NEWS
State of Ogun Schools: Your panic response political gimmick, Adebutu tells Abiodun
…Says more students still sit on the floor to write exams
By Paul Eso
The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, governorship candidate in Ogun State, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has described the Dapo Abiodun’s led government’s response to supply new sets of benches and chairs to St. Kizito High School, Iwopin in Ogunwaterside Local Government Area as fake and mere political gimmick.
A statement by his campaign’s media director, Afolabi Orekoya, said that Abiodun’s panic response came as a result of the outcome of the Osun gubernatorial election in which the incumbent governor, Gboyega Oyetola, was defeated by the candidate of the PDP, Sen. Ademola Adeleke.
According to the statement, “Governor Dapo Abiodun has seen the handwriting on the wall that his second term bid is not certain in Ogun going by the outcome of the Osun gubernatorial election”.
Recall that Nigerians were on Monday, outraged by the viral videos and photos where students of St. Kizito Senior Secondary School in Iwopin, began their third term promotion examination on bare floor of their classrooms.
Apparently embarrassed by the reports, the state government on Tuesday, swiftly provided the students with new sets of furniture.
Orekoya said if not that the Abiodun-led government lacked human feeling and compassion, it wouldn’t have waited till the picture of students writing exams on the floor went viral before supplying them with benches under 24 hours.
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He noted that there were many other schools across the state facing same challenge and other numerous infrastructural problems, giving as an example, the Imotu Community Academy at Ifonyintedo in Ipokia Local Government, whose students also sit on bare floor for learning and writing of exams as at Tuesday, 19th July, 2022.
The statement read: “We are sure that tomorrow, under same pretense and fake response, they will deliver benches at Ifonyintedo. For how long will this government continue to be a push and work government?
“What is pathetic about this school in Ifonyintedo is that the community and the Old students’ Association approached the state government on this situation many times before now and in particular, the old students’ representatives met with the Ministry of Education about seven months ago on this issue, yet nothing was done.
“It is sad to see that the benches delivered at Iwopin imprinted with ‘2020/2021 intervention’, yet they were not distributed to schools for use until July 2022. Apparently, the government is planning to use them for political campaign, what should ordinarily be the responsibilities of the government as part of their service to the people which the governor sworn to.
“There are many schools without teachers not to talk of infrastructure. For example, Community High School, Moriwi has only one principal and just one teacher for a school of 500 students, same with Community High School, Iwoye/Ketu which has one principal and two teachers with about 800 students both in Imeko Afon LGA. The only thing we can see are the yellow painted roofs on buildings that were poorly constructed with no furniture.”
The statement added that quality education has always been of great concern to the PDP’s candidate, who has assured the people at every opportunity that he would give much attention to uplift the educational standard and situation of schools in the state if given the opportunity come 2023.
“Adebutu will encourage Private Public Partnership in providing major infrastructure and capital projects, while the state resources will be much adequate to cater for and enhance provision of quality education and healthcare delivery”, Orekoya said.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
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PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
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Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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