Oyo NSCDC Marks 2024 World Civil Defence Day With Route March, Community Service

As part of the activities to commemorate the 2024 World Civil Defence Day, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, on Thursday, 29th February, 2024, carried out a Route March from the State Command to Mokola Roundabout, followed by a community service of environmental sanitation at Mokola Roundabout.

The theme of the 2024 World Civil Defence Day is "HONOUR HEROES AND PROMOTE SAFETY SKILLS." In line with this theme, the NSCDC Oyo State Command demonstrated its commitment to promoting safety skills and environmental sanitation in the community.

Led by the State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, officers and men of the corps participated in the Route March and the cleaning exercise, where they swept the whole environment around Mokola Roundabout using brooms and other cleaning equipment. 

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment, Oyo State Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Mr Abdul-Mojid Mogbonjubola, declared the exercise opened and expressed his surprise and delight at seeing officers and men of the corps engaging in such an exercise.

In his statement, the Honourable Commissioner emphasized the importance of proper sanitation in reducing the risk of diseases and infections, improving air and water quality, and fostering a sense of pride and belonging within communities. He further requested that the commandant make the exercise a continuous one.

The State Commandant, Commandant Augustine Padonu, expressed the corps' commitment to promoting environmental sanitation and safety skills in the community. He said, "We are proud to be part of this initiative, and we will continue to work towards making our community a cleaner and safer place for all."

The Route March and community service exercise were well-attended by officers and men of the NSCDC Oyo State Command, as well as members of the community who came out to show their support and participation.

NSCDC, Oyo State Command, is committed to promoting safety skills and environmental sanitation in the community. Today's event is a testament to that commitment and a reminder of the importance of working together to build a safer and healthier community for all.

Oluyole 2024: We are Ready To Support Netball Games in Nigeria- NPF

CSP Ololade Babatola

The Chairperson, Nigeria Police Netball Association (NPNA), CSP Ololade Oluwaseun Babatola has reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) to support the game of netball in the country.

Speaking with newsmen during the ongoing 14th Biennial Police Games tagged Oluyole 2024 in Ibadan, the CSP Ololade said Nigeria will benefits tremendously from the ongoing Police Games in the sense that a lot of talents will be discovered especially in netball that can win laurels for the country in international competition.

“The game of netball game is back and we want to showcase it to the whole world in order for people to key into it. Although, it is a female game but the males are now interested in playing it.

"With the talents abound in Nigeria Police, the country will benefitted from it and I'm very sure, this will form the bedrock of athletes that will win laurels for the country in international competition," she said.

CSP Babatola further reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to support the netball players up to the international level while revealing that the players have been training since last year to keep fit. 

She, however, appreciated the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun for his unwavering support to the game of netball while affirming that the players will live up to expectation and take the game to international standard. 

"We want to appreciate the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun and CP Patrick Atayero for giving us the opportunity to showcase the game netball. We are not going to fail you and we are sure that the game of netball has come to stay in Nigeria," she added.

In a related development, Inspector Ama Justina of the Force Headquarters has won a gold medal in the karate competition (individual category) and a silver medal in the team category. 

The elated police inspector who was full of joy revealed that she has participated in the All African Games to represent Nigeria while revealing that the karate game is a disciplined game that goes beyond fighting. 

She further stated that the game help to keep players fit psychologically, physically and emotionally. 

Football Has Power To Unite Us, Hence Leveraging On It - PS Homes’ Boss

Babatunde Saheed with Taiwo Olukunle during the signing of the brand Ambassador deal

The group managing director of PS Homes and Properties, Dr. Taiwo Paul Olukunle has said that the recently held Africa Cup of Nations has shown the strong unifying factor of football to most Nigerians hence leveraging on it to promote his real estate business.

The renowned realtor explained this while signing a popular Ibadan based Yoruba Sport presenter, Babatunde Saheed, popularly known as Mr. Sport as a brand ambassador of his firm over the weekend.    

Olukunle averred that apart from serving as a means of entertainment, football is regarded as a strategic marketing tool that brands can employ to warm themselves into the mind of their loyal fans.

“Interestingly, many brands across the world that recognised these benefits have tapped into football marketing through sponsorship, enabling them to leverage the enthusiasm and loyalty of the die-hard football fans to market their products and services.”

The real estate firm that located at PS homes Court, Adenuga Street, Bodija Ibadan has formerly engaged King Wasiu Ayinde Marshall, King Saheed Osupa and Zubby Michael that are entertainers as their brand ambassadors before varying into sports by signing Mr. Sport, a Cote D'ivoire returnee who’s working with Success FM 105.3.  

“Sports has a spirit that gives joy and happiness, and when we’re talking about the key that binds family together, is love, and that’s the spirit of sportsmanship, so if we can take the joy in sports and leveraging it into real estate, because the purpose of real estate is to provide shelter for father, mother and children, so if there’s love and joy we have a very good family,” said Olukunle

“A country like Nigeria with more than 250 ethnic groups and 250 million people can be divided along ethno-religious lines, but AFCON has the power to bring us together. At a time of growing hardship and insecurity in Nigeria, one in which there is real, deep mistrust and disillusionment among much of the population with the government, AFCON serves as a reminder that there is something good that can come from the country. There is still something to celebrate,” he added.

14th Biennial Police Games: Actions Kick Off Today

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun with the Games mascot 

Actions will resume across all venues of the 14th biennial Police Games tagged 'Oluyole 2024' in Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Monday.

According to the program of events made available to newsmen by the organiser, the game of tug of war has commenced at the Oyo State Police headquarters, Eleyele on Saturday but most of the rest will start at various venues on Monday.

At the Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasingba, various athletes representing their zones will be competing in events like Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Handball, Netball, Rugby, Judo, karate, Taekwondo, Wrestling, Weightlifting, Volleyball and Wushu Kungfu will commence.

Actions in the football competition will take place at the Olubadan Stadium.

At the Ilaji Sports Resort, Ilaji, actions will kick off in Boxing, Archery, Hockey, and Kick-boxing.

Actions in the board game of Chess and Scrabble will commence at Gillani Hotel, while the former Liberty Stadium, now Obafemi Awolowo stadium, Ibadan, will play host to teams taking part in Cricket.

Ibadan Recreation Club, Sabo area, Ibadan will host athletes competing in Table Tennis, Lawn Tennis and Squash while Ibadan Golf Club will be use by golfers.

No venues have been chosen for Swimming, Cycling and Triathlon

14th Biennial Police Games Kickoff In Ibadan

Gov Seyi Makinde with the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun at the event 

Fun, Pageantry As 14th Biennial Games Kick Off In Ibadan

The 14th Biennial Police Games tagged Oluyole 2024 began today in Ibadan amidst fanfare and pegantry. 

The colorful sporting event attracted display and march past from the 17 zonal commands of the federation. 

The sporting event tagged "competing for peace, unity, stability and development of Nigeria will hold from Saturday 24 February to 2nd March 2024 in Ibadan, the capital city of Oyo State.

Speaking at the event, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, who represents President Bola Tinubu at the event, commended the Nigeria Police Force for bringing the competition to the south west while affirming that the sporting festival will boost the economic activities of the state.

He said, "The Oyo State government is hosting the competition in the first quarter of the second tenure of Omituntun 2.0. The sport festival will boost the tourism sector in Nigeria and it is an avenue to project new athletes to the world". 

The Governor further commended the NPF for producing Chioma Ajunwa, the first gold medalist in long jump. 

Adding, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun charged the athletes to compete according to the rules of the games and uphold the core values of professionalism. 

The IGP further revealed that the Nigeria Police games is a fertile ground for nurturing sport talents while affirming that the 2024 edition of the police games will surpassed previous edition. 

He further stated that the purpose of the game is to foster unity across the country.

The 2024 Police games will attract over 4000 athletes across the 17 zonal commands of the Nigeria Police Force.

In his goodwill message, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who was represented by the General Officer Commanding 2 Division of the Nigerian Army, said sport is an avenue to foster unity.

He added that the Army and the Nigeria Police have continued to work tirelessly to sustain peace in the country.

The opening ceremony featured parades from the seventeen zones and the headquarters of the Nigeria Police, hoisting of the Games’ flag and cultural displays, among others.

The event had in attendance, the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; the Chief of Staff to the Governor and Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of Oluyole 2024, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; and the Oyo State Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni), Chairperson of Oyo State Netball Association, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde among others.

14th Biennial Games 'll Produce New Talents For Nigeria -ACP Adejobi

ACP Muyiwa Adejobi with Oyo State Sports Commissioner, Wasilat Adegoke and Oyo State Governor's Chief Press Sectary, Pastor Olanrewaju Sulaimon at the press briefing

The Nigeria Police Force and the Oyo State Government have reaffirmed their commitment to stage a world class 14th Biennial Games.

The event with the theme 'Competing for peace, unity, stability and development of the country is slated to hold from 24th February to 2nd March 2024 in Ibadan the capital city of Oyo State, will feature football, basketball, boxing, mixed martial arts, swimming, tennis, table tennis, badminton, wrestling, among other sports.

Speaking at the press briefing held in Ibadan, the Force PPRO, ACP Muyiwa Adejobi stated that the 14th Biennial Games will produce new talents for the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the country at large.

He further revealed that the sporting event will promote peace, stability in the country and reduce crime activities in the country.

"We are tired of hearing old names of athletes, many of them have retired and we want to use the this games to recruit new talents that will represent Nigeria and West Africa in sporting activities. 

"We are expecting over 4000 athletes from the 17 zonal commands across the country. Our Presence in Oyo State will improve security and economic status of the State," ACP Adejobi said.

Speaking further, ACP Adejobi maintained that the Nigeria Police Force is fully committed to take the lead in sporting development while revealing that the game will strengthen the unity of the country and he enjoined the people of the state to cooporate with the police in making the games hitchfree. 

He, however, commended the Oyo state government for accepting to host the 14th Police Games stating that the state government has set the pace for others to follow.

The honourable commissioner for Youth and Sport in Oyo state, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, also re-affirmed the commitment  of the state government to hold the sporting festival while declaring that the the game would positively contribute to Oyo state’s socio-economic development.

“The administration of Governor Seyi Makinde enables potentials and believes that the police games will be one of the platforms to discover new talents for the state and country at large.

“Several stadia have been prepared to ensure that everything needed by officers is adequately provided. We are hoping that the tournament would produce talents for the Olympic games and other global competitions,” she said.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Oyo State Governor, Pastor Olanrewaju Sulaimon stated that the hosting of the sporting  event is a blessing to the state.

"Oyo state is fully ready and prepared to make the 8th days event a success. Oyo state  enables potential and new talents will be discovered. We are hopeful that the  event will produce future Olympic winners for Nigeria. It will be an exciting event and create a new dawn in athletics in Nigeria," he added.

The 13th Biennial Police Games was held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom, from November 23 to 30, 2022.

Increase Your Fluid Intake 'Cause Of Present Weather Condition -Kayrom Lee Urges Nigerians

Ambassador Romoke Ayinde

Wellness and fitness expert, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde has advice Nigerians to take care of their health by increasing their fluid intake to avoid dehydration because of the present weather condition.

According to meteorologist reports monitored on Monday, air temperature over the northern part of the country hit 41°C and that of the southern parts over 39°C with model projections indicating temperatures to remain high in the coming days.

Amb Ayinde, who is the Chief Executive Officer at Kayrom Lee Gym and Fitness Center said with what is expected in the weather in coming days, everyone need to protect themselves from what the heat likely to cause.

"I will advise Nigerians to protect themselves especially the young and the old by increasing our fluid intake because from the reports of the weather expert, the will be a lot of heat in the coming days which can potentially lead dehydration.

"This could also cause dizziness; chicken Pox disease, Measles, Heat Rash,weakness of the body, fever, and dry lips; Heat-Related Illnesses; Respiratory Issues; and Increased Vulnerability to chronic conditions," Amb Ayinde said.

Advising further, Amb Ayinde said for the people to escape all these heat related diseases, one must help oneself by following some basic rules that can combat it.

"Apart from increasing our fluid intake by drinking a lot of water based drinks, we must avoid to stay too long in the sun by seeking shade whenever it is available and make the use of our fan regularly to cool ourselves down.

"We must avoid wearing black colour cloth because it attract heat and must always wear light and breathable clothing to reduce exposure to high temperatures. We must stay indoor if possible and also avoid strenuous physical activities during the peak heat hour of the day," she added.

Speaking further, Amb Ayinde said if any member of our family or one around us is suffering from heat related diseases, they should be taken to the hospital to avoid complications.

Lagos Based Entrepreneur Bags Kingdom Life University Honorary Doctorate Degree

Dr Ajike Shona receiving her Honorary Degree 

A Lagos-based Entrepreneur, Business Mogul and Philanthropist, Afolashade Ajike Shona has been conferred with an Honorary Doctorate Degree by the Kingdom Life University, Florida, United States of America, USA for her contributions to the Society.

The conferment amidst pomp and pageantry, took place during the 1st Anniversary of the National Matron of the Association of Female Artisans Worldwide, AOFAW in partnership with Kingdom Life University, Florida, USA.

The Representative of the University said, Dr. Shona, who is also the Yeye Atorise of Ikeja High School, Lagos State, undoubtedly deserved the honour of Honourary Doctor of Philosophy bestowed on her, considering her track records of excellence in entrepreneurship, leadership, Philanthropy, and contributions to human capital development.

He described the National Matron of AOFAW as a great ambassador of Nigeria wherever she is,  saying she has carved an enviable niche as one of the prides of the Country both at home and in the diaspora.

Speaking, the National Women Leader, Association of Female Artisans Worldwide, AOFAW, Dr. Jumoke Aborode eulogized Dr. Shona for her immense contributions towards making the society habitable for her co-human beings especially, her mentorship and role modelling for other women and the Children to emulate.

She said, the Awardee has opened eyes of some women to greatness in life through hardwork and diligence, which made her the choice of being the National Matron of the Association in the Country.

Dr. Shona wears many caps as a philanthropist and an Employer of labour of repute who has bagged several awards both at home and  in the diaspora.

She is the brain behind Avo Pizza Fabulous where many people are gainfully employed to reduce high rate of unemployment in the Country, she also runs a non-profit organisation that is renowned for charitable cause. Through her Foundation, Dr. Afolashade Ajike Shona has built a strong legacy of selflessness and compassion by making life more meaningful to the people particularly, the less privileged.

She has touched many lives of the less privileged in the society through scholarships and provision of School Uniforms and other necessary items for the indigent students. 

Also, in her quest for a well-rounded early age education for the children, Dr. Shona ventured into the provision of educational aids and children's playground equipment. She is the Chairman/CEO of DLA Children Playground Equipment and Toys Limited.

Her Organisation partners Government Agencies, including Universal Basic Education Commission, UBEC and Stated Universal Basic Education Board, SUBEB, to supply quality equipment to Schools across the Country, with a view to stimulating interest in learning and safe for Children to use.

The Education Management graduate has no tolerance for low performance and non-performance which gave her a popular name of Iron-Lady.

She is a Business Icon with special interest in Amusement Parks and Food Items Manufacturing and any other legitimate business.

Dr Shona receiving Award of Excellence 

Dr. Shona over the years has been paying salaries to some teachers handling the less privileged and indigent Children in Lagos and its environs, to make them useful to the Society in the nearest future, with a believe that, once the children are properly catered for, they would contribute their quota to the Nation's Development later in life.

Responding, Dr. Shona who attributed all what she has been doing to the grace of God to help humanity in her little way, commended the AOFAW in partnership with the Kingdom Life University, Florida, for counting her worthy of the Award, with promise to continue to put smiles on the faces of others in the society.

Dr Shona thanked the Royal Fathers, eminent personalities, friends, family and associates who graced the occasion, wishing them well in all they do in life too.

At the Ceremony, Association of Female Artisans Worldwide, AOFAW, also presented an Award of Excellence to the National Matron, Dr. Afolashade Ajike Shona in addition to many feathers already in her caps. She has received Award Recognition for her Excellence Contributions to Education Sector and Services to Humanity. In 2023, the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria, CRAN, gave her Sterling Award. Also, Lagos State Ministry of Education gave her Award in Recognition and Appreciation of her contributions to the development and growth of Special Education in Lagos State. Among many other Awards.

Check Your Blood Pressure Before Watching AFCON Final -Kayrom Lee Begs Nigerians

Wellness and fitness expert, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde has urged Nigerians especially sports lovers who are willing to watch the final match in the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations between Nigeria and Cote D'Ivoire on Sunday to check their blood pressure before doing so.

In a chat with newsmen on Friday, Amb Ayinde, who is the chief executive officer of Kayrom Lee Gym and Fitness Center, said it is tantamount to suicide for anyone with health issues like blood pressure or heart related diseases to engage in any act that are likely to give them shock like watching a tension game.

It would be recalled that four Nigerians lost their lives during the semi-final game between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Bafana Bafana of South Africa on Wednesday.

"Nigerians should not let the joy of a moment like watching football cut short their lives. My candid advice is that if you must watch the final, you must first know your health status by checking your blood pressure to know whether you are in the hypetension or hypotension level.

"Hypetension is where the reading of the blood pressure is on the high side and hypotension is where the blood level is low. Both condition is very bad and can triggered stroke or sudden death," Amb Ayinde said.

Speaking further, Ayinde, who is the pioneer chairperson of Oyo State Netball Association said both condition can be triggered by shock and great anxiety which would not end well.

"If you health status cannot allow you to watch the game, stay away and wait for the final results to celebrate. It is better than people honoring you with a minute silence," Amb Ayinde added.

Invest In Youths To Develop Their Potential -Dr Obi Urges Gov't

Dr Olutayo Obi 

United States of America based businessman, Dr Olutayo Obi has urged the Federal Ministry of Youths and Sports to invest their time and resources in places that can help the Nigerian youth to develop their potentials. 

Speaking with newsmen during his visit to Kayrom Lee Gym and Fitness Center at the Obafemi Awolowo stadium, Ibadan, Dr Obi said he is impressed with the level of development he met at the center owned by Ambassador Romoke Ayinde and he pleaded with the government to encourage such owners to help develop potential of the youth in the society.

"I was here before I traveled and I can say categorical that there is lots of improvement especially with the swimming pool and the squash Court.

"People like Ambassador Ayinde, who have centers like this which can help take the youths minds off social vices and model them to be top athletes, should be encouraged by the government by investing into it.

"Instead of going for readymade athletes, center like if encouraged, can produce homegrown athletes that can compete favourable with their counterpart from abroad and by that the government will be killing two birds with one stone.

"That is, engaging the youths positively through sports thus taking their minds off social vices and again producing athletes that can win laurels for the country," Dr Obi said.

Speaking further, Dr Obi salutes Ambassador Ayinde for her never die spirit in making the development of the youths and wellness her priority.

"People like Ambassador Ayinde are rear in the society and should be encouraged to do more. For her to equipped a science laboratory and make it available free for students in the society, she should be encouraged to do more," he added.