Ondo State

By Wonderful Adegoke

Having recently graduated from Adekunle Ajasin University Ondo State (AAUA) as the best student from the Faculty of Science, Ademujimi Bukola has demonstrated tremendous commitment and perseverance. Despite coming from humble beginnings, the Irele-born Ondo indigenous group has overcome numerous challenges to reach this milestone. From financial hardship to family obligations, she has had to overcome many obstacles to achieve her success.

Persuaded by her parents, Bukola accepted her fate of schooling at Adekunle Ajasin University, though against her initial dream of studying Nursing Science at the University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT), which was duly opposed due to the travelling distance.

“Initially, I didn’t plan to study microbiology because it sounded strange throughout my secondary school days. However, my UTME score was enough to study Nursing Science at UNIPORT. I put in for UNIPORT but was compelled to change my Institution to AAUA and pick one of their best courses. As it’s widely believed that microbiology and biochemistry are the best science courses in AAUA,” Bukola revealed.

Born into a Christian family without a silver spoon, Hers was a Grass to Grace story, as she wasn’t relieved of support from her happy and supportive family. Over time, her love for microbiology rekindled.

Beaming with smiles, the graduand with a CGPA of 4.84, coupled with an aesthetic feeling, described hers as ‘Joy at last’. “It wasn’t actually easy,” she recalled.

Recalling her 100-level days with a cumulative GPA of 4.56 was enough to gear her. She proposed to keep the energy rolling. “Though, I didn’t want to choose microbiology. I believe that whatever is worth doing is worth doing well.  I had initially worked towards a 4.0 when I discovered my roommate was on a 3.9 scale. But, I was motivated when our 100-level first semester results were released, and I was on a 4.56 scale. After getting Cs in two courses during my early days in AAUA, I promised never to get a C. My background inclusive motivated me to study hard,”  she added.

Despite facing financial challenges, she wasn’t deterred, as this ignited her resilience for greater inputs.

“Mine was a sweet, sad experience. It was so challenging. I lived on #500 for a week several times,” Bukola recounted.

An ardent believer in hard work, her inputs weren’t relinquished by strict policies – the marking scheme of lecturers inclusive, as acclaimed by several students.

“I study when it’s convenient for me. As soon as I get the course outline, I study it and do my research. Previous readings helped me a lot. I don’t wait until a test or exam is coming up – by Saturday, I make sure I’ve gone over all the material we covered during the week so I’m prepared for any impromptu test. I made friends with like-minded colleagues. I belong to a group widely recognised in the department – ‘Emerging scholars’. We, the group members, share knowledge, teaching and coaching ourselves. Though I’m not social, I got involved in spiritual activities.

I am competitive by nature. Before each class, I ask my senior classmates about our lecturers. We’re fortunate to have some of the best lecturers in our department. I study each lecturer, learn their quirks and habits, and tailor my approach to match their preferences. During exams, I choose the most comprehensive questions, as I believe this is the best way to demonstrate my understanding of the material. I strive for perfection, and ‘A’ is my goal. A grade of ‘C’ is unacceptable to me – it’s the same as failing a course. In my first semester of 100-level, I got a ‘C’ in a course, and in SIWES 308, my second semester of 300-level. While I protested, the university was unresponsive,” she said.

She doubled as the best in Microbiology in the 2020/2021 academic session and elucidated winning strategies for students aspiring to such feats.

“Trust God, know yourself and study your lecturers. Ask questions from like-minded senior colleagues. You can do more than anyone has ever done,” she advised.

Bukola, the prodigious microbiologist, isn’t only committed to impact through the knowledge gained within the four campus walls. She’s also committed to ensuring gender equality in her future endeavours.

“Though, I’ve been given a lecturing offer. I’ll use this to impact society with the knowledge gained. I intend to also specialise in food and industries, an aspect of microbiology. I equally intend to establish a non-governmental organisation (Equicare foundation) that’ll impact the society, specifically 100 and 200-level students,” she concluded.

Wonderful Adegoke wrote via wonderadegoke@gmail.com.

By Uzair Adam Imam

Today, Ondo State acting governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, will officially be sworn in as the new governor of Ondo State.

A reliable source at the state House of Assembly said that “it’s true that the acting governor would be sworn in today by 4 p.m.

The swearing-in ceremony for Ondo State’s new governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, comes after the recent passing of the previous governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

He added that, “He is presently out of the state. As soon as he’s back, the Chief Judge of the state, Justice Olusegun Odusola, will swear him in as the governor.”

Recall that the state Information and Orientation Commissioner, Mrs Bamidele Ademola-Olateju, announced the death of the governor via a statement in Akure.

The statement read: “With a heavy heart, the Ondo State Government announces the tragic passing of our beloved Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN).

“Mr. Governor peacefully departed from this world in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, 2023.

“This tragedy has left behind a profound void in our hearts. Governor Akeredolu answered the eternal call while receiving medical treatment in Germany.

“He succumbed to complications arising from protracted prostate cancer.

“A letter has been sent to President Bola Tinubu to officially inform him of this devastating news.

“The Family and the Ondo State Government appreciate Mr. President for his support for Governor Akeredolu during his illness.

“The family and the state government will release further details regarding the funeral arrangements.

“Governor Akeredolu was an extraordinary leader whose unwavering dedication to the state and its people was both commendable and unparalleled.

“He not only served as the Governor of Ondo State but also emerged as a prominent advocate for the entire Southwest region and the nation.

“Governor Akeredolu was a courageous leader and an exemplar of integrity. The weight of this loss is truly unbearable.

“However, we find solace in the knowledge that Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu lived a purposeful life, devoted to the service of God Almighty,” the statement added.

By Uzair Adam Imam

A 56-year-old man recounted how he punched his wife, Atinuke, into a coma over a dispute in Akure, the Ondo State, a development many people have frowned at.

The man, who simply identified himself as Akure, was said to have been a famous Lagos state ex-boxer.

The man said he punched his wife because she was very stubborn and refused to give him a television remote control when he requested it.

The Daily Reality gathered that the ex-boxer has since been arrested and detained by the police detective in the state.

It was learned that the suspect, who is also a driver, returned home on a fateful day and wanted to watch a programme on the television, but the wife insisted on watching another programme.

According to a source, “The husband asked the wife to hand over the TV remote control to him, but she declined. The husband did not waste time as he descended on her with several punches on her face.

“It took the intervention of neighbours to rescue the woman from her husband after the children ran out screaming and crying for help.

“When the neighbours entered the house to rescue the woman, they met her on the floor lying unconscious, and they quickly rushed her to the nearest hospital,” the source added.

According to the victim’s sister, the woman was rushed to the hospital and has been responding to the medical treatment.

Mr Funni Odunlami, the state police spokesperson, couldn’t be reached for comment.

By Muhammadu Sabiu 

The governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, states that the All Progressive Congress’ (APC) popularity has been harmed by fuel and naira scarcity.

Akeredolu begged President Muhammadu Buhari to give the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr Godwin Emefiele, the appropriate instructions to reverse the naira redesign policy right away.

He said this while meeting with members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council (PCC), led by Seyi Tinubu, the son of the party’s presidential candidate, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in Akure, the capital of Ondo state.

He said, “We have a problem we are facing in this country today. Our rating as a party is not that favourable.

“Let’s not deceive ourselves. Must it be now that we will have this financial policy?

“How? Fuel and everything? Things are not easy. This policy is not right at this time. It should be reversed.

“Reserve it and tell CBN that we are reversing it. Let old, and new notes co-exist.”

So far, there have been reports of Nigerians taking to the streets to protest the scarcity of naira notes, leading to the burning down of some bank branches in Delta State.

By Ahmad Deedat Zakari

The Nigerian Police Force, NPF, have rescued scores of children from an underground church apartment in the Valentino Area of Ondo town. 

According to a Twitter user with the username DejiAdesogan, among other multiple sources, a pastor and some church members have been arrested in connection with the incident. 

“DISTURBING NEWS: Scores of kidnapped children were allegedly found and rescued from an underground apartment of a church in the Valentino Area of Ondo town, Ondo State, on Friday evening. A pastor and church members already arrested in connection with the case.” DejiAdesogan tweeted 

The Twitter user also accompanied his claim of the rescue with a video and picture of the scenario.

He also berated religious leaders who perpetuate criminal activities in the name of religion.

“The allegedly kidnapped scores of children rescued from an underground of a church in Ondo town is a clear proof that some Clerics hide under the religion to perpetrate evil. Inhumane, Wickedness & Condemnable,” He tweeted. 

At the time of writing this report, the NPF have yet to comment on the development.

• News Desk

The Muslim Rights Concern has strongly condemned the terrorist attack on worshippers inside the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State. The attackers killed dozens of worshippers during service today, Sunday, 5^th June 2022. MURIC has called for the immediate arrest and prosecution of the attackers.

MURIC spoke via its director, Professor Ishaq Akintola. The statement reads :

“Dozens of worshippers were killed inside the St. Francis Catholic Church, Owo, Ondo State today, Sunday, 5^th June 2022. We strongly condemn this act of unprovoked aggression. It is inhuman, heinous, horrific and horrendous.

“We call for immediate arrest and prosecution of the attackers. We charge the Inspector General of Police as well as the Ondo Police Command to find the killers without delay. They must be pursued to the most remote corners of Nigeria. These murderers must have no hiding place.

“In particular, we implore President Muhammadu Buhari to order the Nigerian Army to get involved in the search for the killers. This latest attack is indubitable evidence of the existence of Boko Haram in the South West after their penetration into Niger and Kogi States.

“Going by Boko Haram modus operandi, we warn that mosques and more churches may be the next targets because this was how they started in the North. We, therefore, ask for protection for all churches and mosques in the region.

“MURIC sympathises with victims of this barbaric attack. Our hearts go to the families of the dead. Our prayers also go to the wounded and their dependants. We stand in solidarity with the state governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu in this hour of deep sadness”.

By Abdallah Jalo Abba

Dear Fulanis, I am writing this fully aware that this might never get to the Fulani herders journeying in forests. That is why I’m precisely writing in English instead of Fulfulde, hoping the educated amongst us will accept my message and join hands as we push to help our nomadic brothers.

Rest assured, I know we like to talk about nomadic cattle herding in glowing nostalgic terms. Still, over the years, this practice has only exposed our nomadic brothers and sisters to agony and a harsh lifestyle in their attempt to live an impossible 17th-century life in the 21st century. Sincerely, this isn’t bravery but naivety. 

Nomadism harms our Fulani cousins more than anyone. I won’t talk about the needless loss of lives this archaic practice has caused since almost everyone is aware of that. I will instead concentrate on the health and socio-economic dangers this primitive practice has brought to our brothers.

As I write this, more than two million of our tribespeople are illiterates and do not own a house due to their lifestyle. However, this isn’t surprising since a nomad cannot own a home or go to school if he’s always on a perpetual journey from Borno to Enugu.

Hitherto, our nomadic brothers die of snakebites, infectious diseases and fever. They live in the rain and under the scorching sun and naturally cannot vote during elections. They sleep out in open areas or in rare situations in thatched makeshift accommodation (for the lucky among them), both of which expose them to tsetse flies and mosquitoes. When they get sick, they lack access to medical care like you and I, thereby risking losing their lives because of their chosen lifestyle.

The nomads drink from polluted water sources contaminated with human faeces; the raw milk they drink carries dangerous bacteria, leading to food poisoning. In addition, they get respiratory diseases because of the dust they inhale while travelling in bushes and unfairly get extorted from security agencies.

Their children are born and raised under impoverished circumstances. They get driven from one place to another by fellow humans or natural forces. Often, this results in the loss of their lives or that of members of their family and/or their cattle.

Selfishly, sedentary Fulanis who live in cities and enjoy housing, electricity, decent water and healthcare like myself are the proponents of nomadic cattle-herding today. How convenient.

So, this same Town-Fulanis who send their kids to school want children of nomads as young as seven years old to continue chasing cows from Sokoto to Enugu and get paid N6000 every month. I know some of you may think this is mere exploitation, but I know slavery whenever I see it.

Obviously, nomadic cattle-herding in Nigeria is impossible. A country with a fast-growing population dependent on farm produce for sustenance cannot accommodate this practice because of the pressure on land and other resources.

A cattle route followed by a herd moving from Northern Nigeria to the South during the dry season is already filled with farmlands come rainy season, making it impossible for the same pack to return to the North via the same route. The problems are too many.

Indeed, it is northern states that have land for cattle grazing. So, it’s astonishing that our brothers choose to travel south where they’re desperately hated and where land is relatively scarce in search of greener pasture they already have in abundance in the North.

Undoubtedly, the land is the most precious of commodities, and land is what the North has and what the South lacks.

Borno state with a surface area of (70,898Km. Sq.) is 11 times the size of Abia state (6,320km. Sq). Niger state with a land area of (76,363km Sq) is 22 times the size of Lagos (3,345 km. Sq). 

The entirety of Ondo state and its forest reserves that Governor Akeredolu has been losing sleep over is only (15,500 Km. Sq), meaning you can remove four Ondo states and four Lagos states in one Niger state. In fact, the entire southeast boasts of only (41,440Km. Sq).

So, can anyone calmly explain to me why cattle herding is more viable in Ondo and not Niger or Borno states? 

This nomadic lifestyle has only brought hardship and suffering, turning our cousins into cheap and easily disposable labour, which has left them in extreme poverty of millennial dimensions and with no access to decent water, electricity, housing and healthcare.

Against this backdrop, the privileged and educated amongst us should advocate for the settlement of nomads, so they and their children can also attend school, watch TV, sleep in a conducive environment like ours and generally achieve economic emancipation. 

Doing that will improve literacy and reduce disease burden among our cousins, thereby freeing up more land to farmers and generally solving the problem of farmer-herder conflicts permanently.

When we do all that,  children of the retired nomads will become doctors in our Medical Centers, Engineers in our factories and lawyers that’ll represent us when people from other social groups seek to malign our loved ones or us.

Like it or not, we cannot disconnect ourselves from the advancement of the 21st century and peacefully coexist with people of this age. So, the earlier we abolish this archaic and primitive practice of chasing cows from pillar to post, the better for everyone – and more so for our landless tribe members.

Abdallah Jalo Abba is a Fulani and Engineer from Yola. He sent this article via hammedadam2@gmail.com.

By Muhammad Sabiu

The Nigerian Army’s 32 Artillery Brigade said on Tuesday that it had begun a field training exercise in Ondo State to address any security concerns.

The “Exercise Crocodile Smile IV” training was also part of the Nigerian Army’s response to security concerns and civil disobedience in the state, Major Victor Olukoya, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, said in a statement.

The drill, according to Olukoya, was also in line with the army’s constitutional mandate of assisting civil authorities.

He stated that the exercise, which began on November 8 and will end on December 23, 2019, would be completed.

He said, “The exercise will be conducted in conjunction with other security agencies to further sustain the existing synergy between the Nigerian Army and other sister agencies in the state.

“This is a military exercise aimed at curbing various security threats such as kidnapping, armed robbery, cultism, pipeline vandalism, hooliganism, and banditry.

“The exercise which is people-oriented shall be conducted in line with the Nigerian Army rules of engagement and code of conduct, guiding exercises of this nature.”

By Muhammad Sabiu