Lagos Govt Shuts Epe-Ijebu Ode Highway As Buhari Visits Ogun

 The Lagos State Government has announced traffic diversion from Epe/Ijebu-Ode Highway and Abeokuta Interchange as President Muhammadu Buhari visits Ogun today, January 13, 2022.

The closure of the road will be from 7.00am till 4.00pm in preparation for Buhari’s visit to Ogun.

In a statement released by the Lagos State Ministry of Transportation, the Commissioner for Transportation, Dr. Frederic Oladeinde assured that alternative routes have been mapped out while the Federal Road Safety Corps in collaboration with the Ogun State Traffic Management Authority, (TRACE) would manage Traffic flow.

He advised motorists from Lagos inbound Abeokuta to use the Lagos-Sango/Abeokuta Road and the Mowe-Ofada-Papalanto-Abeokuta or alternately utilise the Ijebu-Ode, Omu –Ketu, Epe Road to access their destinations.

The Commissioner reaffirmed that traffic management personnel had been drawn from both States to manage the flow of traffic along the aforementioned routes.

Oladeinde appealed for the cooperation of road users to minimise inconvenience, reduce travel time and foster safety.

Ex-Oyo Governor, Alao Akala, Is Dead

A former Governor of Oyo State, Chief Christopher Adebayo Alao-Akala is dead.

Newsmen gathered that Alao-Akala, who is from Ogbomoso, died on Wednesday.

He was Oyo State Governor between 2007 and 2011.

Details of his death are still sketchy.

Media aide to the former Governor, Tolu Mustapha confirmed the death to newsmen on Wednesday.

He said, “Yes. It has happened. It has happened”.

Tinubu Declares Intention To Contest For 2023 Presidency

The national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has  declared his intention to contest the office of the president in the 2023 election.

Tinubu declared his ambition on Monday, January 10 after a meeting with Buhari in Abuja.

“I’ve informed the President of my ambition,” Tinubu told newsmen after meeting Buhari on Monday in Abuja. “It’s been my life-long ambition. There’s nowhere in the world where a kingmaker cannot himself be king.”

Speaking with newsmen after he emerged from a closed-door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Tinubu said he plans to actualise his ambition under the platform of the ruling APC.

He also shrugged the question of a potential race for the APC ticket between him and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, whose support groups have since begun mobilizing for his candidacy.

Tinubu said that his ambition to be president of Nigeria had been life-long, noting that with what he did in Lagos in his time as governor, he has the capacity to lead Nigeria.

On Osinbajo’s potential ambition, the APC national leader maintained that he would not be drawn into any discussion on any individuals.

Asked why he would not remain a kingmaker rather than seeking to be the king, he said there is nothing that stops a kingmaker from becoming the king unless he has committed murder.

“I answer that with a categorical yes. I’ve informed the President of my intention but I have not informed Nigerians yet. I’m still consulting. And I have no problem consulting. And I’ve noticed that a parameter of limitation to the extent of how many people will I consult,” he said.

“You will soon hear. All you want to hear is the categorical declaration. You’ve gotten that truth from me that I have informed Mr. President of my ambition,” he said.

His open declaration of his intention to succeed Buhari confirmed what sources told The Guardian about Tinubu’s ambition.

The Guardian gathered last night that he had informed President Muhammadu Buhari of his aspiration, to which the President reportedly asked him to go ahead.

This is coming as governors of the ruling party gathered last night for a crucial meeting over the proposed February national convention of the party.

Also informed of Tinubu’s aspiration is the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. The duo was the cynosure of eyes as they met on Saturday in Azare, Bauchi State for the Minister of Education, Alhaji Adamu Adamu’s daughter’s wedding.

Osinbajo served as Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General in Tinubu’s eight years administration as Lagos governor.

The duo also met on October 29 last year when the Vice President visited the APC leader in his Asokoro residence to empathise with him on his return from the United Kingdom after undergoing knee surgery.

Highly-placed sources said Asiwaju had used the occasion of the Vice President’s visit last October to intimate him of his ambition.

While it is not clear what Osinbajo’s response was, sources in the know have severally quoted the VP as saying he would not contest against Tinubu, his former boss, adding that Asiwaju remains his benefactor.

But other sources, however, noted that Osinbajo has always insisted that the APC leader has never told him he wanted to contest the 2023 election. This is in reference to the rumoured presidential ambition of the VP.

When contacted as to whether Tinubu and Osinbajo had spoken about the former’s ambition, Mr. Tunde Rahman, Media Adviser to the former Lagos governor refused to volunteer any comment. He said he would reach out to our correspondent shortly, but he was yet to do so as at the time of filing this report.

Reacting to the development, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Special Adviser to the Vice President, said he was not aware of such discussions.

Veteran Juju Musician, Dayo Kujore, Dies At 63

One of Nigeria's most famous juju musician, Idowu Adedayo Kujore, has passed on at 63.

Kujore, who was among the pioneers of the Nigerian styled musical art form is said to have died on Monday, according to his daughter, Atinuke Kujore.

As at the time of filing this report, circumstances surrounding the ‘Soko Extra’ crooner’s death are yet to be revealed as a formal announcement is expected to be made by the family.

Dayo Kujore was born into the family of Elder and Mrs Kujore in Igbore compound, Egba, Abeokuta, Ogun State in 1958.

He started playing the guitar and keyboard at a tender age and he displayed great musical dexterity, which earned him the name ‘Wonder Boy.’

Kujore took interest in playing musical instrument at African church in Igboro in Ogun state while his elder brother was a choirmaster.

 He got motivated to begin singing by listening to the likes of the songs of Prince Adekunle, Ebenezer Obey, King Sunny Ade, songs and also attended their performances.

For his elementary education, he attended African church primary school and then went to African church secondary School for his post elementary education in Igboro in Abeokuta Ogun state.

From there, he went to Soba technical school in Ojuelegba in Lagos State where he trained as an engineer.

Kujore is survived by several wives and lovely children, including Ayinke Kujore who is following the footsteps of her father in the entertainment industry as a radio/TV and red carpet show host.

May his soul rest in peace.

Sanwo-Olu Celebrates Wife At 55

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has celebrated his wife and First Lady of the State, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, on her 55th birthday.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu, a medical doctor by profession, clocks 55 years today, Saturday January 8, 2022.

 

Governor Sanwo-Olu, in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Gboyega Akosile, on Saturday, described his wife as a courageous, amiable and kind-hearted and also, his strong pillar of support.

 He said the First Lady, a thoroughbred medical practitioner who represents the league of the brightest minds and pride of the profession, had touched the lives of millions of Nigerians and Lagosians, first as a medical practitioner and currently as First Lady of Lagos, since his assumption of office on May 29, 2019.

On behalf of the good people of Lagos State, I heartily congratulate my beloved wife, friend and reliable partner of many years, on the occasion of her 55th birthday.

The statement read in part:

”Attaining the age of 55 years in grace, elegance and good health is worth celebrating because of her remarkable contributions to the family, medical profession, Lagos State and humanity,” the governor said.

“You served Lagos State Government passionately for over 25 years, climbing the ladder to become the Chief Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer at Harvey Road Comprehensive Health Centre in Yaba and later at the General Hospital, Somolu.

You are one of my back bones and great supporters during the electioneering that brought me into office on May 29, 2019 as the 15th Governor of Lagos State. You contributed and participated in the Health Mission of our campaign train that transversed all the nooks and crannies of the state, especially the grassroots and riverine communities to offer free medical services to millions of Lagosians, particularly the needy and the downtrodden, who couldn’t afford to pay for such health services.

“Since you became the First Lady of Lagos, you have shown passion and commitment to issues relating to health, women and the girl child. And as women and children advocate, you have been vocal in your campaign against sexual and gender-based violence, especially on issues affecting the younger generations. As the chairman of the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), you have also provided leadership for women to support their husbands in public offices

Ibijoke, you are a woman I will continue to cherish and love because of your positive impact in my life, our children, our immediate and extended families and Lagos State. You are a good, caring and loving wife, a compassionate and committed mother to our children.

”On this occasion of your 55th birthday, I pray that God will continue to be with you, grant you good health to enable you render more service to our beloved dear State, the medical profession and humanity.”

Super Eagles To Get $5m As 2021 AFCON Champions

Super Eagles of Nigeria will get $5 million if they become champions at the 2021 AFCON in Cameroon.

The CAF Executive Committee resolved to increase the prize money of this year’s edition.

The decision was taken at Friday’s EXCO meeting chaired by CAF President, Patrice Motsepe in Douala, Cameroon.

The increase is in line with CAF’s commitment to reward merit performance and enhance the status of the AFCON and will be in effect in the upcoming edition.

The new AFCON Prize Monies will see the winner rewarded with $5 million (an increase of $500 000) and runner-up will get $2.75 million (an increase of $250 000).

Semi-finalists, $2.2 million (an increase of $200 000) while quarter-finalists will earn $1.175 million (an increase of $175 000).

This represents a total increase in the AFCON prize money of $1.850m.

Hosts Cameroon and Burkina Faso will kick-off the tournament on Sunday, January 9th.

The Eagles will start their campaign with a tough tie against seven-time champions Egypt.

Meanwhile, the Austine Eguavoen-led side beat Cameroon club Coton Sport in a practice game on Friday.

2022 Grammy Awards Postponed Over COVID-19 Concerns

The 2022 edition of the Grammy awards has been postponed  due to “uncertainty surrounding the Omicron variant” of Covid-19 that has ripped through the United States in recent weeks.

The organisers behind Grammys announced this in a statement on Wednesday, January 5, 2022  adding that the new date will be announced soon.

The statement read:

“Holding the show on January 31 simply contains too many risks,”and a rescheduled date will be announced “soon.”

“The health and safety of those in our music community, the live audience, and the hundreds of people who work tirelessly to produce our show remains our top priority.”

A class of pop stalwarts and newbies including Justin Bieber, Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo were among the leading nominees for the 64th annual show, with Jon Batiste, the jazz and R&B artist, television personality and bandleader garnering the most nominations with 11.

Last spring’s show was the first Grammys of the pandemic era, and was a more television-friendly, socially distanced cabaret-esque show that was heavy on performances.

Those awards were postponed to March 14 after the original date was postponed during last winter’s surge in coronavirus cases.

The 2022 edition was expected to see a return to the usual arena-style celebration at Los Angeles’ Staples Center.

The heavily mutated Omicron variant, the most transmissible to date, accounted for around 95 percent of US cases in the week ending January 1.

Omicron’s rates of deaths and hospitalizations have been lower across the world, raising hopes the virus could be evolving into a relatively benign seasonal illness.

But the World Health Organization in Europe sounded an ominous note of caution on Tuesday, warning the soaring infection rates could have the opposite effect.