NEWS
Okuama Inks 9-Point Peace Accord With Okoloba
The leaders of the two neighbouring communities of Okuama in Ughelli South Local Government Area (LGA) and Okoloba of Bomadi LGA of Delta State have signed a nine-point peace accord to draw the curtain on their longstanding hostilities.
To add bite to the accord, they set up a 10-man Monitoring Committee at a meeting on Saturday at the Government House Annex, Warri.
It was gathered that the Chairman, Bomadi Local Government council, Rawlings Andaye, brokered the peace meeting in collaboration with his Ughelli South counterpart, Lucky Iroro Avweromie.
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Notable attendees of the meeting where Okuama and Okoloba communities resolved to embrace peace and to “live in peace and harmony” were the leadership of both communities, royal fathers and security agents from both Local Government Areas.
The Peace accord provided thus, “Immediate Ceasefire: Both communities agree to an immediate ceasefire and an end to all hostilities.
“Denouncement of Violence: Both communities denounce the recent military operations and the looting and destruction of property in the Okuama community.
“Reconciliation: Both communities agree to work towards reconciliation and forgiveness.
“Access to Farmlands and Farming Activities: Both communities agree to grant free access to farmlands and farming activities within our respective boundaries, recognizing the importance of agriculture to our livelihood.”
In addition, the peace accord provided that both communities appealed to the government to strengthen the joint patrols along the Forcados River bank to ensure safety and security.
“Free Passage along the Forcados River: Both communities agree to allow free passage of boats and passengers along the Forcados River bank bordering both communities.
“Release of Properties: Both communities appeal to the chairmen of both local governments to launch a thorough investigation into the alleged theft of belongings by neighbouring communities during and after the operations of the military at Okuama community. We further appeal to both chairmen for commitment towards identifying and recovering the stolen items, ensuring that justice is served and affected individuals are duly compensated.
“Dispute Resolution: Both communities agree to resolve disputes through dialogue and peaceful means.
“Community Engagement: Both communities agree to engage in community outreach programmes to promote peace and understanding.”
Declaring open the peace parley, Andaye, who chaired it, noted that it was convened at the instance of Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori who, according to him, mandated him to “iron out all aching issues between the two communities”.
“The main purpose of this meeting is that we have no other option than to live in peace. The Okoloba and Okuama crisis is not from God, it is of the devil and no price is too big to pay for peace to reign between these two communities”, the Bomadi Council chairman stated.
He spoke further, “You people have lived together peacefully in the days of old and you can do same today. Let that old relationship between Okuama and Okoloba be sustained.
“Our governor, Sheriff Oborevwori is aware of this meeting and he is expecting us to report back to him after the meeting. If we don’t agree to live in peace now, we are planting hatred and persistent conflicts for our future generations.
“The ultimate goal of this meeting is to ensure lasting peace between Okuama and Okoloba communities, and we want both communities to go back to your age-long relationship of peaceful co-existence”.
In the same vein, the Chairman, Ughelli South LG, Avweromie, stated that “sustainable peace could only be achieved if both communities forgave one another’s offences and mistakes”.
According to Avweromie, “No other person can settle this issue but the people of Okuama and Okoloba communities. We have to speak as brothers and sisters, lasting peace can only be achieved if you forgive one another.
“Let us maintain our old relationship where we farm and fish together because we want free access to the river, we want free trade in the river and it is a must Okuama and Okoloba lived peacefully”.
In his contribution, the Ovie of Ewu Kingdom, His Majesty, Clement Oghenekevwe Ikolo, emphasised the need for peaceful coexistence between the two communities, stressing that “an atmosphere of crisis often hatched out negative effects on an area and the people.
“Crisis destroys the very fabrics of our communities. Crisis breeds fear, sorrow, economic hardship and deaths. When we live in peace, we develop our domains and there is no need for us to be fighting one another.”
He urged the representatives of both communities to “go back home and talk to your people on the need for peaceful coexistence.
“We must refresh our minds and have the spirit of forgiveness so we can stand together as a people.”
On his part, the Pere of Akugbene-Mein Kingdom, Pere Kalanama VIII, commended the two Local Government Council Chairmen on the peace deal.
In his words, “both Okoloba and Okuama have been living together for over three hundred years and I want to appeal that it’s enough of the fight. The land dispute should be amicably settled.
“I want to urge the state government to step in to demarcate the boundaries between the two communities for lasting peace to reign.”
Also, the Ovie of Arhavwarien Kingdom, Solomon Okukeren, preached peace and unity to both communities urging them to stop the spread of hate speech.
“Okuama and Okoloba communities were one people. I want both communities to embrace peace and harmony”, the Ovie said.
The leadership of both communities pledged their willingness to live as brothers and thanked the initiators of the peace move, in their respective responses to the speeches.
The Secretary-General of Ewu Kingdom, Amb. Edewor Egedegbe, who led the Okuama community representatives, commended Gov Oborevwori and the two Local Government chairmen for initiating the peace move.
While pledging Okuama community’s readiness to live peacefully with its neighbouring Okoloba community, Egedegbe lauded Gov Oborevwori “for ensuring that there is sustainable peace between us.
“I also commend the efforts of the council chairmen and traditional rulers on this peace building process.”
He assured that “the people of Okuama are eternally committed to peace between both communities.
“We also use this medium to appeal to the Federal Government to follow due process in the approach on issues as innocent Okuama indigenes are suffering, and as we are speaking we don’t know the whereabouts of our frontline community leaders.”
On his part, leader of the Okoloba community delegation Dr David Akpobolokemi, assured that the community fully subscribed to the peace accord which he described as “a fundamental move”.
“We subscribed to it in its entirety and Okoloba community is committed to ensuring sustainable peace between us. We will do everything humanly possible to live together in peace and move forward”, he averred.
He commended Gov Oborevwori and the two council chairmen for the tireless efforts made towards achieving sustainable peace between the two communities
The Kano State Police Command has warned residents of a potential terror attack, targeting public gatherings in strategic locations across the state.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Abdullahi Haruna, disclosed that intelligence reports indicated suspected terrorists were planning to carry out attacks.
“The Kano State Police Command, in liaison with other security agencies, has received intelligence reports of suspected terrorists planning to launch attacks on public gatherings in strategic locations within Kano State.
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“In response, we hereby urge residents to exercise caution and avoid crowded places and environments until further notice as a preventive measure to enable security operatives to identify and dislodge possible attackers,” the statement read.
To address the threat, the police command has enhanced security arrangements across the state. SP Haruna revealed that specialized units, including the Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) and the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) teams, have been deployed to strategic locations and are on high alert.
“A team of experts from the command’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal, Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear units have been deployed to strategic locations and are on high alert.
“The unit can be contacted through: 08169884988 or 07067157218 for report of suspicious persons or item(s),” Haruna stated.
Residents have been urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or contact the command through the designated hotlines.
“The command remains committed to protecting lives and properties as well as maintaining law and order in Kano State.
“We appreciate the support and cooperation of the good people of Kano State and urge everyone to remain vigilant. Your vigilance and cooperation are crucial in ensuring public safety,” the statement concluded.
NEWS
Ifon-Ilobu-Erin Osun Land Disputes: Osun Constitutes A 100-Member Boundary Resolution Committee
In the bid to resolve the incessant land disputes between the communities of Ifon, Ilobu and Erin Osun, the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has constituted an enlarged 100-member high powered land crisis resolution committee in which each of the affected communities has 25 representatives, and the state government represented by 25 members.
The Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi made the disclosure in a statement in Osogbo, on Friday.
He revealed that the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Adetunji Olanipekun Larooye is the Chairman of the Committee, while a retired judge of Osun State Judiciary and Chairman, Osun State Boundary Commission, Justice Moshood Adekunle Adeigbe, would serve as the Co-Chairman.
According to Alimi, Gov Adeleke put in place the Committee with a view to bringing a lasting end to the incessant land disputes among the three affected communities.
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It was gleaned from the statement that there were four other traditional rulers on the panel, including His Royal Majesty; Oba Abioye Oyebode, the Olokuku of Okuku, His Royal Majesty; Oba Adams Iyiola Bamidele Yusuf, the Oloba of Oba Oke, His Royal Majesty; Oba Adekeye Oyedare, the Oloyan of Oyan and His Royal Majesty, Oba Akeem Ogungbamgbe,The Owaloko of Iloko-Ijesha.
Other members are Umar Abba Mohammed, Osun State Commissioner of Police, Ayoola Kehinde, Osun State Director, Department of State Services( DSS) Brigadier General, Aliu Mohammed, Commander E.C.C, Ede, Sotiyobo Igbalawola, Osun State Commander, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps( NSCDC), Anthony Chikezie, Commander, Immigration Service, Osun State, Adekunle Omoyele, Osun State Commander, Amotekun Corps, and Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Security, Barrister Dare Ojo.
Also on the enlarged Committee, where members are enjoined by Gov Adeleke to bring in their wealth of experience to bear on the highly critical assignment, are the Chairman, NBA Osogbo branch, Yemi Abiona, Esq; the Chairman, NBA, Ikirun, Niyi Akinsola, Esq; the Chairman, NBA, Ile Ife, Tope Olajoko, Esq; the Chairman, NBA, Ilesha, Raymond Oki, Esq; Others appointed to serve on the Ifon- Ilobu- Erin Osun Peace Resolution Committee are; Soladoye Abioye, the Surveyor General of Osun State – Dr Sodiq Olohunde, Office of Chief of Staff to the Governor, Marufat Adekemi Bello, Permanent Secretary , Ministry of Justice – Femi Ogundun,- Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Govt and Chiertincy Affairs, Dr Fritz Mobolaji Olaoye, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Lands and Physical Planning.
Completing the list of the Committee members are Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, Osun NUJ Council Chairman, Comrade Waheed Lawal, Osun Civil Society Coalition and Comrade Saka Mao, a Public Affairs Analyst
The statement has it that Gov Adeleke, will on Tuesday, the 28th of January, 2025 perform the swearing in ceremony of the 100-member enlarged Ifon, Ilobu, Erin Osun Land Crisis Resolution Committee, at the Multi purpose hall of Local Government Service Commission, State Government Secretariat, Abere Osogbo by 11:00am.
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has charged the Managing Director of the Edo State Traffic Control Management Agency (EDSTMA), Engr. Stainless Ijeghede on indiscriminate parking and traffic gridlock, especially in market areas.
According to a statement in Benin City on Friday, by Chief Press Secretary to Edo State Governor, Fred Itua, his principal gave the charge while decorating Ijeghede with his new rank as the head of EDSTMA.
He noted that while addressing the new Managing Director and his personnel at the Exco Chambers in Government House, Gov Okpebholo pointed out that the agency should do its job well by ensuring free flow of traffic across the state.
He called on Ijeghede and men of the agency to ensure they checked indiscriminate parking of vehicles and buses, especially in market areas.
“Edo State belongs to all of us and whatever we are doing, we should do it with care not to harm anybody. I appeal to EDSTMA to ensure that the city is well kept because whenever I drive round town, I see vehicles everywhere as the city is not well kept.
“This is your primary assignment. You should ensure the city is well kept as vehicles park indiscriminately and they are causing obstruction. Traffic is not flowing as it should and it is causing serious gridlock. Is it that you are not doing your job well?
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“Is it that you are not doing your job well or because you have a new leader that is why traffic is not flowing, or because you don’t know your job?
“You people should wake up and keep the state clean. Make sure that vehicles are parked well especially in the market areas. Monitor markets very well as these areas are looking really unkempt with vehicles and buses parked indiscriminately, causing traffic gridlock. Edo people are worst hit. They suffer from this. Ensure free flow of traffic so that the people will be happy,” Governor Okpebholo emphasized.
The EDSTMA boss, thanked Gov Okpebholo for the opportunity to serve the people of Edo State and assured him of the loyalty of the agency.
He added that his men will do their job professionally and ensure that the is free flow of traffic across the state.
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