Give More Coverage To Grassroots Sports, Oyo SWAN Patroness Charges Sports Journalists

Ambassador Romoke Ayinde with Members of Oyo SWAN at the event

The Patroness of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State chapter, Ambassador Romoke Ramat Ayinde has advised sports writers in the state to give more coverage to sports at the grassroots to encourage more people to invest in it.

Speaking while breaking fast with some sports journalists in compliant with the spirit of the ongoing Muslim Ramadan fasting at the Wimpy Restaurant, Onireke, Ibadan, Ambassador Ayinde who is the Iyalaje Adini of Oyo State noted that most sports presenters are fond of hyping foreign competitions at the expense of domestic competitions.

Amb Ayinde, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Kayrom Lee Group of Companies charged the sports writers and broadcasters to channel the energies and resources used in hyping foreign competitions to promote grassroots sports and domestic competitions.

"It is very important that you showcase grassroots competitions to assist in unearthing many talents that exist in all nooks and crannies of our country. Let your news package and productions have many grassroots sports contents. It is highly beneficial to our society if you promote the activities of RACBAR which has in the past ten years been discovering and nurturing talents in various games as swimming, football, boxing, table tennis, tennis and others", Amb Ayinde who is the founder of a multi sports academy, RACBAR said.

While pointing out the important role of the media in nation building and development of the society, Amb Ayinde, fondly called Kayrom Lee by her many admirer, enjoined the media to use their ability to reach out to the masses and influence the public to set positive agenda for sports administrators in the country.

"Use your skills to develop Oyo state. Sports journalists have the ability to move mountains and not do things just to impress on social media. It is important to showcase what is on ground so people can capitalise on it and use it to attain success", she advised.

In his welcome address at the iftar (the breaking of fast by Muslims), the Chairman of Oyo SWAN, Ayomiku Ajibola welcomed appreciated his colleagues who attended  the Iftar stating the importance of such occasion in bonding and promoting the ideals of friendship during the holy month of Ramadan. He also thanked Alhaja Romoke Ayinde for her generosity to the association.

 According to him, "SWAN will continue to do more to build the spirit of togetherness amongst its members."

Amb Ayinde with Oyo SWAN exco at the event

The immediate past Chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria in Oyo State, Niyi Alebiosu in his goodwill message urged sports journalists to learn to diversify in their sports coverage. According to him, "there are over 35 internationally recognised Sports that you can pursue apart from football. This level of diversity can help you change lives and meet change makers in the world of sports."

Also present at the iftar are the Vice Chairman of the Association, Gbenga Olugbodi, the immediate past Secretary, Adewale Tijani, the Treasurer of the Oyo State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Akeem Abas, a former Treasurer of NUJ in Oyo State and former NEC member of NAWOJ Mrs Yinka Bode Are, a front-line sports writers and boxing promoter, Olanrewaju Agiri and a host of other eminent sport journalists from various media organisations.

2024 Easter: Oyo NSCDC Deploys 2,500 Personnel To Provide Security

Commandant Augustine Padonu

In a proactive measure to ensure the safety and security of citizens, the State Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Oyo State Command, Commandant Augustine Padonu, has announced the deployment of 2,500 personnel across the state. 

The deployment comes ahead of the Easter period and aims to safeguard strategic locations, critical national assets, and infrastructure, as well as protect vulnerable citizens.

The deployment of personnel to various key areas, such as motor parks, churches, amusement centres, and critical infrastructure, is part of the command's concerted efforts to proactively mitigate potential cases of insurgency, kidnapping, and attacks on vulnerable citizens. By reinforcing security measures, the NSCDC aims to ensure a smooth and secure celebration during the Easter period.

To enhance surveillance and patrol activities, Commandant Padonu has deployed the specialized Counter Terrorism Unit of the command. This unit will carry out rigorous surveillance operations across the state, ensuring the safety of the public and swift response to any security threats that may arise.

Furthermore, the Disaster Management Unit of the Oyo State Command has been deployed to address any emergencies that may occur during the Easter period. This unit is well-trained and equipped to handle various disaster scenarios promptly, ensuring the safety and welfare of the citizens.

Speaking about the deployment, the State Commandant emphasized the NSCDC's commitment to maintaining public safety and security. He stated, "The deployment of 2,500 personnel across strategic locations is a proactive measure to ensure the security of our citizens during the Easter period. We are fully committed to mitigating any potential security challenges and preempting any untoward incidents through actionable intelligence. The Counter Terrorism Unit and Disaster Management Unit have been deployed to provide swift responses and address emergencies promptly."

Commandant Padonu further urged the public to cooperate with the NSCDC personnel and promptly report any suspicious activities or security concerns to the nearest security agencies. He assured the citizens of the NSCDC's readiness to protect lives and property, emphasizing that security remains a collective responsibility.

The State Commandant concluded by expressing his confidence in the ability of the deployed personnel to fulfill their duties diligently and efficiently. He encouraged citizens to celebrate the Easter period with peace of mind, knowing that adequate security measures are in place.

Ramadan: Ensure Good Relationships With Family, Neighbours -Kayrom Lee Advises Muslim Women

Ambassador Romoke Ayinde

Iyalaje Adini of Oyo State, Ambassador Rahmat Romoke Ayinde has advised women in the society to see this Ramadan period as a season to ensure to foster good relationships with our families and neighbours according to Allah's word.

Speaking on a program on Aje-Cowry radio, Amb Ayinde, who is the Chief executive Officer of Kayrom Lee Group of Companies said according to the holy Quran, Allah's love for women was so great that a verses was dedicated to then which is Surat al-Nisa, in the fourth chapter of the Qur'an and that should be every women's guide word in this holy month of Ramadan.

"We all know that the impact of Muslim women in the month of Ramadan can not be quantified. That is why we need to talk to ourselves as a woman so as not to go astray from Allah's word. In the Holy Quran, Surat al-Nisa verse 114, Allah explained to us that women are many and we should use the numerical number for the good of the society.

"In one of Prophet Mohammad (SAW) hadith, he said if you enter a town and the town was prosperous, you should give kudos to the women there and again if the result is otherwise, it is the nature of the women in their society and this shows that we the women in our society have a lot work to do," Amb Ayinde said.

Speaking further, she said what is happening wrongly in our society today is because the women have neglected their role as stipulated by the Holy Quran.

"According to Surat al-Nisa, we must let the society feel our impact like if we see some people that are unable to feed or cater for their well-being, we should try to assist them or solicit from other well meaning people to help them.

"There are so many ways we as a woman can do this because we are the one that knows our husband's pocket and we can easily convince him to help the less privileged because it is one of our obligations stated in Surat al-Nisa we must do.

"It is also our obligation according to the Quran to act as a peace maker whenever we found ourselves and not to be the factor behind such and the blessing will be recieve greatly from God," Amb Ayinde added.

On the role of Muslim women during Ramadan, Amb Ayinde further advised Muslim women to see their rigorous efforts of waking up to prepare food for their family despite their normal daily sheldude as a way of obtaining more blessing and favour from God and should always do things according to means available to us.

Uphold Unity, Professionalism and Ethics -Kayrom Lee Charges New Oyo SWAN Excos

Amb Romoke Ayinde with members of Oyo SWAN during the visit 

The Patroness, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Oyo State Chapter, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde on Wednesday charged the newly elected executive committee members of the Association to strive to promote unity, uphold professionalism and diligently run the affairs of the Association.

The Chief Executive Officer, Kayrom Lee Gym & Fitness Centre, spoke in Ibadan while hosting the executive committee members of the Association who came to pay her a courtesy visit at her Obafemi Awolowo Stadium office, Ibadan.

Ambassador Ayinde charged the new leadership of Oyo SWAN to stay focused and discharge their duties diligently, without fear or favour.

According to her, the only way for leaders to succeed is to be focused, dedicated, and determined.

The business tycoon who is also the Pioneer Chairman, Oyo State Netball Association, assured the new Excos of her continued support for the development of the Association and growth of Sports in the Pace Setter State.

In company of the new executive committee is the immediate past Chairman, Comrade Niyi Alebiosu who thanked Ambassador Ayinde for her support for the Association during his time as Chairman, and urged her to continue to support the new executive committee.

Speaking on behalf of the new Oyo SWAN Executive committee, The newly elected Chairman, Comrade Ayomiku Ajibola promised to keep to his campaign promises of uniting the body in the state and ensure career development of all members in the state.

Other Executive committee members present include the Associations’ Secretary Mr Boluwaji Ogunmola and Assistant Secretary Miss Anabel Enahoro.

Rasheedat Hooks Abdulrazaq

Foremost businessman, Abdulraheem Abdul Rasaq is set to officially wed her long time heartthrob Adewusi Rasheedah in a societal wedding. 

The event which is scheduled to take place at the Ansarudeen High School, Liberty, Oke Ado on Saturday, 9th March 2024 will attract dignitaries from all walks of life who are expected to grace the occasion.

According to a statement made on Tuesday in Ibadan, the capital city of Ibadan, the reception will follow immediately at the same venue on Saturday.

YIEF Holds Leaders’ Retreat In Ibadan To Champion Yoruba Political Viability

A non partisan political group, the Yoruba Intellectual Elites Forum (YIEF) has over the weekend held a Yoruba Political Summit and its Leaders’ Retreat at Infinity Grace Event Centre, Odo-Ona Kekere, off Arapaja road, Oluyole Local Government, Ibadan where important issues bothering on Yoruba advancement were discussed.

Addressing newsmen after the event, the President of the group Alhaja Otunba Ronke Kolade Carew Rontex explained that YIEF is not a partisan political group, but an association of politically-minded and intellectually-sound Yoruba sons and daughters who are desirous of having an efficiently-transformed, industrially-developed, economically-independent and politically-viable  Yorubaland.

Madam Rontex added that going by the recent styles of our politicians and their disregard to all forms of commitments towards the timely development of both Yorubaland and Yoruba people, the need to actively engage and remind them of what is due for both Yorubaland and Yoruba people gave rise to this group.

Her words: “With our members cutting across all active political parties, this is a frontline pressure group on all politicians and traditional rulers to make the Omoluabi dream a reality without any secessionist undertone. In true Nigeria we all believe.

“We have been idle enough awaiting ‘whatever’ our elected and appointed leaders sprinkle on us after eating-out almost everything meant for everyone. So my people, let us find this as a valiant opportunity to timely ask for what is due for us all from those appointed and elected to represent us,” said Alhaja Kolade Carew popularly known as Mama RONTEX.

Speaking in the same vein, the Publicity secretary for YIEF Mr. Adewale Justus also explained that their coming together as Yoruba Forum was premised on the fact that there is something very common in Yorubaland which is called the Omoluabi mantra.

“What does omoluabi means, we’re courteous and we’re conscious but unfortunately within the polity of the country, we are people that have lost almost all because we have been keeping with the Omoluabi mantra. what does omoluabi means, we’re courteous and we’re conscious but unfortunately within the polity of the country, we are people that have lost almost all because we have been keeping with the Omoluabi mantra, and what does it portend, you should wait until is giving to you, but unfortunately that has crashed all that we should have earned.”  

He continued “Go to Minna in Niger, go to Daura in Kastina State and go to Port Harcourt in Rivers State and see the impact their sons and children in government have brought to bear, but unfortunately for ours in Yorubaland because of the Omoluabi mantra we tend to wait for the leaders to bring whatever is ours but unfortunately we have lost out.

“We decided to come together with a vision to resuscitate the Omoluabi idea one, then we want to project the political viability of Yorubaland and number three we want to make the Yorubaland achieve what is due for yorubaland, but how do we achieve this, we are collaborating with our top ranking traditional rulers and politicians, either by appointments or elections across the political cadre of the country and cause them unlike waiting with the Omoluabi mantra before, force them to bring unto our land what is due for us,” he noted.

UfitFly Boss Fetes New Royal Father of Ikwuorie Community

HRM, Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere

The team leader of the foremost destination management firm, owner of the UfitFly brand, Evang. Ajibola Ogunkeyede has congratulated HRM Apostle Chibuzor Chinyere who recently received an instruments of office as the new IHIE 1 of  Ikwuorie Autonomous community, in Ohanku Ndoki Ukwa East Local Government Area of Abia State.

The General Overseer of a faith based outfit, the Omega Power Ministry (OPM) HRM Apostle Chinyere received his staff of office from the Executive Governor of Abia State, Dr Alex Otti, OFR as His Royal Majesty, IHIE 1 of Ikwuorie Autonomous community on the 1st March 2024 amidst jubilations from the sons and daughters of Ikwuorie Autonomous community.

Ogunkeyede in a letter issued to congratulate the man of God who also doubled as the First class king in his community and made available to newsmen described Apostle Chinyere's acceptance of the throne as a sacrifice to liberate the people of his community and lead them to the knowledge of God.  

“After all the efforts, constant pleading and  request from the people of Ikwuorie Autonomous community, since 3rd January 2024, Apostle Dr Chibuzor Gift Chinyere eventually accepted to serve his people as their king because of his overwhelming love for his people. This singular decision will endear him more to the service of God and humanity,” Ufitfly’ statement reads in part.

It will be recalled that Apostle Chinyere built the first state of art free school in Ikwuorie Ohanku Autonomous community. These free schools enable children from the community to acquire basic knowledge free of charge, and he also built the first state of the art free hospital in his community before building another free hospital in Port Harcourt.

Kayrom Lee, Others Became MSSN Matrons, Patrons

From left, Alhaja Adeola Egbeleke, Amb Romoke Ayinde, Amb Olayinka Agboola and Adewale Tijani at the event

For her philanthropic gesture toward the upliftment of Islam and the society in general, the Chief Executive Officer, Kayrom Lee Gym and Fitness Center, Ambassador Rahmat Romoke Ayinde was on Sunday decorated as one of the matron of Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, MSSN, Oyo State Area Unit.

Amb Ayinde, who is also the Iyalaje Adini of Oyo State, was decorated along side a foremost Professor, Abdulrasheed Aderinoye, Professor Abudganny Raji, Professor Hamdalat Olaniya and Engineer Idris Adeoye for their immense contribution to Islam and humanity in general to further strengthen the activities of the society at the unveiling of the One Billion Naira Islamic Centre and the investiture held at the Islamic centre, University of Ibadan.

Speaking at the program, the guest lecture at the event, AbdulAfiz Oladosu, a Professor of Arabic and Islamic Studies Department, University of Ibadan, said the MSSN, which was established 70 years years ago, to foster unity among Muslim students and empower them spiritually to make them more steadfast on the righteous path while stating that the association has not measured up in terms of development.

Amb Ayinde with Prof Olaniyan presenting
a plaque to Prof Aderinoye at the event

"It is our collective effort as Muslims to help develop the society to reach their desired goal. Since inception, MSSN have no place to call their own and now that they are ready to do such, we must all encouraged them by donating generously to make their dreams became reality," the erudite Professor said.

Chairman on the occasion, the Senator representing Oyo Central, Yunus Akintunde, who was represented by a Professor of Agriculture, Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Abideen Olaniyan noted that the society had contributed in no small measure to the propagation of Islam, adding that, there is still room for improvement particularly, when the proposed Islamic Center is completed.

Speaking after the investiture, elated Amb Ayinde said the gesture of MSSN to honor her will prompt her to do more because she did not know that some people are noticing what she was doing and she however advise all well-meaning Nigerians especially Muslims to always help youth societies like this so that their future will be bright.

"I'm happy about this honour because it will act as a spring board for me to do more. I commended the leadership of MSSN for their doggedness towards propagating of Islam and I will advise them to take the society to all schools in the state. I promised to continue to support the Society with all that Allah has given me," she said.

Highpoint of the event was the cutting of the 70th Anniversary Cake of MSSN which was donated by  Ambassador Romoke Ayinde.

We Will Survive Present Economic Hardship —CAC President, Dr Ojo Assures Nigerians

The President of the Christ Apostolic Church, (CAC) Nigeria and Overseas, Dr Henry Ojo, has revealed that the country would overcome the present economic hardship like it did in 1984 during the regime of President Muhammadu Buhari as the military Head of states.

The esteem clergyman gave this assurance at the inauguration of Prophet Richard Adebayo Kolawole as the new General Evangelist at the Christ Apostolic Church, Oniyanrin, Ibadan, on Saturday.

Dr Ojo stated that the country had experienced similar scenario in 1984 after the military takeover of Shehu Shagari led government but stressed the if the present administration can address the issue of insecurities in the country, all will be well.

"Our farmers have been driven out of the farmland by herdman, bandits and kidnappers and this is the cause of the present scarcity and the increase in the prices of foodstuffs in the country.

"If the present government can tackled this, it will reduce the hardship of the people," he said.

Speaking further, Dr Ojo said the people need to be patient with the government because the present economic depression is not peculiar to Nigeria alone as other countries of the world are having their own bites.

“We need to be patient with the government. What we are experiencing is not new in the history of Nigeria and the world. We have experienced what is more terrible than this in 1984 during the military regime of President Muhammad Buhari and we survived it. If God helped us to survive it then, we will survive this too.

“Look at what is happening around the world, it is not limited to Nigeria. If you go to the United Kingdom, United States of America and other nations of the world, things are more expensive.

“It is a pity that many of us don’t have understanding of what is going on around the world. For instance, the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia is taking its toll on the global economy," he added.

He, therefore, called on the people to pray for the political leadership of the country.

The newly inaugurated General Evangelist, Prophet Kolawole with his wife, Christiana at the occasion 

The newly inaugurated General Evangelist, Prophet Kolawole, says with the grace of God will see him through his present position in the church.

"The God who choose me to be in this position by His special grace will assist me and see me through. I'm presently in charge of the evangelical branch of the church to spread the gospel across all nations with that I have the mandate pray for the country and to reveal all secrets of the devil and I know that God will help me," Prophet Kolawole said.

Speaking further, the popular cleric fondly called 'Baba Arogungbounmi' disclosed that he had earlier prophesied at the beginning of the year that the first three months of the year would be tough after, which things would normalise.

He, thereby, assured that things would begin to take shape as from April, but charged people not to relent in their prayers.

14th Biennial Police Games: Force Hq Victorious As IG Hails Gov Makinde For Support

The 14th Biennial Police games tagged 'Oluyole 2024' came to a conclusion on Saturday amidst pomp and pageantry as the Force Headquarters emerged victorious in the weeklong event.  

Zone 2 came second while Zone 11 are in the third place amongst the 17 zones plus the Force Headquarters that participated in the Games.

IG Egbetokun

Speaking at the closing ceremony held at the Adamasingba stadium, Ibadan, the capital city of Ibadan the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun praised the athletes for showcasing their Athletic prowess and for projecting the good image of the Nigeria Police Force. 

He, however, commended the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for his unwavering support towards the success of the police games. 

"We appreciate the Governor and the people of Oyo State for creating an enabling atmosphere for the success of the game"

The IGP further urged the athletes and sport loving Nigerians to continue to foster unity and embrace the spirit of sportsmanship.

In the final of the football match played during the closing ceremony, Zone 4, Makurdi show their mastery of the round leather game by defeating Zone 11, Osogbo by 3 goals to nil to clinch the gold medal. 

In the female tug of war finals, Zone 14 Katsina, defeated Zone 5, Benin by 2-1 while the team IGP won in the female category.

The event also witnessed invitational relay race and tug of war among sister security agencies.