowa LG, LAUTECH, Adenike Olawumi, Ibarapa Central LG, LAUTECH; Wahab Toyosi Onikola, Ibarapa North; Akingbade Samsudeen Akande, Ibarapa East, LAUTECH; Opeyemi David Olaewe, Itesiwaju LG, LAUTECH,; Abimbola Dorcas Adeoti, Iseyin LG, O.A.U.; Gabriel Adesoji Oshin, Kajola LG, LAUTECH;

Dignatories on the occasion included Mrs Layi Egunjobi, Mr Osunsami who compered admirably, and the state’s director of education who represented the commissioner Prof Nureni Olawoore.

Ojolowo promises to alleviate poverty

The chairman of Kajola Local Government Council, Hon. Gabriel Olajide Ojolowo has reiterated the determination of his administration to alleviate the poverty levery level in the area.

He stated this commitment at Okeho distributing some materials for the purpose of alleviating poverty.

Among the items distributed were 50 Bajaj motorcycles, 22 dryers for hairdressers, 22 clippers for barbing saloon operators, 22 local stoves (Adogan) and N10,000 apiece for 50 widows. The cash was a donation to assist the widows in facing the challenges of daily living.

He said that this was not the firts time his administration was doing a thing of that nature. Last year, 11 motorcyles were given out at a subsidized and interest-free rates, bundles of iron roofing sheets to assist victims of rainstorm disasters, cutlasses to farmers, cash donations to some indigent women “as well as distribution of Glo SIMs and recharge cards to assist the public call centres operators, among others”. 

Disquiet in Oyo Civil Service over Send off party

There appears to be a disquiet between officers of Oke ogun origin in the employ of Oyo State and the head of service in the state, Dr E.O. Okebukola.

The schism, Oloye News gathered, arose from the aborted send-off party planned by the Oke ogun officials for one of thier own, Mr Wole Oladokun for retiring from the state’s civil service as a permanent secretary after a meritorious service of about 35 years.

The officials had put everything in place,  incurring a lot of costs for the party that was to take place on Friday January 16, 2009 only for an order to be given by the Head of Service, Dr  Okebukola that the party be stopped ‘forthwith’.

A dependable sources close to the organisers informed Oloye News that huge amount of money had been expended for logistics only for the stoppage order to be issued less than 24 hours to the event.

Asked whether appropriate approval was not obtained before invitation notices were sent out, the sources insisted that approval was obtained right from the level of His Excellency and that of the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

“Even the Head of Service too was informed and invited. He accepted but said that we should hold it outside the Government Secretariat. We had planned to have it at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat.”

On the HoS’s advice, the organisers shifted the venue to Le Chateau on Awolowo Road, an event place owned by Afe Babalola family. The change cost the orgnanisers money running into hundreds of thousands of naira.

“It was therefore a shocking thing indeed for us to get a letter totally stopping the programme less than 24 hours to its commencement. We had to spend extra thousands of naira phoning and contacting the dignitaries we have invited to ask them not to come as the programme had been postponed” the oficial added lamentably.

On what could be the motive for stopping a send off party for an official who duly retired without any blemish, observers suggested that it was likely to be traceable to the position of HoS itself.

It would be recalled that the incumbent head of service (HoS) was due for retirement in April 2008. A thanksgiving and send off party was actually held for him at Jogor Centre, Ibaadan in April, 2008. Only for an announcement to be made that his tenure as HoS has been extended by one year.

By civil service regulation, a leaving HoS is to be replaced by the most senior permanent secretary. This has always been the norm both at federal and state levels of government. Even President Omar Yar Adua observed this in the appointment of the Head of Service for the Federation which he did last year.

The most senior perm sec in Oyo State happens to be an Oke ogun indigene. The expectation by everybody was that he would be named naturally as the new HoS. The extension was therefore to the detriment of a region that was suppose to have someone in any high position by merit in the present dispensation. What make people even outside the Service unhappy about this development was that the Oke ogun person has had a lot of experience in government service and would be retiring in 2010 going by civil service regulation. With the rumoured scheming of Dr Okebukola to have another extension after the present one lapses in April this year, “it means that our chance is totally blocked as the next senior perm secs in the organogram are from Ibadan and Ogbomoso. The next perm sec from Oke ogun is about 9th  or 10th position doen the ladder. You can see why we are worried about this denial. Incidentally, it is the type of thing which the Federal Character Commission seriously frown at” asserted a retired perm sec who contributed to the planned party that was aborted.

Matter of fact, the Oke ogun people felt that the party was aborted because those behind the stoppage felt threatened about what could be discussed at such a forum.

When contacted for comment, the head of service, Dr Okebukola was said to be busy on the first occasion and to be away on the other occasions we made an effort to hear him out.

But a source close to him declared that all the HoS has to say on the issue were as contained in the letter he sent to the organisers of the aborted programme.

The expectation of the organisers was that the state government would revisit the isue  so that a bad predencent  is not set whereby a change would be effected on an issue over which the number one citizen in the state has given his consent. And that an innocuous appreciation of a diligent officer would be turned into an opportunity to even percieved or anticipated score.

Oyo Civil Service Employment forms out

Youths interested in picking up employment with the Oyo State Government now have an opportunity to try their luck.

Information at the disposal of Oloye News indicated that the state’s Civil Service Commission is selling application forms for those who are interested.

Opportunity is also available for those who are already employed but want to move from cadre to another or from one section to another.

Following is the procedure to follow depending on the category to which you belong:

Application form is to be picked up with the payment of N1,000 by those who are seeking fresh appointments. The money is to be paid to Wema Bank, Agodi Branch. Account Name: OYSG, Account Number: 1351144640412. Code Number; CSC/404/096.

After the payment, you take the teller to Room 42 in the Accountant General’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan where a receipt would be issued to the applicant. The reciept would be taken to the Civil Service Commission office also at the Secretariat for the Application Form.

The Completed form is to be returned with 4 passport photographs, your curriculum vitae, photocopies of your credentials, photocopy of the receipt from the AG’s office, Local Government Identification, birth certificate while section H of the form is to be complieted  by the applicant’s referee.

Following is the amount to be paid by those wanting to transfer.

Inter Service transfer Form Code number CSA/404/098; Cost N5,000. Inter State Form Code CSC/404/097; Cost, N15,000.

Inter-Cadre form Code CSC/404/099, Cost N5000.

Review Form Code CSC/404/100, Cost N2,500.

Process of obtaining the form is the same as enunciated for fresh applicants.

Policy instability, bane of Nigeria’s Educational development – Adelodun

An educationist and retired school principal, Mr Moses Olufemi Adelodun has identified policy instability as the reason for backwardness in Nigeria’s educational system.

Speaking with Oloye News in the wake of a ceremony to mark his 60th birthday anniversaty ati his residence in Igbeti, Adelodun asserted that the major blame for the problem in the country’s educational sector is traceable to the policies of government at all levels ‘especially the federal government’.

According to him, a lot of policies have been enunciated in the country, but the country’s education continues to experience a downward slide in spite of these policies.

The reason for this is not far-fetched. It is because these policies are not properly implemented. Not only that, when the policies are applied for a few years, they are changed by another administration. This change always comes just when the operators of the system are getting used to the policy. The change would mean that the practitioners and implementors or operators would have to again spend sometime to master the new policy.

Unfortunately, education is not an area where undue experiment should be carried out because the youths or a particular generation that missed an opportunity of a proper education hardly ever make up for it.”

He went further to say, quoting the Bible, that there is time for everything. “Once the chance is missed, it is hardly ever the same. This is why government needs to reconsider its method of formulating policies and particularly its method of implementing and monitoring these policies.”

On what to be done to revive educational standard, Adelodun whose last port of call in government service was as principal of UMCA Grammar School, Igbeti, called for the resuscitation of Technical Schools and Colleges of Education.

He said the country is badly in need of people with technical know-how whose foundation and development can be properly articulated in technical schools.

He observed that many school teachers today could not construct simple and correct English, “meaning that they could not communicate properly” As such, they could not teach efficiently. “And this is as a result of poor education they themselves received”.

It is in an attempt to remedy this that he called for the establishment of more colleges of education and the making a training in teaching a condition for a would be teacher.

Adelodun also has a harsh word for youths who put the practice of politics above having education and building a career.

“Our youths are being wasted. Many of them are brilliant and intelligent. They can become doctors, engineers, lawyers, journalists etc. but are being wasted due to undue involvement in politics.”

He regretted that most of the youths who are too involved in politics hardly develop themselves nor the areas they purportedly represent.

“Councillors among them dont even develop their wards. It is a pity”.

Adelodun who established Oloole group of schools after retiring from government service also frowned at the Okada phenomenon. A situation in which many youths engage in using motorcycles for commercial purposes.

Apart from the dangers involved, the educationist felt that the pracice is discouraging these youths from pursuing further education.

Olorunsogo Police advised on brutalization

An appeal has gone to authorities in Olorunsogo Local Government including the Divisional Police Officer, Igbeti, Oyo State to prevail on polie officers in the area to curb their excesses. 

This appeal came on the wake of alleged brutalisation of some innocent citizens on the ground of running foul of a new traffic edict.

Mr Peter Olatunde was alleged assaulted by a Police Constable Mr Femi Oluwasanmi because the former was trying to explain that he and his colleague in the car were from neighbouring town, Igboho and did not know that an edict has been promulgated turning a kilometre stretch of Market Road into a One-Way.

“There was no sign from the Total Petrol Station where the single way supposedly begins. The road has always been dual.” stated Olatunde and his partner, Mr Femi Oyewole.

As if the physical assault on Olatunde was not enough, he was allegedly locked up. It took the intervention of the council’s secretary (in the absence of chairman) for the Olatunde to be released.

Mr Solomon Olajide, Secretary to Olorunsogo local government who ‘rescued’ Olatunde admitted that the said edict has just been enacted.

He assured that a meeting would be held with the DPO and other top police officers to ensure that they do not brutalise people in an attempt to enfore laws.

He also assured that enlightenment programmes as well as signs would be put in place for people to know that the said road has become a ‘one-way’.

OKE OGUN LGs’ Performance: So Far,

So Undesirable!

When in 1996, (4th December, 1996 to be precise), the National News segment of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN) reeled out the names of the 183 new Local Government areas just created across the federation, there were hope and expectations.  The mood of those who hinged the developement of the grassrooots on the creation of new local government areas knew no bound. I cited an example in my book, Iwajowa: The Reality of a Common Destiny’ on page 47 when I inferred that  “With the exception of the few who were not too much at home with the siting of the Headquarters of the new council, almost all the peop[le of Iwajowa Local Government area were caught in the razzle-dazzle that followed the announcement. The exhirlarating crwods danced round the town whole some threw instant parties of commemmoration. the Headquarters of the new local government remained sleepless for almost two weeks .”

The book’s description of the scenario after the announcement of the new councils’ creation continues. “...Much more unprecedented was the influx of the people into the town from God-knows-where. The sons and daughters of the new Iwajowa Local Government area right from Ayegun, Shamo, Ijio-Meso, Idiko-Ile, Ilaji-Ile, Idiko-Ago, Itasa, Ayetoro-Ile, Agbaruru, Gbedu, Apakolo, Ofeegun, Iganna, Elekokan, Okeho and Iseyin had flooded Iwere-Ile before the early hours of Thursday December 4, 1996. Some of these people got to the seat of the new local government on foot, having exhausted other available means of transport.

all these came into being because of the very high expectations of the people.Iwajowa local government council was one of the five new of such councils created in Oke ogun on the said date. I have no doubt that the people’s enthusiasm took the same pattern in those areas where new local government councils were just created - particularly in the hitherto neglected terrain of Oke ogun. This is because what the area lost in terms of state creation was supposedly gained in the creation of five additional local government councils at a go. It was sthe first time such was happening.

But it will be mere illusion for any true son or daughter of Oke ogun to say that the area has gained anything better for the creation of the five councils. Not less than N35 billion had passed through Oke ogun area through its councils in the last 11 years. Is there a sign that such a huge sum has come to that area within such a period of  time? It is a shame that our land is still grappling with lack of any meaningful development 11 years after its councils rose to ten and with so much resources in its control.

Most of the towns that pride themselves as local government headquarters have nothing tangible to show for this status - except perhaps things done by other tiers of government. People who presided (and are presiding) over our councils lacked (are lack) focus.Oke ogun has gradually embraced politics of gangsterims and thuggery.

Politics of persecution is festering everyday. Local government chairmen in Oke ogun lack focus because they never prepared for the task placed ont their shoulders by the charlattans who FIXED  them in such positions for selfish reasons.

But those who ruled (and are ruling) us are not solely to bleame. we breed the non-performers. A land known for her honesty, cool-headedness and straight-forwardness has suddennly become a haven for bastards and political arsonists. A new beginning is require to move Oke ogun forward politicaly. Otherwise, the journey towards development may be farther than expected.

Religious peace in Kisi

Irepo Local Government chairman, Hon Abdullateef Sulaiman Adediran has expressed the readiness of his administration to ensure that workers of the council are well treated at all times.

He gave this assurance during an inter-religious prayer programme organised to usher in the new year 2009.

The chairman popularly called ‘Santana’, explained that the prayer was organised with a view to thank God for seeing the council through the year 2008 and to beseech Him for a glorious 2009.

He thanked the council’s staffers for their cooperation with his adminisration since inception and urged them to continue to give in their best. In return, his government would ensure that the workers’ interest is well served at all times.

It was the first time Muslims and Christians in Irepo would gather at that level for such purpose.

The Muslim creed was led by the Chief Imam of Kisi, Alhaj Soliu Ali (Kinniun Adinni) supported by Alfa Lateef Sakaloro and Alfa Musbau Badmus. Christians were led by Reverend S.Ola Ajala, Evangelist Isaac Adigun and Pastor A.A. Ayinde.

In their respective sermons, the clerics admonshed political office holders to exhibit humility in office, be their brothers’ keepers, demonstrate compassion and maintain a low profile of living. they should also ensure that they strive to better the lot of the people over whom they govern.

The clerics used the occasion to formally welcome Adediran back from Saudi to which he went on holy pilgrimage. Rev Ajala of the First Baptist Church, Kisi pleasanatly surprised everybody when he sang the Muslim way to welcome the chairman.

The inter-religious service which held on January 8, 2009 was attended by political functionaries, career officials as well as interested members of the public.

HON.AGORO FELICITATES WITH KABIYESI

On behalf of myself, my family and the entire people of IREPO/OLORUNSOGO/OORELOPE FEDERAL CONSTITUENCY, I, HONOURABLE LANRE AGORO heartily rejoice with His Royal Highness,

OBA EMMANUEL OYEKAN OYEBISI AFASEGBEJO III, as we all join you in celebrating the Fifth Anniversary of his ascending the throne as ONIGBETI of IGBETI.

It is worthy of note that your reign has been inspiring.  We wish you many more meritorious years.

Igba odun, odun kan ni.

K’ade pe lori, ki bata pe lese, ase.

Honourable (Barrister) LANRE AGORO

Federal House of Representatives

Three Arms Zone

Abuja

Odun Karun-un Onigbeti

Gongo n so ni ilu Igbeti ti i se olu ilu ijoba ibile Olorunsogo, ipinle Oyo ni ipari osu kinni odun 2009 nigba ti oba ilu naa, Kabiyesi Emmanuel Oyekan Oyebisi Afasegbejo Keta n se ayeye odun karun-un ti o gun ori ite awon baba re gege bi Onigbeti.

Ogbon ojo osu kinni ni won fi awon merin je oye nigba ti ayeye ifopefun Eledumare n waye ni ile ijosin Apostolic to wa ni ona Oke Abe ilu naa ni ojo Aiku, ojo Kinni osu keji.

Awon ti won fi oye da lola naa ni Ogbeni Olabode Raji ti o di Otunba Onigbeti, Ogbeni Rick Oladunjoye Oladele ti o di Otunba Tayese, iyawo re, Iyaafin Omolola Oladele to di Yeye Otunba Tayese, Alhaja Fatimah Arowolo ati Amojuero, Enjinnia Babatunde Anjorin.

Iyaafin Nuratu Olapade sagbako iku ojiji

Haaaaa iru kileyi ni gbolohun ti n ti enu opo eniyan jade ni ilu Apomu ni Ipinle Osun ninu osu to koja nipa ona ti awon ika eniyan kan se gba emi lorun abileko kan, Iyaafin Nuratu Olapade.

Inu ile re ni adugbo Ewenla, agbegbe Quarry (ibiti won n wa Kusa) ni ilu Apomu ni iya yii wa ni irole ojo kesan-an osu to koja nibi ti oun ati oko omo re kan pelu omo orogun re kan, Idowu ti jo n takuroso.

Ko pe pupo lehin ti Idowu yii fi won sile to sere lo si isale ile won.

Ko pe ko jinna ni won gbo igbe lati isale naa. Ara abiyamo ta Iyaafin Nuratu, o si sare lo si isale lati lo ri aridaju pe awon omo -paapaajulo Idowu to sese lo si isale - ko si ninu ewu kankan. Isale to de yii ni o ti ba Idowu ti n japoro latari gbongbo ti won la moo lori.

“Haa, ta lo se iru eyi? Kini omo yii se fun yin?” ni igbe ti iya yii ke, afi ‘gba!” ni won ba jan igi nla mo oun naa lori.

Bayi ni iya yii se subu lule.

Igbe ‘Oro o o!’ to ke lo je ki awon ara adugbo jade ti won si se eto lati gbe lo si ile iwosan ijo Aguda, Oluyoro Catholic Hospital, ni ilu Apomu.

Bakannaa ni won fi ejo naa sun ni ago olopaa to wa ni Isokun.

Iwadii fi han pe ogbeni kan ti won n pe ni Bashiru Olokuta lo n lu gbongbo mo awon eniyan bayii. Awon olopaa gba mu, won tii mole ni Osogbo.

Koda oro naa ti de ile ejo.

Omo odun merindinlogota pere ni Mama yii ti won fi da loro. O fi omo ati omo-omo, oko ati orogun sile laye.

Opo owo ni awon ebi re na lati fi se itoju re ati itoju Idowu ti won fe fo loju.

Ijoba ibile Oorelope

Ayipada nla ni o n de ba ile-ise ijoba ibile Oorelope eyi ti o fi idi kale si ilu Igboh, Ipinle Oyo.

Eyi n waye nipase ogba nla ti won n mo yi ile-ise naa ka Ohun ti o n mu ki eyi see se ni afojusun idagbasoke ti alaga ijoba ibile naa, Honerebu Kola Bello n mu wa si ijoba ibile naa.

“O ye ki ile ise ijoba ti eto gbogbo nipa ijoba ibile wa ti n jade dun un wo. O ye ki aabo wa fun. Eyi lo je ki a bere ise mimo ogba yi ile ise naa ka.” ni Bello so fun onirohin wa.

Nnkan bi odun mokandinlogun ni won da ijoba ibile naa sile. Ara ijoba ibile Irepo ni agbegbe to n je Oorelope bayii wa tele.

Yato si atunse ti n de ba ile ise ijoba ibile naa, awon ilu to wa ni agbegbe naa ni won n ri owoja ise idagbasoke ijoba.

Pataki awon ibiti ise wonyi ti n aye ni Igboho ti i se olu ilun ijoba ibile naa ti Igbope ati awon abuleko to tun wa nibe, gege bi alaga ti so fun onirohin wa.

SERIKI FAMILY GREETS ONIGBETI

I, CHIEF AYO ADEDIRAN, SERIKI of IGBETI, on behalf of myself and Seriki Family in general, I, heartily rejoice with His Royal Highness,

Oba Emmanuel Oyekan Oyebisi Afasegbejo III

on this 5th Anniversary of his mounting the throne as ONIGBETI of IGBETI.

W e thank God that the past five years have

been memorable in a positive sense as we have been having peace, progress and

 development in our land, Igbeti.

We look forward to more

 progress, development and

unity in the coming

 years of your reign.

Kade pe lori, Ki bata pe

lese, ase.

 Chief Ayodeji Adediran (a.k.a. Apata)

Ile Seriki, Igbeti

ALADIKUN REJOICES WITH KABIYESI

On behalf of myself and Aladikun Family in general, I, CHIEF JACOB OLUFEMI ADELEKE, the ALADIKUN of IGBETI, heartily        congratulate His Royal Highness,

Oba Emmanuel Oyekan Oyebisi Afasegbejo III

on his 5th Anniversary of his ascending the throne of his forefathers.

The past five years have

brought peace, progress and

 harmony to our land, Igbeti.

We are hopeful that more

 progress, development and

unity would be witnessed as

we experience many more

 years of your reign.

Kade pe lori, Ki bata pe

lese, ase.

 Chief J.O. Adeleke

 Ile Oriade, Igbeti

OLOYE CLUB, UK GREETS ONIGBETI

Igbeti Sons and Daughters resident in the United Kingdom felicitate with His Royal Highness, Oba

Oba Emmanuel Oyekan Oyebisi Afasegbejo III on the occasion of celebrating the 5th Anniversary of ascending

the exalted throne of his

forefathers as Onigbeti of

Igbetiland.

May your reign continue

to be peaceful and of

tremendous blessing to

our Community, amen.

A ki yin ku oriire ayeye odun karun-un lori ite gege bi Onigbeti. Igba yin yoo tubo maa ni idagbasoke, ase.

Opo odun la o se, amin. Igba odun, odun kan. Kade pe lori, ki bata pe lese.

CONGRATULATIONS

On  behalf of myself and the entire OLADELE EXTENDED FAMILY, IGBETI, we  heartily felicitate with HRH, Oba Emmanuel Oyekan Oyebisi Afasegbejo III as he celebrates the Fifth

Anniversary of his

ascending the exalted

throne of his forebears as

ONIGBETI OF IGBETI.

May your reign continue

to bring progress, peace

and development to our

community.

Many happy

returns of this epoch

making event, amen.

                                                                              Oba Emannuel O.O. Afasegbejo III

Kade pe lori, ki bata pe lese, ase.

David Adebayo Oladele Esq.

Kooko Compound

Igbeti.

REJOICING WITH OUR KABIYESI

On  behalf of myself and the entire OLADELE FAMILY, Igbeti, I, OLADOJA OLADELE of OLOKUNESIN DYNASTY, KOOKO COMPOUND, IGBETI, heartily congratulate HRH, Oba Emmanuel Oyekan Oyebisi Afasegbejo III on this occasion of celebrating the Fifth Anniversary of  being enthroned as the ONIGBETI OF IGBETI.

Peace, progress and hope have characterised the  atmosphere these past five years of your reign.

 Kabiyesi, it is our desire that these will continue to be built upon as you march further forward on the exalted stool of your forefathers.

May your reign continue to bring blessings to our community. Many happy returnns of this epoch making event.

Kade pe lori, ki bata pe lese, ase.

Oladoja Oladele

Kooko Compound, Igbeti.

DPA digging deep into the south west

Although one of the youngest political parties in Nigeria, the Democratic Peoples Alliance (DPA) is assiduous in having a foothold especially in the South west – which is the home of its principal founders, the Afenifere bigwigs.

Oloye News reliably gathered that Yoruba states especially Ondo, Lagos and Oyo are particularly dear to the party. The reason for this might not be far fetched. Oyo, because it is the political capital of the Yorubas in Nigeria. Lagos because it is the commercial capital of the federation while Ondo is strategic to the party because it is the home-state of its chairman, Chief Olu Falae.

The crisis in Lagos AC initially boosted DPA tremendously with the coming of those who lost in their bid to pick the AC gubernatorial ticket in that state. When they lost to Mr Babatunde Fashola, notable Lagos politicians like Mrs Remi Adiukwu-Bakare, Mr Hakeem Gbajabiamila, Senator Tokunbo Afikuyomi and Mr Jimi Agbaje among others defected to DPA. But when Agbaje emerged as the party’s gubernatorial candidates, the others again bade the party goodbye. Adiukwu-Bakare went to Action Alliance (AA) while Afikuyomi went to the ANPP.

In Oyo, Prof Akinboade is DPA’s gubernatorial flag bearer. Although an academic, Akinboade is not strange to the political terrain. He has always been of progressive hue. He was the arrowhead of the group that challenged former Governor Lam Adesina on actions they considered inimical to the interest of AD and its members.

An indigene of Ibadan, Akinboade is a veterinary lecturer at the University of Ibadan who is rooting for the involvement of the grassroots in the determination of how they are governed.

Unfortunately, the monetisation and thuggerisation of the country’s political exercise is likely to constitute a big challenge to the methodology adopted by DPA.

In its desire to make an impact in Oyo State, officers of the party are traversing the length and breadth of the state to pick ‘credible’ candidates for the various positions to be contested for in the April elections.

A renowned politician from Oyo town is being considered as a senatorial candidate while the party is looking between Ogbomoso and Ibarapa for its deputy governor. Saki, Iseyin and Igboho are being considered for the senatorial seat zoned to Oke ogun.

Ijoba n peleke ajaga ara-ilu

Bi o tile je pe ijoba apapo ati awon ajo gbogbo to wa ni idi eto epo n so pe ijoba ko fi owo kun iye ti o n ta epo bentiroolu, Oloye Gbode ri gbo pe owogogo epo to gbode kan bayii ni ipilese fifi owo kun iye ti won yoo maa ta epo oyinbo ni Naijiria,

Lowo bayii, kii se ile epo gbogbo ni o n ri epo ta. Awon die ti n ri ta, owo goboi ni won n taa nitori owo ti awon naa fi n ra oko epo lati odo ijoba ti won ti n raa ti lewo si. Ona meji ni awon ile epo wonyi n gba lati koju isoro yii. Akoko ni ki won fi owo kun iye ti won n ta epo naa, ikeji ni ki won gba owo to joju lowo awon onibaara won ki won to le ri epo ra,

Iwadii Oloye Gbode fi han pe bi onimoto kan ba fe ra epo ti yoo kun tanki re, yoo san irinwo naira (N400) nigba ti eni to ba fe idaji yoo san oodunrun naira (N300) ki o to le ri epo ra ni iye owo ti ijoba kede pe ki won maa ta epo – eyiini ogota le marun-un naira (N65). Ile-epo ti n se iru eyi ko wopo. Ibi ti won si ti n see, gbon-nana ni awon oko n to lati ra epo nibe.

Ona keji ti awon elepo n lo ni tita jala epo kookan ni nnkan bi ogorun-un si aadoje naira (N100 – N130). Opolopo ile-epo lo je pe iru eyi ni won n se. Iru awon ile epo to n se eyi lo si n je ki opolopo moto ri epo ra ni igboro.

Awon onimoto kan ti n so pe bi epo tile won lowo bi awon ba ti n ri ra lasiko, o san.

Iro ti a gbo ni pe, ohun ti ijoba n fe gan-an ni eyi. Iro kan ti a ko tii fi ese re mule so pe ase lati ile ise Aare si ajo elepo ile Naijiria (NNPC) ni pe ki o je ki riri epo ra nira fun igba die. Bi awon eniyan ba n gbe oungbe re, funraawon ni won o maa so pe bi ijoba ba fe, ki o gb e owo le sugbon ki o je ki awon maa rii ra. Eyi ti n sele bayii.

Ni ibere pepe ti owongogo epo yi sese bere ni inu osu kejila odun to koja, awon agbenuso fun ijoba n pariwo pe awon ile-epo ti n gbe epo pamo ni o n je ki epo won. Wiwon epo yii lo faa ti awon kan se n lo ji epo be ni agbegbe Ejigbo ni ilu Eko. A o se iranti pe gbigbana koto ibi ti won ti n ji epo naa wa gba emi awon eniyan bi egberun.

Ohun to fi han gbangba pe ai ri epo gbe jade lati ile-ise ijoba lo je ki epo won, ki i se gbigbe epo pamo, ni kikuna ijoba lati se nnkan gboogi lori oro naa lati bi ose mefa ti isoro yii ti bere.

Akoko, a ko tii gbo pe o fi iya kan dabi alara je ile-epo ti won gbamu pe o n gbe epo pamo. Eekeji, bi o ba je pe loooto ni pe gbigbe epo pamo awon oluta-epo lo mu won, ki ni se ti ijoba ko se tu epo naa jade; paapaa ni awon ile-itaepo ti e to ni kaakiri orile-ede yii nipase NNPC. Ododo idi oro naa gege bi enikan to wa ni ile ise Aare se fi to wa leti ni pe ijoba n fe ki awon omo orile-ede yii fi enu ara won beere ekunwo lori epo “nigba ti laalaa won lori ati ri epo ra ba ti po.”

Ohun ti o mu eyi waye ni ipinnu ijoba lati se afiikun iye ti won n ta epo labele. Se a o kuku ranti pe Aare orile-ede yii, Ogagun Olusegun Obasanjo ti so lodun to koja pe owo epo yoo lo soke lati ibere odun yii lo.Ilu Abuja lo ti so oro naa nigba ti o n se agbekale eto isuna ijoba fun odun ti a wa nibe yii (Budget 2007) ni iwaju awon omo asofin apapo (members of the National Assembly).

Ona ti o gba soro ekunwo naa ni siso pe ijoba yoo se adinku owo iranwo (subsidy) ti o n fi si ori epo. Gege bi Aare ti wi, owo iranwo ti ijoba n fi si ori epo ti awon omo Naijiria n lo je nnkan bi bilionu N250.

“Ijoba ko lee maa gbe gbogbo eru yii mo. Nitori eyi, ijoba yoo pase fun awon olokoowo ki won da si oro naa nigba ti ijoba. Nnkan bi aadota bilionu naira pere ni ijoba yoo maa fi se owo iranwo lati odun ti n bo lo.”

Bi o tile je pe Aare ko so pe owo epo yoo le kun, ohun ti mimu owo iranwo kuro tumo si ni pe iye owo ti ijoba n ta epo sita fun ara-ilu ko ni iye ti o n taa tele. A o tun se iranti pe ni odun 2005 ti jala owo epo fi joko si N65, nnkan bi ogorin lo koko lo. Igba ti ariwo po ni ijoba gbe wa’le si N65. A o tun ranti pe oro yii da yanpanyanrin sile laarin ijoba apapo ati ajo osise (Nigerian Labour Congress, NLC) ti o fi aake kori pe ko gbodo si afiikun owo epo rara. Asiko yii ni Aare Obasanjo se ileri pe ko ni si afiikun owo epo rara ni odun 2006.

Ni asiko ti a wi yii, awon to mo oye oro labe ijoba so pe ogorun naira gan-an ni ijoba fee maa ta jala epo kan. Atipe bi o tile je pe won pin in lowo sise bee ni asiko ti a wi yii, kii se pe ijoba ti gbagbe oro naa rara.

Gege bi ohun ti Olubadamoran pataki kan si Aare Obasanjo (ti o bebe pe ki a mase daruko oun) se so fun Oloye Gbode ijoba ti setan bayii lati mu ero re se nipa oro epo.

Ile Naijiria nikan ni epo ti n je wahala laarin gbogbo orile-ede ti won ti n wa epo ni gbogbo agbaye. Yato si pe gbogbo omo ile Saudi ati Libiya n gba iwosan ati eko lofee, jala epo kan ko ju nnkan bi ogun naira o le die lo – bi a ba se owo won si Naira. Eyi si ti ri bee fun odun gbogboro.

Yato si eyi, idile kookan lo ni ile lori ti won si ni moto ti won fi n se ese rin. Bakan-naa, bi owo epo se n gbe owo lori loja agbaye ni awon ijoba wonyi n pin owo mayederun fun awon ara ilu won. Owo ti won n ri lati ibi ohun ti Oluwa fi jinki won wonyi ni won fi n pese ina ijoba, omi, eto ibara-eni-soro ati bee bee lo fun awon eniyan won. Bee ni titi ti moto ati alupupu pelu keke won n rin ja gaara.

Bi oro se ri ni awon orile-ede meji yii lo se ri ni awon orile-ede miran gbogbo ti won ti n wa epo kaakiri agbaye – yato si Amerika.

Ibeere ti opo awon to ba wa soro n beere ni pe ki ni ere awon omo Naijiria latari pe Oluwa fi ohun alumooni pataki yii jinki wa? Idahun kan ti Oloye Gbode ri mu wa si ibeere yii ni pe Aare Obasanjo ti fi owo naa san awon gbese ti won so pe orile-ede yii je awon ajo kan ni agbaye gege be IMF, London Club, Paris Club ati bee bee lo. Siwaju si, Aare Obasanjo pa owo mo ninu asunwon orile-ede yii fun owo okeere.

A gbo pe milionu meta dola (US$3 million) pere ni Obasanjo ba ninu asunwon nigba ti o fi de. Ki a to ri ipari odun to koja, owo inu asunwon naa ti lekun ni ilopo-ilopo nigba ti o gbera lati milionu meta di bilionu marun-un le logoji – lati milionu meta dola si bilionu marun-un le logoji dola. ( USD3m si USD45 b).

Ogbeni Zacheus Omidiji to ba wa soro lori oro yi so pe kayeefi lo je fun oun pe baba kan le maa ko owo pamo, nigba ti ebi, ise ati iya n ba awon omo re finra. “Bee gege ni ohun ti a n fi oju ri bayii lowo ijoba Obasanjo. Afi ki Oluwa ko wa yo”.

Adetunji laments security situation

The deteriorating security situation in the country has been attributed to the high level of unemployment.

Stating this in a chat with Oloye News was the former chairman of Oyo State Legion, Alhaji Lasisi Adetunji.

According to him, the social economic situation in the country is now so acute that “young people are increasingly under pressure to seek diverse means of survival. And the means they seek sometimes can be unorthodox.”

Adetunji, a retired army colonel, said that since devil finds work for an idle hand, youths who were not gainfully engaged could be tempted to engage in anti-social activities that could be inimical to the health and social well-being of the community.

He added that provision of educational opportunities in a manner that “is affordable”, and creation of opportunities for graduates to get gainful jobs “are the surest and lasting solution to security problem bedeviling us”.

Adetunji observed that Nigeria is relating to African countries as a big brother, thus encouraging nationals of these countries to flock Nigeria. “But we are not taking care of our own people. It is a pity”.

Irepo NULGE is a pride

-          Olanrewaju

President of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Oyo state chapter, Alhaji Bashir Olanrewaju has described Irepo local government chapter of the union as a pride to the union as a whole.

He made this disclosure at Kisi recently while participating at a weeklong programme entitled NULGE Week organized by Irepo local government chapter of the union at Kisi, headquarters of the local government.

According to Olanrewaju, by embarking on the programme as well as various development projects, the chapter “is demonstrating that it is capable of being a good agent of social engineering in addition to seeing to the welfare of its members.”

The union had held the weeklong ceremony in the third week of December last year. During the ceremony, members visited the monarch of the town, Iba of Kisi, Oba Moshood Aweda Alobalowo, carried out some charity works and launched a development fund for the construction of a recreation center for its members. A lecture touching on retirement and how to prepare for it was also held.

Chairman of the union, Comrade      thanked the council’s chairman, Hon. Jimoh Sijuwade Amodu for his administration’s support in making the event possible. He also thanked the state executive of the union led by Comrade Olanrewaju for its support.

According to the union chairman and secretary Comrades   respectively, the programme will be an annual event.  

Oyo Water Corporation Commended

Oyo State Water Corporation (WCOS) has been lauded for resuming the pumping of pipe-borne water to Igbeti, headquarters of Olorunsogo local government, Oyo State.

Making the commendation in a chat with Oloye News last weekend was Honourable Ahmed Ajayi, former secretary of Igbeti Community.

Ajayi said that the corporation deserved commendation because water has started becoming a problem for the people since the dry season “is already fully here, coupled with harmattan”.

He added that their wives and children have had to go out very early in the morning and sometimes late in the evening in search of water. “As you know that the two times can be very cold due to harmattan. The morning is particularly inconvenient since they have to prepare for work and school at that time.”

Ajayi, who was once a member of the Federal House of Representatives recalled the peoples’ joy and enthusiasm when Afonse dam was opened in 2001 by President Obasanjo. He added that the gradual degeneration of the dam has always been a source of worry to the people. “You can therefore imagine our joy that the water work is now being put back into shape.”

The frontline politician urged the WCOS to pay attention to the quality of water being pumped into the town. “We are appreciative of what it is doing. But we want it to do something about the colour and some sediments that come with the water presently”.

Oyegade confirmed as GM

Oyo state government has confirmed Ms Dotun Ibilola Oyegade as general manager of the state’s water corporation.

Oyegade, who had occupied the seat in an acting capacity since the first quarter of 2006, was given the nod to assume full control early in December.

Before her present appointment, the 53-year-old scientist was head of the Quality Control department of the corporation.

She joined the state service in 1977 as a chemist. She worked in various capacities in the department charged with the responsibility of ensuring that quality water is what is pumped to the people for their use.

Born in the north but of Ogbomoso parentage, is an alumnus of the University of Ibadan. She has undergone various other trainings both in Nigeria and abroad. The new GM who was formerly Miss Dotun Popoola Olawuyi is married with children. She has since assumed duty in her new office.

Ladoja’s healthy move in the health sector

The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Senator Rashidi Ladoja is not just a striker but a good one and dependable goal getter.

Though Governor Ladoja may not be an astute footballer, yet his administrative doggedness and ideology alongside his versatility to get his goals at all cost, (we use this in the positive sense here, mind you), confirmed this allusion of calling him a good striker.

It is now certain that in the history book of the pace-setter state, the people suffered untold hardship when medical personnel downed tools and the health care delivery services hit the rock for a period of not less than eight weeks; precisely between October 21 and 15 December, 2006.

Within this traumatic period when the strike lasted, activities were paralyzed in the state hospitals.

Many sick people who could not afford the exploitative bills of private hospitals lost their lives while the health of others worsened.

All negotiations between government and the striking doctors proved abortive, as none of them was ready to shift ground. The crux of the matter included the demand for 22% salary increase, professionalization of the state hospitals, management of more health personnel and improvement of infrastructural facilities in the hospitals.

While the government had recruited more health workers as well as making hospitals environment more friendly, it was unable to meet the 22% salary increase demanded and the professionalization was still on course leading the striking doctors to stick to their guns.

The good striker, Senator Ladoja, upon his second coming, wasted no time in calling on the striking doctors to resume immediately.

The amiable striker who holds the health of the people of the state in the state in high esteem made the doctors to understand that government would do everything within its power to make them comfortable.

To the astonishment and admiration of all and sundry, this timely pronouncement was the tonic the workers needed to wake up from their striking bed and off they went and started work after a crucial meeting with the government who ordered that their salaries which was stopped should be paid.     

Lekan Kolade

Press Officer

Ministry of Health and Oyo State Hospital Management Board,

Ibadan.

NPC releases census figure: Controversy greets it

On Friday, December 29, 2006, the National Population Commission (NPC) formally presented the report of the 2006 National Census exercise to me and I received it in the presence of

members of the Federal Executive Council. According to the provisional figures released by the commission, the population of our nation as at March 2006, stood at one hundred and forty million, three thousand, five hundred and forty two (140,003, 542).

“This is made up of seventy one million, seven hundred and nine thousand, eight hundred and fifty nine (71,709,859) males and sixty eight million, two hundred and ninety three thousand, six hundred and eighty three (68,293,683) females — a ratio of 105 males to 100 females. The National Council of State has advised that the report be accepted in accordance with Section 213, Sub-section 2 of the 1999 Constitution.

This figure represents a 3.2 annual growth rate. This rate implies that, even with our planned annual economic growth rate of a minimum of 10 per cent, we need to seriously face up to the challenge of moderating our population growth rate to about two per cent to enable us double the growth of our national economy every eight or nine years. We must also bear in mind that high rates of poverty generally correlate with large households.”

Zonal breakdown

By geographical spread, the three geopolitical zones of the North have a combined population of 75,025,166. North-West  has 35,786,944; North-Central —20,266,257; and North-East— 18,971,965.

The combined population of southern states is put at 64,978,376. The South-West has 27,581,992; South-South— 21,014,655; and South-East —16,381,729.

State by state breakdown of the national population indicated that in the North-East zone, Bauchi State has 4,676,465, Borno (4,151,193), Adamawa (3,168,101), Gombe (2,353,879), Yobe (2,321,591) while Taraba has 2,300,736.

In the South-East zone, Anambra State has the highest population of 4,182,032, Imo (3,34,899), Enugu (3,257,298), Abia (2,833,999) and Ebonyi (2,173,501).

In the North-Central zone, Benue has a total population of 4,219,244, Niger (3,950,249), Kogi

(3,278,487), Plateau (3,178,712), Kwara (2,371,089) Nasarawa (1,863,275) and the Federal Capital Territory (1,405,201).

In the South-South geopolitical zone, Rivers led the population count with 5,185,400, Delta (4,098,391), Akwa Ibom (3,920,208), Edo (3,218,332) Cross River (2,888, 966) and Bayelsa (1,703,358).

The annual exponential growth rate of the population for the nation is  put at 3.2, the FCT has the highest growth rate of 9.3 per cent while Edo and Abia States recorded the least growth rates of 2.7 each.

Previous censuses

All previous census exercises had been attended by controversies. This, experts have linked to the politicisation of the population distribution as the figures are used for revenue allocation from the Federation Account. They are also used for delineation of constituencies.

In 1963, the national population was put at 55.6 million of which 29.809 million or 53.4 per cent was credited to the North, the West 12.4 million or 22.3 per cent, the East 12.4 million or 23.1 per cent while Lagos was credited with 665, 000 or 1.2 per cent of the national population.

The figures provoked national outcry as the South rejected it while the North that had championed the 1962 figures was quick to accept the figures.

The 1973 census, despite the resources commited to it was described as shameful even by Justice Adetokunbo Ademola who was chairman of the Population Commission. The Federal Government could not accept the figures which indicated that the national population stood at 79 million of which the North accounted for 64 per cent and the South 36 per cent.

As with the previous exercises, the results split the country along regional lines as the North rooted for its acceptance and the South wanted an outright cancellation.

The 1991 Census followed the same pattern.

Result of the annual exponential growth rate indicated that the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has the highest at 9.3, followed by Yobe with 3.5; Rivers, Oyo, Niger, Borno and Bauchi have 3.4 per cent growth rate, while Ogun and Kano states have 3.3 per cent.

According to the provisional population totals of the census figures that was made available to newsmen, Bauchi State is the seventh most populated State in the country with a population of 4,676,465 million followed by Jigawa State with 4,348,649 million, Benue with 4,219,244 million, Delta 4,098,391 million and Niger State 3,950,249 million.

Relevant Links West Africa Nigeria

Figures for other states are Abia (2,833,999), Adamawa (3,168,101), Akwa Ibom (3,920,208), Anambra (4,182,032), Borno (4,151,193), Cross River (2,888,966), Ebonyi (2,173,501), Edo (3,218,332), Ekiti (2,364,212), Enugu (3,257,298), Gombe (2,353,879), Kebbi (3,238,628), Kogi (3,278,487), Kwara (2,371,089), Nasarawa (1,863,275), Ogun (3,728,098) and Ondo (3,441,024).

Others are Osun State (3,423,535), Plateau (3,178,712), Sokoto (3,696,999), Taraba (2,300,736), Yobe (2,321,591), Zamfara (3,259,846), Imo (3,934,899, and Bayelsa (1,703,356).

Result of the annual exponential growth rate of other states show that Abia, Edo and Plateau states have the least per cent at 2.7, while Delta, Imo, Lagos, Osun and Zamfara states have 3.2 per cent, Benue, Enugu, Kaduna, Katsina Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ondo and Sokoto states have 3.0 per cent.

People should persuade Ladoja to run for 2^nd term – Adetoro

Chief Jacob Gbadebo Adetoro is a politician with experience as far as politics is concerned in modern Nigeria. He was there in Awolowo/Akintola days. He was an active participant in the second and third republics. He actually contested election under the defunct National Party of Nigeria (NPN) as a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly. He not only won, he became the Chief Whip at the House. But, as we all know, the military takeover of power in December, 1983, put an end to democratic rule just after three months of being in power then.

Adetoro was in NRC and later CNC. His party, the CNC, actually won the first election in the then newly created local government council,  Olorunsogo in 1996/97. Around 1998, Adetoro joined the All Peoples Party (APP). He later moved to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) where he quickly rose to become one of the pillars in the state. He briefly held office as the party’s state chairman. His identification with Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja was underscored by the fact that his protégé in the state House of Assembly, Honourable Jacob Ojemuyiwa Ojekunle, was one of the three who instituted the major court case that led to the voiding of the purported impeachment of Ladoja as governor of Oyo State.

Before the purported impeachment, and in recognition of his contribution to his emergence as the state’s helmsman, Ladoja appointed the Oke ogun politician as chairman, Oyo State Hospital Management Board.

On his returning to office, Adewolu Ladoja elevated Adetoro to the status of a cabinet member as commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources.

Born about 65 years ago at Igbeti, the man popularly known as J.G. holds the chieftaincy title of ‘Asiwaju’ of Igbeti.

In a chat with Oloye News about two days before the announcement of his name as a commissioner, the debonair politician asserted that people of Oyo State who appreciated virtues and good qualities should encourage Senator Rashidi Ladoja to re-contest election as Oyo State Governor in the forthcoming general elections “if he is reluctant to do so”. His reason?

“If he was impeached the way he was impeached and the EFCC could not find anything incriminating against him, then the man must have some virtues that are lacking in many so-called leaders around here – honesty, desire to serve the people, selflessness etc”.

That naturally prompted the question regarding the platform on which Ladoja was to contest ‘if eventually he allowed himself to be persuaded’?

Adetoro minced no word in admitting that his group was having a problem in this regard.

“Everybody knows that the primary (of PDP) has been concluded before the court judgment (which voided the purported impeachment) and someone was announced as having the ticket. But His Excellency has been crying of injustice. .. When materials were being distributed during the re-registration exercise, we were sidelined. That was when the whole thing started”.

The new commissioner for agriculture went on to say that as far as his group within the PDP is concerned, “primary elections in Oyo State have not been concluded. We have made our views known to the higher authorities in this regard.”

He revealed that several representations and petitions have been forwarded to President Olusegun Obasanjo, PDP chairman, Ahmadu Ali, Chief Tony Anenih, Chief Olabode George and Chief Yinka Omilani among others to intimate them of the injustice going on in Oyo State PDP and the need to right the wrong. “We are trying to let them see the need for Governor Ladoja to run for a second term”.

What, he was asked, was the outcome of the petitions and representations so far? He looked at this reporter in the eyes and confessed that ‘we are still waiting for them. But we are confident that all will be well at the end of the day”.

And that is one thing about Gbadebo Adetoro – self-confidence, optimism and methodical strategizing.

When tickled as to whether his group was thinking of seeking a ticket for Ladoja in any other party, Adetoro was emphatic that they are part and parcel of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). “We are not thinking of going anywhere. We are confident that just as justice was done regarding the governor’s seat, justice will also be done in the gubernatorial ticket as well.”

Matter of fact, Chief Adetoro had earlier challenged Oloye News over a news item that appeared on the front page of our last edition entitled ‘AC: Lam, Ladoja, Adetoro, Alabi in crucial talk’. He had argued that those who might not be comfortable with Ladoja’s return could use the story to persuade the Presidency to debar Ladoja from returning to Agodi as governor on the ground that it he was already trying to move into AC. 

On what lessons (if any) he has learnt in the nearly one year that the travail of his boss, Gov Ladoja lasted, the Asiwaju of Igbeti, said;

“I feel that it is always necessary for people to stand by the side of the truth. We all know that what happened was unconstitutional. And since it’s unconstitutional, it was not difficult for the court to reverse it. At the end of the day, truth would always prevail. I am happy that those of us who stood by the truth were vindicated. Those on the other side must have realized that if what one stands for is what one is to gain monetarily and otherwise, it’ll be shortlived.”

He described Ladoja as a man of peace ‘which is why he embarks on reconciliation immediately he resumed. I tell you, the reconciliation is genuine and it is on course. He has always said that he is for peace and progress of Oyo State. We are not in politics or government for personal gains but for what we can do to better the lot of the people. This is why His Excellency is reaching out to all the stakeholders. Nothing can be achieved when there is no peace.”

The former schoolteacher said that he is a man of peace himself.  “Were this not to be so, I could use the opportunity of being in power now to revisit the wrongs done me in the past. You would recall that in 1977 and in 1999, my properties were burnt down. But because I am a man of peace, I have decided to let the bygone be bygone. I am even the one stretching the hands of fellowship to those behind my misfortune.”

As though doing a self-assessment, Adetoro declared that he is a philanthropist who is in politics not for what he could make for himself but for the purpose of what his people can gain.

If this were so, why then, he was asked, did so many people appear to always antagonize you? Don’t you think that there is something either in your approach or the signals you are sending out that repel people?

His response: “Some people see me as a threat. If one is a leader and is doing well, people cannot but envy him.”

The chairman of your local government was known to have followed Otunba Bayo Akala when the latter was calling the shot as governor. It was alleged that you initially gave a nod to him to do so in order to save his job. But when he tried to go too far, you called him back but he refused. Was this true?

‘It was true that the chairman of my local government was playing along with the government of the day. But now that the true government has come, I believe that he has no choice but to cooperate with the government of the day”.

It was alleged that during your birthday which always coincides with Christmas, the chairman, Hon. Akeeb Abubakar gave you a cow, but your supporters advised you to reject it….?

“”If he gives me 20 cows, I’ll take them because I’ve worked for it. There’s no time he sent something to me and I reject it. I worked for him to get to that position, so if I get something from him, it is in return for my (past) efforts.”

“Chief, it was alleged that some people wanted to assault him when he came to the party you hosted on Christmas day. You were quoted as saying that he should not be assaulted in your house on the ground that your supporters who wanted to harass him have been seeing him in town without harassing him. Why do they want to do so in your own house? Was it to please you?”

“Yes. It’s true that some people wanted to manhandle him. Whether anyone likes it or not, as Chairman of Olorunsogo, he is the number one citizen of the local government. That must be respected. I intervened and he was left alone….”

In the light of the rumour making the rounds that local government chairmen in Oyo State including his own council chairman, have been given ‘automatic tickets’ to re-contest their positions, Adetoro was unequivocal in condemnation of any suggestion along that line.

“There is nowhere in the world where some people would sit somewhere and say to some people ‘This is your candidate’. It’s the people who have the right to decide on who is to be their candidate.”

What is the relationship between you and Onigbeti, the monarch of your town?

“Personally, I have no grudge against Kabiyesi. I am one of his chiefs. The minor difference between us is about a chieftaincy, Elehinke. Kabiyesi wanted to withdraw the privilege of my family.

Efforts are being made to settle it. But not any more as my family has gone to court. If dialogue fails, and one believes in the rule of law, the court is the next place to go. That is what we have done.”

Chief, it is sometimes alleged that you look inward too much in distributing political rewards. That such privileges are given only to people who are very close to you. Some actually said that only very close members of your family benefit most….?

“Again, that is the view of detractors. I told you earlier that I am in politics to serve the people. Whenever I have the opportunity, I always put people in offices. In the present dispensation, we have put people on boards. It is not true that I give benefits of office to members of my family only. How many of my family members are in the offices which God gave me the privilege of having an input into determining those who would be in those offices. It is the view of detractors.”

Adetoro, a grassroots politician is married with children. He has since taken oath of office and has settled down to work as a member of the executive council of Oyo State as Commissioner for Agriculture and Water Resources.

I’m in politics to enhance the lot of women - Susan

Among the first things that strike you when you meet Mrs Susan        , is her disarming smiles. Susan, who claimed to be in politics for the purpose of “serving the people, encouraging women and prove that clean people can also take part in politics,” is itching to be in the Oyo State House of Assembly in the forthcoming general election courtesy of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). She wants to represent Oorelope State Constituency.

On what would be her priory/priorities if elected, the grassroots politician who is in her early forties asserted that programmes that will enhance the conditions of the womenfolk will be her focus.

“I am from an area where agriculture is our major occupation. I will also champion programmes that will better the lots of farmers. Things that will make farming and agriculture generally less strenuous. Programmes that will make agriculture more profitable and respectable than is the case presently”.

Asked how she planned to achieve these, the beautiful lady with an infectious grin said that she would always consult with knowledgeable people.

“Whenever an issue arises, necessary consultations would be made, workable strategy would be planned. The executive would then  be approached in cooperation with my colleagues in the House.”

Asked to comment on the status of politicking in Nigeria today, Susan, a trained teacher turned businesswoman and politician decried the violence that is now characterizing Nigerian politics.

“Violence and high monetary cost of participating in politics are two things that give me concern.” But she was quick to add that she believed that these are passing phase “which we will outgrow some day:”

Awon olokada n beere iranwo ijoba

Ojo ti fee de bayii. Bi ojo ba si ti de, riri ni ile ibi ti a n gbe awon alupupu wa si maa n ri. Eyi lo je ki a maa ra owo ebe si ijoba ibile wa, Olorunsogo pe ki o ran wa lowo lati re ori ibi ti a n gbe alupupu wa si”.

Iwonyi ni gbolohun ti o ti enu awon omo egbe Olokada to wa ni Orita Ile Seriki/Baba Mogba ni ilu Igbeti jade lasiko ti won n be Oloye Gbode lowe pe ki o ba awon ke si ijoba ibile Olorunsogo to wa ni ipinle Oyo lati ba awon se kannkere si ori ibi ti won n gbe alupupu won si ni gbogbo igba ti won ba n duro lati gbe ero.

Nigba ti o n soro siwaju, alaga egbe naa ni idi Pandoro, Ogbeni Lamidi Aremu ti adape re n je Eeyan’re so pe lapo ara won ni awon ti mu owo ti awon fi tun ibudo naa se.

“Bakan naa ni a ko ara wa jo lati ko yepe ati yanrin ti a fi fe aye naa sehin, ki o ma baa di pe awon eniyan to fe gun okada wa yoo maa fi emi we ewu ni egbe titi”.

Ni idahun si ibeere kin ni nnkan pato ti won fe iranlowo le lori, agbenuso won kan ti oruko re n je Agoro naa so pe sise pepele oni konnkere ni awon n fe. “Eyi ni ko ni je ki ile naa maa gbe alupupu wa subu bi o ba di pe ojo de”

Oba meji ki i si ni ilu

Olootu,

E jowo, e fun mi ni aye die ninu iwe Irohin Oloye Gbode yin lati so edun okan mi nipa oro kan to je mo ilu wa, Igbeti.

A ti n gbo ni opo igba pe oba meji ki i wa ni ilu kansoso. Oloye le pe mefa tabi ju be lo, sugbon enikansoso ni o gbodo je Kabiyesi alase.

Sugbon o je ohun edun okan fun wa ni ilu Igbeti pe

A dupe lodo Olorun pe a ni Oba rere ni ilu Igbeti. O laju, o jade, o si  mo akoso ni sise. Sugbon o je ohun edun-okan pe enikan ti Onigbeti ana fi oye da lola ti fe so ara re di Irunmole.  O fe so ara re di enit ti yoo ma dari Kabiyesi. O fe so araa re di eni to yoo maa yan le ilu lowo. O tile fee gbe saara re koja Mosalaasi lenu ojo meta yii nipa diduro ni ipo pe oun ni yoo maa so fun Kabiyesi pe Lagbaja ni yoo joye, Lakasegbe ko.

 Idile eni ti a wi yii kii se idile oloye. Ki i si i se afobaje pelu. Sugbon o wa n se ise pe a fi oun afi oun.

Mo fi asiko yii so fun eni ti a wi yii lati ki owo omo re bo aso. A gbo pe o fe lo ipo re gege bi oloselu lati fi da ilu ru ati lati fi da oba laamu.

A tile gbo pe o janu pe ayeye ajodun ilu ti a se laipe yii, oun fe ki o see se ni, bi oun ko ba fe ki o see se, ko nii se e se. Gbogbo wa ni a mo pe owo  Oluwa Eledumare nikan ni jije bee ko si je bee ko si je bee wa. Eda kankan ko lee da ise Oluwa duro.Oluwa ti kadar ife, irepo ati ilosiwaju fun Igbeti. Enikankan ko lee fa owo ago wa sehin mo. Nitori afefe ti fe, a ti ri furo adie.

Nitori eyi, e ba wa so fun eni ti a wi yii ki o simi didun ikooko tabi hale. Ki o si dehin lehin Kabiyesi wa. Bi ko ba jawo, yoo ri idin ninu iyo.  Mo fi asiko yii se adua pe gbogbo ara wni ye ati irepo to wo ilu Igbeti ko ni mehe mo, ami. Ire la o maa ri, ase.

Emi ni Omo-oba Ayerinsa D.O.

Igbeti.

Odebode passes on

The death has been announced of Pa Samuel Bayode Odebode of Oloko Compound, Igbeti.

Pa Odebode passed away on November 11, 2006 at the age of 79.

A trader in his lifetime, Samuel Odebode was a devout Christian who believed very much in the virtue of education, hence the strenuous efforts he made at educating his children.

Besides grandchildren, great grand children and relations who are mourning his death, the children who survived Pa Odebode are Mrs Beatrice Modupe Idowu, Mr Olufemi Joshua Odebode, Mr Olusegun Emmanuel Odebode, Mrs Janet Foluke Bioku and Mr Timothy Ajibola Odebode. The fourth child of the family, Mrs Grace Ayobami Okewuni has since passed away.

Burial ceremony of Pa Odebode comes up later this year.

ASETO brings succour to students

Are you looking forward to sitting for the School Certificate Examinations like the ones conducted by WAEC, NECO, NABTE, NTI or matriculation examinations such as JAMB, IJMB, Poly JAMB etc?

Are you scared of any of these exams in view of your past experiences and what you hear people say?

Now you have a leeway.

A Centre that coaches you to be knowledgeable and confident enough to face any examination is now in town. For any subject you want to sit for in any of the examinations mentioned above and related ones, Contact:

ASETO Educational Resource Centre

Oladele Way, Off General Hospital Road

Oke General

Igbeti.

Tel: 0803 562 3969, 0805,

FG increases wages for its workers

FEDERAL workers, have cause to be happy, following yesterday's approval of 15 per cent salary increase, by federal government, with a police constable and his military counterpart to earn N24,000 and N22,000 monthly. This is as the least paid non-academic staff in federal owned tertiary institutions and their counterparts in federal civil service would henceforth receive about N12,000 and N11,000 respectively thus representing a significant increase in the new salary regime.

The increase by the Federal Executive Council (FEC), was sequel to the report of the white-paper, which recommended a 15 per cent pay rise for federal workers, with effect from this month.Those to enjoy this package under the Consolidated Salary Structure include public officers appointed by the President; the armed forces, police, para-military services, the public service, academic and non-academic staff of federal tertiary educational, research and special health institutions.

The Council also approved new Foreign Service Allowances for its diplomats abroad. as well as new sitting allowances for chairmen and members of boards of federal Parastatals and agencies.The new consolidated salary scheme, which is to take-off this month, is expected to cost the federal government a total of N100 billion this year. Another sum of N10 billion was approved by the Council to cover the cost of accommodation and furnishings for mainly military personnel, who are not affected by the government's monetisation policy. This is to ensure that the remaining 40 per cent of military personnel are fully accommodated in government's rented quarters with furnishings. Both the N100 billion and the N10 billion costs are already accommodated in this year's federal budget.

This will suffice until the take off of the proposed N80 billion massive government's rehabilitation and construction of barracks in the next four years to ensure that all military personnel are accommodated in a given area. This is expected to take off by next year and so is expected to be accommodated in next year's budget at N20 billion per annum. Prior to the new scheme, the monthly take-home pay of rank and file both in the military and police was about N10,000 while their civilian counterparts earned much less.

However, barring inflationary measures and other economic variables, the new salary, across all strata of federal workers including police, army and para-military personnel represents a boost that will improve the lot of workers. With the new consolidated salary scheme, all salaries and allowances are now reduced to a single pay check. Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and the chairman of the committee on the White Paper on the Earnest Shonekan committee report, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai said that with the new consolidated salary structure; only four allowances are to be paid by the federal government.

The four allowances include Job specifics (call duty for doctors and shift duty for nurses), Risk Related (for those who work in hazardous environments), Relocation allowance and Scarce Skill Duty allowances.

Mallam el-Rufai said that the new salary structure apply only to federal public servants. It does not apply to the state governments or the local government. The states can choose to review the salaries and emoluments of its officials based on its own revenue base and the inflation rate prevalent in its own area. This is not a national salary scale. It is just that of the federal government."

The new salary structures are categorised into seven. Top on the list is the Consolidated Salaries Structure for Top federal Government Officials appointed by the President but whose salaries are not determined by the Revenue Allocation and Fiscal Mobilisation Commission (RAFMC). These includes the Chief of Staff to the President, Chief of Defence Staff and the service chiefs, the Inspector General of Police and the heads of the paramilitary services, Major Generals and their equivalents in the Armed Forces, Police and the paramilitary services.

The list also includes the Consolidated and Harmonised Armed Forces Salaries Structure, that of the Police, the paramilitary services, Harmonised Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure including non-academic staff of federal tertiary institutions, teaching hospitals and research institutes; Universities Salaries Structure and the Consolidated and Harmonised Public Service Salary Structure for federal public servants.

Under the first category, the least paid public office holder appointed by the President but not reflected in the RAFMC salary scale will receive a total of N1.7 million per annum while the highest paid in this category - Chief of Staff to the President, CDS and service chiefs, etc - will receive a total of N4.8 million per annum.

ria: Bonanza for Workers

Under the Armed Forces Salary Structure, the least paid - a private, will earn a total of N260,000 (as accommodation and furnishing will be provided by government); while the highest paid officer - Brigadier General or their equivalents - will earn a total of N2.687 million per annum.

For the Police and the paramilitary services who are in one category, the least paid - a recruit - will receive a total of N63,000; a constable or their equivalent will receive a total of N293,000 while the highest paid - Assistant Inspector General of Police or their equivalents will earn a total of N2.464 million. Their pay looks high because the bulk of officers and other ranks under this category - about 80 per cent - don't live in the barracks.

For the non-academic staff of federal government universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, teaching hospitals and research institutes, the least paid - level 1, will receive a total of N152,544 per annum while the highest paid will receive a total of N2.875 million.

For their academic counterparts, the least paid level 1 step 1 will earn a total of N694,000 while the highest paid - next to the Vice Chancellor in rank, will collect a total of N3.209 million.

For the personnel in the federal public service, though nobody is in level 1 step 1, beneficiaries were billed to earn N133,000. The new lowest level position- level 4 step 1 will earn a total of N144,000 while the highest paid level 17 step 9 (for directors) will earn N2.271 million.

Also approved is additional allowance of a total of N1.2 million annual payments to personnel recruited under the Scarce Skills programme.

For the foreign missions, allowances hitherto paid in ten categories was reduced to a single allowance and increased by 25 per cent. Nigeria has a total of 90 missions abroad.

Mallam el-rufai noted that the allowances is not pro-rata but is determined by the location adding that "now, our foreign service officers are comfortable."

The Council also approved a total of $3,000 dollars for the Ambassadors as clothing allowances. Their spouses will also earn clothing allowances.

For the members of the board of federal Parastatals, the Council reduced their sittings to four per annum. However, the chairman of the boards will collect N458,000 per sitting. They hitherto earned N100,000 per sitting, approved in March 1999.

For members of the boards who earned a total of N87,000 per sitting before now, they will now earn a total of N398,000, Civil servants who had attended the meetings without payments since 1999, will now earn allowances put at 298 per cent.