JIFORM GREETS TINUBU, DEMANDS DIASPORA MINISTRY, DECENT JOB NEGOTIATION

As a new democratic government takes over in Nigeria, the Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) has sent a goodwill message to the nation's 16th President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu urging him to create a separate ministry for diaspora and migration engagements.

He also pleaded with him to ensure a proper decent job negotiation for Nigerians across the globe in order to reduce the incidences of irregular migration and human trafficking.

Dr Ajibola Abayomi, the President of the JIFORM with over 300 journalists covering migration matters across the continents in a statement, buttressed the appeal for the creation of the ministry, saying it was long overdue given  the gains from human capital migration to the nation's economy.

He recalled that the Central Bank of Nigeria in April acknowledged that from 2015 till date that the Nigerians in diaspora have remmitted over $16 billion in the last eight years sustaining Nigeria's ranking as the highest earner in the entire Sub-sahara Africa.

"We greet President Bola Tinubu as he ushers Nigeria into a new era. Witth his excellent track records as an achiever, there is no doubt that he would improve the wellbeing of the nation by tapping from the rare human resources that abound in the diaspora. Mr President please make creation of the Ministry of Diaspora as one of your priorities.

" This is not a duplication of Foreign Affairs ministry 's duties but a necessary attention to boost the migration band human capital development.

"We beg you not to close your eyes to the pains Nigerians are subjected to across the world in the name of labour migration. Kindly jettison the repeated theories or undue lamentations of the book makers and be bold to initiate a decent job negotiation with the employers of labour in the Middle East, Europe and others so as to de-market human trafficking and irregular migration from Nigeria. Do this for history to continue to be kind to you sir." 

Pledging the loyalty of the JIFORM, he enthusiastically stated thus: "We are proudly available to work with you whether through appointments, selections or otherwise in order to reshape the nation's disapora policies. 

"You can count on us to tame the daunting challenges ahead. Certainly, Nigeria shall overcome. We are available at your service or request throughout the day, sunshine or at the dead of night to earn this great country an enviable status among the comity of nations on migration matters" Dr Ajibola said.

Apart from initiating series of capacity building on migration issues in West Africa and the annual African Migration Summit, the fourth JIFORM Global Migration Summit would hold in Toronto between October 2-14.

In November 2022, the JIFORM organized the intercontinental migration summit in partnership with the City University, New York City in Brooklyn; a national migration summit on February 9, this year in Lagos and recently facilitated a workshop supported by the Nigerian-German Center for Job, Migration and Reintergration (NGC) for Nigerian journalists on sensitisation strategies against irregular migration in Abuja between May 22-23 in Abuja.

E-signed

Dr Ajibola Abayomi

President JIFORM

Peller congratulates President Tinubu, urges Nigerians to support him with prayers

The Ayedero of Yorubaland, Honourable (Dr.) Shina Peller has congratulated His Excellency  Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR) on his formal inauguration as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. 

Honourable Peller's congratulatory message was contained in a statement he issued and shared with the media on Monday following the successful inauguration of President Tinubu as the country's number one citizen for the next four years.

In the statement, the Ayedero of Yorubaland described the newly inaugurated president as a man of destiny who has managed to secure a prominent place for himself in the political history of Nigeria, even against all odds.

In the same vein, the Oke Ogun-born federal lawmaker expressed confidence that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu will replicate his impressive track record as Lagos State governor for Nigeria as the country's president, while he also described as unquestionable Tinubu's ability in identifying potential leaders, grooming and bringing them to the limelight.

Also, while expressing confidence that the "Renewed Hope" agenda of President Tinubu will manifest positively, Honourable Peller urged the new president to include strengthening the country's creative industry as one of the priorities of his administration. 

Furthermore, the Ayedero of Yorubaland urged all Nigerians irrespective of ethnic, religious and political affiliation, to support Asiwaju with necessary prayers and motivation. "Let's have faith in God through our new president and hope for a better Nigeria under his leadership," Honourable Peller said. 

The statement read in full:

"I extend my heartfelt congratulatory message to His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his formal inauguration as the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

"As the saying goes, "Destiny has no competition." Asiwaju, you are indeed a man of destiny that history will reckon with. Against all odds, you have successfully secured a prominent place for yourself in the political history of Nigeria. I salute your political sagacity, resilience and doggedness. 

"Also, your ability to identify brilliant and innovative people with leadership potential, groom and bring them to the limelight remains commendable; even your ardent critics cannot feign ignorance of the fact that you are a leader who makes leaders.

"Your impressive track record as the executive governor of Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 remains one to reckon till date, and we are very confident that you will replicate this for Nigeria as our president.

"Your Excellency, going by your antecedents, I am very hopeful that your "Renewed Hope" agenda will impact positively on the masses, particularly Nigerian youths who occupy the largest percentage of our country's population. 

"Also, among other important policies that your administration will be making to enhance the economic growth of our country, I implore Your Excellency to prioritize strengthening our creative industry which contributes significantly to the nation's GDP.

"To Nigerians, particularly the youth, let's remember that it is only God that gives power, and He gives it to whosoever he wishes. Irrespective of our ethnic, religious and political affiliation, let's leverage our unity in diversity, stay united and support Asiwaju with necessary prayers and motivation. 

"Initially, prior to the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries, I wasn't comfortable with the Muslim/Muslim ticket, but later I had to align as a verse in the holy Quran indicates that there is nothing wrong with it. Holy Quran (Surah Al-Fath Chapter 48, verse 28) says, "He it is who sent His messenger with the true guidance and the religion of truth that He may make it prevail over every religion." Also, good governance may not be achieved if we are so driven by religious sentiment.

"As featured in our coat of arms, faith is required for us to progress as a nation. Let's have faith in God through our new president and hope for a better Nigeria under his leadership.

"Dear President Tinubu, as you are inaugurated today to oversee the affairs of our great country for the next four years, I pray that God gives you the required strength and wisdom to govern us in the best direction and make Nigeria better and a good reference point for the rest of the world. Amen. Once again, congratulations President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

OSUN IS POISED TO ENSURE A TB-FREE CULTURE FOR CHILDREN.

Osun Ministry of Health, in collaboration with TB Unit of the Primary Health Care Development Board ,and other Stakeholders, had observed children Tuberculosis test week to ensure a TB free future for all children in the State

      The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health,Mr Kayode Adegoke disclosed this through the State TB Program Manager,Dr Deji Gbadamosi during an interaction with the press in Osogbo.

    The Permanent Secretary stressed further that the Nationwide childhood TB testing week was first conducted with DLB machines in Ungoggo Local Government Area of Kano State. 

The Nationwide Childhood TB testing Week was equally organized by the National Tuberculosis Leprosy and Buruli Ulcer Control Program as an annual - week long event that aims to raise awareness about the importance of testing children for Tuberculosis(TB). 

The event gave parents, caregivers, health workers and the general public the opportunity to come together and learn about TB testing in children.

 Mr Adegoke also stated that this year testing week took place between May 22nd and May 26th 2023,during which various activities were organized to promote TB testing for children at health facility centers and mobile clinics. 

Training and capacity building for health workers on childhood TB diagnosis and treatment, Advocacy for increased funding and resources for childhood TB control program were also embarked upon.

      According to the Permanent Secretary, screening/ testing of children was conducted in the communities and on various children high risk groups in all the 30 local government areas of Osun State.

Some of the public schools and Orphanage homes were visited and tested of TB in the course of the program.

Also, sensitization and capacity building of various groups of general health workers were conducted ,apart from conducting test and treating children with tuberculosis. 

The activity also gave room for capacity building on detecting and managing TB children in various health setting.

He stated further that nationwide childhood TB week plays a crucial role in global fight against childhood tuberculosis,by raising awareness, strengthening health care system, fostering collaboration and advocating for policy change.

OWA DIRECTS LEADERSHIP OF ATAKUMOSA MARKET TO MAINTAIN STATUS QUO AS FG DEPLOYS TASK FORCE TO DECONGEST ILESA ROUNDABOUT

The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran has called for love among the executives of the Atakumosa Market under the leadership of chief mrs Olabisi Awe, directing that the traders should maintain status quo in the hierarchical structure of the central market.

Oba Adekunle Aromolaran stated this at a peace meeting to resolve the trouble that has been brewing in the market in the recent times.

Represented by the high chief Saka Fapounda, the Owa Obokun ordered the Iyaloja and the market Youth leader, Defi Teniola to close ranks and synergize ideas on how to transform the market an enviable status.

He warned those fanning the ember of disunity between the two parties to desist or face the wrath of God .

Kabiyesi advised the traders to shun partisan politics of bitterness which he described as a clog to the of the progress of the market

The paramount ruler said it is forbidden for traders to display wares on the roads especially at the roundabout as from Monday next week to avoid the seizure of their goods and prosecution by the federal taskforce deployed to restore sanity at the centre of the city.

Earlier the Iyaloja and the youth leader had explained the genesis of the rift to the peace committee set up the his imperial Majesty pointing accusing fingers to each other .

Having listened to them some members of the committee including the Oba Odo of Ilesa , High Chief Busuyi Badamosi and the Odole of Ilesa, High Chief Bola Orolugbagbe blamed the misunderstanding rocking the leadership of the market of politics and gossip, urging them to allow love reign supreme at the commercial nerve.

The mandated the Iyaloja to carry out her duty as the traditional head of the market religiously as she swore to the oath of office.

It was resolved that the duo of the Iyaloja and the youth leader should maintain status quo pending the time Kabiyesi respond to the committee’s report.

IBEDC PLEDGES IMPROVED SERVICE, SEEKS COMMUNITY SUPPORT TO FIGHT POWER THEFT

Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company lamented the ongoing income loss caused by illegal metres and urged community leaders to work with her to stop the problem in its tracks.

During a courtesy call on Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, the Regional Manager of the IBEDC, Mr. Toyin Akinyosoye, disclosed this.

Mr. Akinyosoye expressed concern regarding the company’s impending disconnection from the national grid by the Transition Company of Nigeria due to its failure to pay for the energy it provided to the consumers last month as a result of the illegal metering system.

The IBEDC Chief begged the Owa Obokun and his chiefs for their assistance in order to stop all leaks after thanking the Owa Obokun for clearing up the recent disagreement between the company and the residents of Ijesaland regarding an illegal metering system and other related concerns.

Mr. Akinyosoye claimed that the Company had started a whistleblowing procedure so that corrupt employees might be exposed and the informants paid as part of a strategy to stop their unwholesome

In attendance were the State Public Relations Officer of the IBEDC , Kike Owoeye, the Technical Manager, mr Abiodun Ogun, the chairman IBEDC Community Relations Committee, chief Dele Aleshinloye and traditional other chiefs

Haastrup

POLICE BOSS IDENTIFIES INTELLIGENCE GATHERING AS MAJOR INGREDIENT FOR INTERNAL SECURITY.

The AIG Zone 11 of the Nigeria Police , Sikiru Akande has identified deployment of tactical and intelligent Officers to police posts at the boundary towns as a veritable way of nipping interstate crime in the bud.
AIG Akande stated this while commissioning the Odogbo Ijesa Police Post donate to the Nigeria Police by HRH Olatunde Ogini .
The Zonal AIG said he conceived the idea of having a police post in Odogbo 14 years ago while discussing with HRH Ogini during a visit to the later.
The donor, HRH Olatunde Ogini hinted that he was encouraged by the AIG to build the Police Post to ensure security of lives and property of his people.
He reiterated his resolve to continue supporting the Police with infrastructures.
Also speaking at the commissioning of the Ilo Ayegbaju Police Post , the police boss expressed gratitude to the people of Ijesaland for their support and cooperation with the police in the area of intelligence gathering
He described his reunion with some former Local Government Chairmen including the elected Member of the House of Representatives, representing Ijesa South Federal Constituency, chief Sanya Ominrin, Hon. Ibukun Fadipe and Alhaji Gani Olaoluwa as historic.

The Alamo of Ayegbaju Ijesa, Oba Abideen Adeyemi who built and donated the Police Post to the Nigeria Police said though his people were peaceful, there was need to take a proactive step to curb crime.

The Member of House of Representative elect, chief Sanya Omirin eulogized the AIG for his professional conduct at all times , describing him as a good ambassador of the Nigeria Police.

In attendance were traditional rulers and the ranks and files of the police

CLERIC EXPRESSES CONCERN OVER THE MASSIVE EMIGRATION OF CITIZENS FROM THE COUNTRY

As the nation awaits the swearing in of a new administration, the citizens have been charged to join hands with relevant authorities and organisations to check the trend of emigration from the country.

The Prelate, Methodist Church Nigeria, His Eminence Oliver Ali Aba gave the charge in a message to the 16th Synod of Elekuro Diocese of the church holding at lgboora, Oyo State.

Most Revd Aba noted that since the people had been united in criticising the political leadership across the land, every effort should be geared towards working for progressive ideas to check the current massive emigration to foreign land.

He pointed out that the coming together of over 400 ethnic nationalities to form a country called Nigeria over a century ago should not be seen as a mistake.

According to him Nigerians should come up with personal commitment and determination to rebuild areas of socio political and economic delapidation.

The Head of Methodist Church in Nigeria said leadership was a reflection of who it's people are, hence the need to intercede for both the political and business leaders in prayer for a divine knowledge to alleviate the suffering in the land.

With the theme of the Synod as: "Contending for the faith," taken from Jude verse 3, Most Revd Aba advised in-coming administration to work on the pitfalls of the outgoing administration particularly in the areas of intermittent fuel scarcity and the controversial currency policy.

In his address, the Bishop of Elekuro Diocese, Rt Revd David Foluso Adekoya called on christians to be wary of false teaching which had become rampant in the society adding that similar incidence in the Garden of Eden plunged the human race to lose the original plan of GOD to mankind.

In a lecture entitled: "Towards Ministerial Integrity, the Presbyter, Methodist Church, Apata, Very Revd Olumide Aluko advised Religious leaders to Exhibit virtues of honesty, openess, reliability, trustworthiness and patience in their calling.

The Lay President of Elekuro Diocese, Professor Olatunde Fawole in his address  advised delegates to undertake regular check of their health in view of various challenges in human health in recent times.

While congratulating Nigerians on the success of the general election that produced the President elect,  Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Engineer Seyi Makinde for a second term in Oyo State, the Church enjoined the political office holders to uphold the confidence the people repose in them to turn around the economy and improve the living standard of the people.

The Synod acknowledges Federal Government's efforts in combating insecurity especially activities of bandits, kidnappers, ritualists and fraudsters and advised that combined efforts with state governments should be applied to fight the battle to a logical end.

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 'FEMI OLADIPO.

Gov. Adeleke advocates friendly environment for corp members

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has appealed to Corp employers in the state to treat Corp members deployed to their employment with hospitality, care and a sense of patriotism for the unity and prosperity of Nigeria.

Senator Adeleke made the appeal while declaring close the Orientation course for the Stream two Batch A participants of the NYSC posted to Osun state at the permanent orientation camp, Ede.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Teslim Igbalaye, the Governor charged them to make the place of primary assignment and the entire state a home for the Corp members as a major steps towards promoting peaceful coexistence among Nigerians.

He also admonished the Corp members to be conscious of their roles in promoting Nigeria's unity, peace and progress at all times.

Earlier in an address, the Osun State coordinator of NYSC, Mr Agbor Ndoma Obim urged them to be the beacon of change and hope they were trained to be to the people.

Mr Obim noted that as a way of creating impact on their host communities, the corp members should identify a project that address the need of the people ana mobilize to meet such need 

He warned them against night journeys and unauthorized traveling, saying that they should seek refuge at military formations or police stations once it is six o'clock during any journey.

GOV. ADELEKE MOURNS MURPHY AFOLABI'S DEATH

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed shock over the death of an illustrious son of the state, a popular nollywood actor, Mr. Maroof Afolabi in the early hours of Sunday. 

The State Governor through his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed described late Murphy Afolabi as a good ambassador of Osun state who dedicated his life through his acting prowess to upholding the ethos of Omoluabi.

The Governor described, Mr. Afolabi as a passionate and ingenious nollywood actor who stood firm in promoting the culture and tradition of the Yorubas through his God given talent.

The statement condoles  numerous fans across the world, colleagues, friends and family on the demise of Afolabi who lived a fulfilled life of showcasing his talent to the outside world.

It prays that God will grant his family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.