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OAU VC, Ogunbodede Reads Riot Act to Land Grabbers/Speculators

Published

5 years ago

December 21, 2020

Eric

A PRESS CONFERENCE ADDRESSED BY THE VICE-CHANCELLOR OF OBAFEMI AWOLOWO UNIVERSITY, ILE-IFE, PROFESSOR EYITOPE OGUNBODEDE, ON MONDAY, 21ST DECEMBER, 2020 AT THE FLOOR ‘0’, ROOM O5 OF THE UNIVERSITY AT 12 NOON

Gentlemen of the Press, I call you all here today, to formally inform Nigerians and the entire world, through your different media organisations, about the recent happenings between our University and some land speculators/land grabbers within the Ile-Ife Community.

Precisely in 1961 when this University was founded by the government of the then Western Region of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adesoji Aderemi who also doubled as the Governor of Western Region, with the support of the Ife Community donated the land on which Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) is now situated. The University occupies a land area of Eleven Thousand, Nine Hundred and Sixty One (11,961) hectares.

Let me say here that before this time, nobody has ever ventured or encroached into University land until recently when some land grabbers audaciously insisted that “the land given to the University by the founding fathers was too much, and that OAU should be ready to forgo the portion around Parakin axis of Ile-Ife”.

Lo and behold, what we initially thought to be rumour now turned into reality as we discovered later that some people have not only encroached into the land, but have been brazenly selling it to individuals who have now started erecting some structures on it.

The Council had directed at the June 2019 meeting that Management should approach the External Solicitors to issue a Caveat Emptor on behalf of OAU. The Caveat Emptor was published in the Punch and Nigerian Tribune Newspapers of August 8, 2019. A group of Ife Chiefs published a rejoinder/paid advert in the Nigerian Tribune of 15th of August, 2019. However, the Ile-Ife Royal Brothers Club also issued a Press Release and advertorial in the Informant of 26th August to September 1, 2019 condemning the sale of University land “by any individual, group or personality” and asserting that “the sale of the land meant for the overall development of Ile-Ife by few greedy individuals should be roundly condemned”.

Exploring the cordial relationship between the University and the Ife Community, the University Management led by the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, engaged HIM Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II and the leadership of Ife Community in dialogue. Letters had also been written to His Imperial Majesty in addition to official discussions by the Council Chairman and the Vice-Chancellor. It was erroneously believed that the issue had been resolved. The said land, although clearly gazetted as University land and on which the University had exercised ownership for decades without let or hindrance, was forcefully broken into by the same set of people on 3rd April, 2019, and the University dam was poisoned. This led to the death of fishes and other aquatic animals. Following this incident, the intervention of the police and other security agencies reduced activities on the land for some months, until very recently. It is obvious that drastic but legal measures must be taken to reverse the trend and prevent any future encroachment.

Accordingly, with an express mandate from the Federal Government and the marching order from the Honourable Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, we had already sensitized the general public, particularly by airing Radio Jingles in all the Radio Stations in Osun State, and to also warn those who have been misled into buying government land, that the Federal Government is not only prepared but ready to secure the University land. All illegal and encroaching structures will have to give way as the University is not ready to cede an inch of its gazetted land. The University intends to start with the first phase of securing the land by fencing the entire area. While we agree that it is important to remain friendly with the local communities around the University, it is necessary at the same time to protect the legacy of the landed property of the University.

Gentlemen of the Press, in strict compliance with the directive of the Federal Government, every machinery has been set in motion to secure the University land without any fear or compromise. We hereby wish to warn ANYBODY OR ANY GROUP OF PERSONS who may want to forment any trouble that law enforcement agencies have been officially briefed about this development.

I thank you all for listening and wish you the compliments of the season.

Good afternoon.

Featured

Glo Introduces “More Data More Value” Offer to Boost Customers’ Experience

Published

13 hours ago

June 6, 2026

Eric

Determine to enrich the digital experience of its subscribers, Globacom has introduced a new data offer, tagged “More Data More Value only on Glo”. The new offer gives customers as much as 10 percent more data across its bundles as the Nigerian telecom landscape shifts toward a data-led economy.

Globacom explained in a statement that “The new offer is designed to ensure that every Naira spent by a Nigerian consumer yields the highest possible digital return”, thus reinforcing the company’s long-standing reputation for affordability and empowerment.

“More Data More Value” offers a variety of weekly and monthly options planned to balance daytime and night-time usage. The weekly plan includes ₦1,000 option which provides 3.7GB of total data, consisting of 1.7GB main data and 2GB night data, while that of ₦2,000 offers 9GB in total, divided into 6.5GB main data and 2.5GB night data.

The monthly plan also comes with different options including that of ₦1,500 which delivers a total of 5.2GB (2.2GB main data paired with 3GB night data); the ₦2,000 option offering 6.25GB data, a combination of 3.25GB main data and 3GB night data and16.5GB, comprising 14.5GB main data and 2GB night data which goes for N5,000. There is also the ₦10,000 and N15,000 options, with N10,000 providing 42GB total, 38GB main data and 4GB night data, while ₦15,000 offers 64GB in total, consisting of 62GB main data and 2GB night data.

Glo’s enhanced bundles provide the necessary incentive for students, remote workers, and entrepreneurs to browse longer, whether for TikTok trends, Instagram aesthetics, YouTube streaming, or high-stakes gaming and stream without fear, ensuring their professional and social lives remain uninterrupted.

These improved bundles from Globacom give entrepreneurs, remote workers, and students the incentive they need to browse longer, whether for high-stakes gaming, YouTube streaming, Instagram aesthetics, or TikTok trends, and stream on end, while ensuring seamlessness in their social and professional lives.

Beyond individual users, the “More Data More Value” offer also extend its benefits to families and SMEs. With the reliance of small businesses and households on mobile hotspots for their daily operations, Glo has optimized its offerings to serve as the preferred network for high-volume usage.

The offer also serves as a driver of digital transformation through the Glo Café app. Customers are encouraged to utilize the app for seamless bundle subscriptions, as it allows them to manage their “more than 10% extra” data with ease, thus ensuring rewarding user experience.

“More Data More Value” offer underscores Glo’s commitment to providing the best value-for-money which gives Nigerians the benefit of not compromising on their digital lifestyle

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Otti to Build 35,000-Capacity FIFA-Standard Stadium in Aba

Published

22 hours ago

June 5, 2026

Eric

Abia State governor, Alex Otti, has announced plans to construct a FIFA-standard stadium in Aba with a seating capacity of approximately 35,000, in what is being described as one of the most significant sports infrastructure projects in the State’s development agenda.

The proposed stadium is designed to meet international football standards, making it suitable for hosting top-tier domestic league matches, continental competitions, and other global sporting events.

The facility is expected to feature modern pitch technology, upgraded spectator stands, advanced lighting systems for night games, VIP lounges, media centres, locker rooms, and safety and security installations that align with FIFA requirements.

The project is also expected to include auxiliary facilities such as training pitches, parking spaces, and support buildings that will enhance its overall functionality as a multi-use sports complex.

According to the governor’s vision, the stadium is not just a sports project but part of a broader economic revitalisation plan for Aba.

The city, already known as a major commercial hub in South-eastern Nigeria, is expected to benefit significantly from increased sporting activities, which will drive business for hotels, transport operators, food vendors, and local entrepreneurs.

The initiative is also positioned to strengthen grassroots football development and provide a modern home ground for local teams, especially Enyimba FC, one of Nigeria’s most successful football clubs.

The project is expected to be executed through a structured development approach that may involve partnerships aimed at ensuring timely delivery and high construction standards.

When completed, the stadium is projected to elevate Abia State’s profile in national and African football circles while creating new opportunities for youth engagement, talent development, and sports tourism.

Overall, the Aba stadium plan reflects a strategic push by the state government to combine sports, infrastructure, and economic development into a single long-term growth vision for Abia State.

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June 12: FG Unveils Plans for ‘Modest’ Democracy Day Celebrations

Published

3 days ago

June 3, 2026

Eric

The Federal government has announced plans for a modest commemoration of Nigeria’s 27th Democracy Day anniversary, with President Bola Tinubu expected to lead activities by addressing a joint session of the National Assembly and delivering a nationwide presidential broadcast on June 12.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, disclosed this on Tuesday during the inauguration of an Inter-Ministerial Committee charged with coordinating preparations for the annual celebration.

A statement signed by the Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the SGF, Yomi Odunuga, further disclosed that Akume, who inaugurated the committee at the Shehu Shagari Complex, said that with barely 10 days remaining before the anniversary, members must immediately commence implementation of activities outlined for the event.

According to him, a week-long programme has been scheduled for the celebration, culminating in a Democracy Day Gala Night on June 12.

The activities include a World Press Conference on June 4, Special Juma’at Prayers on June 5, a Special Inter-denominational Church Service on June 7, a Democracy Day Public Lecture on June 9, as well as Youth and Women-Oriented Programmes on June 10.

The SGF stated that the administration remained conscious of prevailing economic realities and its commitment to prudent management of public resources, noting that this year’s events would be deliberately scaled down.

He said the decision reflected the government’s awareness of the current national mood and determination to ensure fiscal responsibility in the execution of public programmes.

Akume also paid tribute to heroes of the June 12 democratic struggle, particularly the late Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, describing his sacrifice as a defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey and a foundation upon which the country’s democratic institutions have evolved.

He said the annual observance of Democracy Day serves as an opportunity to honour the memory of those who fought for democratic governance while celebrating Nigeria’s progress in sustaining civilian rule and strengthening democratic institutions.

According to Akume, the occasion will also provide the Tinubu administration an avenue to showcase progress made in consolidating democracy, repositioning key institutions, and implementing reforms aimed at addressing national challenges despite prevailing socio-economic difficulties.

The Inter-Ministerial Committee inaugurated for the anniversary is chaired by the SGF and comprises senior government officials drawn from the executive, security, and administrative sectors.

Members include ministers responsible for Information, Interior, Federal Capital Territory, Health, Foreign Affairs, Finance, Defence, and Budget and Economic Planning, alongside the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services, presidential aides, and permanent secretaries.

The committee has been mandated to coordinate and execute all approved Democracy Day activities, engage relevant organisations and stakeholders where necessary, preserve records of the events for historical purposes, and undertake any additional assignments required for the successful delivery of the programme.

Akume further directed subcommittee secretaries to promptly submit budget proposals to facilitate the seamless implementation of the planned activities.

Democracy Day, celebrated annually on June 12, was instituted in honour of the annulled June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s freest and fairest polls and won by the late MKO Abiola.