Home Blog Page 520

Makinde counters Tinubu, says FG’s N570bn to states World Bank loan

Kehinde OGUNYALE
-
0
Makinde counters Tinubu, says FG’s N570bn to states World Bank loan

CONTRARY to the claim by President Bola Tinubu that his government supported the 36 states in Nigeria with N570 billion to expand livelihood support for their people, Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has revealed that the disbursement was a World Bank loan. 

Recall that Tinubu while addressing Nigerians in a nationwide broadcast during the #EndBadGovernance protest on August 4 said, “More than ₦570 billion has been released to the 36 states to expand livelihood support to their citizens, while 600,000 nano-businesses have benefitted from our nano-grants. An additional 400,000 more nan-businesses are expected to benefit.” 

However, Makinde in a statement he signed and shared on his X handle said the funds were part of the World Bank-assisted NG-CARES project—a Programme for Results intervention.

According to the governor, “The World Bank facilitated an intervention to help states in Nigeria with COVID-19 Recovery. CARES means COVID-19 Action Recovery Economic Stimulus. It was called the Programme for Results because states had to use their money in advance to implement the programme.

“After the World Bank verified the amount spent by the states, it reimbursed the states through the platform provided at the federal level. The federal government did not give any state money; they were simply the conduit through which the reimbursements were made to states for money already spent.

“It is important to note that the World Bank fund is a loan to states, not a grant. So, states will need to repay this loan. Note also that NG-CARES, which we christened Oyo-CARES in our State, predates the present federal administration.”

Makinde noted that the loan came in two tranches to states of which Oyo State got ₦5.98 billion in the first tranche and ₦822 million in the second tranche.

He added, “We invested in the three result areas of NG-CARES, which includes inputs distribution to smallholder farmers within our State. When the World Bank saw our model for the distribution of inputs preceded by biometric capturing of beneficiary farmers, they adopted it as the NG-CARES model.”

Makinde is the second governor that has disclaimed the President’s address. The ICIR reported that the Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed taunted Tinubu over his comment on the disbursement and the federal government’s response to demands of the country’s youths protesting against bad governance and hunger.

 

Gunmen attack leaves many dead in Benue community

Bankole ABE
-
0
Gunmen attack leaves many dead in Benue community

GUNMEN have reportedly killed many residents of Ayati community in Ukum Local Government Area (LGA) of Benue State.

According to reports, not less than 50 people were killed in the attack on Thursday, August 8.

A community member, who wished to remain anonymous, told reporters on Friday that the victims were ambushed and killed by the assailants.

Confirming the incident in a chat with The ICIR on Friday, August 9, a leader in the community, Shima Ayati, said that over 50 corpses were recovered from the village as of Friday morning.

He blamed the state local security unit, Benue Community Volunteer Guards for leaving the residents unprotected after starting a fight with ‘herders’.

Ayati who spoke with The ICIR on the telephone said, “The government sent security who went and chased away the herders. During the process, they burnt their (herders) makeshift tents.

“The state security outfit (vigilante) came and attacked the bandits but they left the people alone and later the bandits returned and killed many people.

“As of this morning, we have already recovered almost 50 corpses, some from the bush,” Ayati stated.

According to him, the incident happened on a market day in broad daylight and two policemen were killed.

“There was one boy that came to the market. So people suspected him that he was an informant and was communicating with some people.

“In the process of interrogating him, they found incriminating things on him so he was killed.”

He said after the mob killed the boy, his people attacked the village and started shooting as they were coming to the town.

“They came to the town and went to the market and started killing people with swords, as people were running, they started firing guns indiscriminately anyhow. They killed a lot of people. As of today, we have assembled almost 50 corpses.”

He added that some victims with serious injuries were taken to the hospital for medical attention.

Meanwhile, attempts to speak to the state police command spokesperson, Catherine Anene, were unsuccessful as she neither picked up calls nor responded to messages sent to her line.

Ayati may have turned into a killing field
.
Residents confirmed that a few weeks ago, the killing of 11 persons in the Ayati community sparked a violent demonstration that resulted in the damage of private and public property in the area council.

The ICIR reported in July that angry youths in the state set ablaze the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Sankara, the headquarters of Ukum Local Government Area.

According to a statement by INEC on Wednesday, July 3, signed by the National Commissioner and Chairman, of Information and Voter Education, Sam Olumekun, the incident happened when the youths in the area said to be protesting against the activities of bandits attacked the government facilities, including INEC office.

The incident followed the Tuesday, July 2, attack on the Ayati community in Borikyo Council Ward of the LGA by suspected armed bandits.

The attack claimed about 11 lives and left others with severe injuries.

Nigeria sitting on keg of gunpowder, Obasanjo says amid #EndBadGovernance protests

Mustapha USMAN
-
0
Nigeria sitting on keg of gunpowder, Obasanjo says amid #EndBadGovernance protests

FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo has warned Nigerian leaders of the urgent need for reform and to address the legitimate grievances of the nation’s youth. 

Speaking during a visit by six members of the House of Representatives to his library, Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library in Abeokuta on Friday, August  9, Obasanjo expressed deep concern over the current state of affairs in Nigeria, describing it as a “powder keg” ready to explode if the right steps are not taken. 

The House of Representatives members include Abdulmalik Danga from Kogi, Usman Midala from Borno, Matthew Nwogu from Imo, Peter Aniekwe from Anambra, Kama Nkemkanma from Ebonyi, and Ugochinyere Ikenga from Imo.

The lawmakers are co-sponsoring bills proposing a single six-year term, rotation of the presidency between the North and South, and rotation of governorship slots among the three senatorial districts of each of the 36 states.

Addressing his guests, the former president noted that the country would not achieve its goals unless the leaders and other citizens embraced what he termed “moral rearmament.”

While acknowledging the legitimacy of the demands of youths currently protesting against poor governance in the nation, he stated that the citizens’ frustration and anger were justified due to unemployment, hunger, and the denial of opportunities.

He added that the government should listen to the people’s grievances and cease pretending that all is well.

Highlighting the need for fundamental change, Obasanjo criticised the inconsistency in governance and the failure to build upon past foundations laid during his tenure.

He lamented the regression in national development efforts, attributing it to the removal of critical building blocks.

He said, “As I have warned earlier, we should recognise that we are all sitting on a powder keg if we fail to begin doing the right thing. For instance, what the youth are demanding is very legitimate and should be listened to. Why should they be denied what rightfully belongs to them?

“They are frustrated, they are hungry, they are angry, they are unemployed, and they deserve to be heard.”

Obasanjo also proposed a re-evaluation of Nigeria’s democratic structure, beyond changing the country’s system of government to thinking and character change.

“More than anything else, such as changing our system of government or adopting a single term of six or four years, we must change our ways of doing things. We must reform our thinking and character.”

He added that if the country gets it right, the nation could overcome some of the challenges in about 10 years, adding that it will give the country a solid foundation for development.

He further described Nigeria as a nation that takes two steps forward, one step aside, and four steps backwards.

“For me, it is not just about the system; we may need to rethink our liberal democracy. In Africa, we often talk about loyal opposition, but what we do is reach a consensus, and then there is no opposition; everyone is on the same page and moves together.

“In many African languages, the word for opposition translates to ‘enemies.’ What do you do with loyal enemies? Once you take power, you claim everything, and the opposition is left in the wilderness. This approach is not beneficial. We need everyone to join hands to advance society,” he said.

He therefore called for a collective effort to overcome Nigeria’s challenges, urging current leaders to adopt a more inclusive and accountable governance style that prioritises national interest over personal gain.

“Our main problem is ourselves. Whether we adopt a single term of six years or two terms of four years, if we maintain the same mentality and approach, nothing will change.

“The real issue is ourselves. Yes, the system needs rethinking, but the character of people in government must change. With all due respect, many in government should currently be behind bars or on the gallows.”

 

iMEdD seeks application for International Journalism Forum

Blessing OTOIBHI
-
0
iMEdD seeks application for International Journalism Forum

The Incubator for Media Education and Development (iMEdD) is hosting and inviting applications to its sixth edition of the International Journalism Forum.

The forum will bring together the global journalism community for knowledge-sharing sessions, networking and inspiration.

This year’s forum will focus on press freedom worldwide, artificial intelligence, data journalism, reporting on the climate crisis, corruption, war, and more.

Renowned Greek and international speakers, journalists, media professionals, and the public will participate and share their experiences through a series of panel discussions, keynote speeches, specialised workshops, and more.

READ ALSO:

Journalists and media professionals can participate in the International Journalism Forum in Athens, Greece.

The three-day event will be held from September 26, 2024, to 28 at The Athens Festival venue located at 260 Peiraios Street.

Selected sessions will be livestreamed. Livestreams will be available for viewing on the event’s website.

Registration is free and ongoing, interested applicants can apply here.

Botswana declares public holiday to honour Olympic gold medalist

Itoro ETUKUDO
-
0
Botswana declares public holiday to honour Olympic gold medalist

BOTSWANA’s President, Mokgweetsi Masisi, has honoured the country’s pioneer Olympics Gold medalist in 200 metres, Letsile Tebogo, with a public holiday to celebrate his victory.

Masisi, in a press statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, declared an afternoon day off today, August 9, 2024, to honour Tebogo as the first Motswana and African to win a Gold medal for 200m in the history of the Olympics.

“His Excellency, Dr. Mokgweetsi Eric Keabetswe Masisi, President of the Republic of Botswana, hereby declares to the nation, that he has found it a fitting tribute to Mr. Letsile Tebogo, ‘Botswana’s Sensation’, to grant Batswana and residents an afternoon day-off, on this very day, Friday the 9th of August, 2024.

“The decision has been duly made to recognise and honour Letsile Tebogo as the first Motswana and first African to win a Gold Medal for 200m in the history of the Olympics,” the statement read in parts.

The President also noted that the performance by Tebogo was worthy of celebration in a unique way and would be etched in the country’s history.

“Furthermore, the President underscores, recognises and acknowledges Letsile’s performance and achievement as markedly outstanding, and deserving of the nation to pause and celebrate him in a most unique, appropriate and responsible manner, that will be etched in the annals of the history of the Republic.

“Accordingly, His Excellency President Masisi, wishes to state that, on behalf of all of the citizenry, he applauds Letsile and gives thanks unceasingly to his late mother. A pula e lo nele ka masubelele, Batswana!”, he added.

Tebogo set the record for Africa by winning the gold medal and crossing the finishing line in 19.46 seconds. Placing second and winning the silver medal is Kenneth Bednarek of the United States in 19.62 seconds while Noah Lyles, also representing the US, finished third place with a bronze medal in a time of 19.70 seconds.

Tebogo has won many medals and clinched different titles to his name. In 2021, he emerged the first Botswana to clinch the 100m title at any World Championships level and also emerged the 2022 African champion in 200m, becoming the youngest winner of the title, among other feats.  

Jigawa announces free treatment for hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell

Mustapha USMAN
-
0
Jigawa announces free treatment for hypertension, diabetes, sickle cell

THE Jigawa State Government has announced that patients suffering from hypertension, diabetes, and sickle cell disease will receive free healthcare services across the state.

A statement by the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports, and Culture, Sagir Musa, on Friday, August 9, noted that the State Executive Council, on Thursday, August 8, approved the extension of the state’s free maternal, neonatal, and child healthcare programme to cover people with hypertension, diabetes, and sickle cell in all government-owned hospitals across the 27 local government areas.

According to the World Health Organisation, about 422 million people worldwide have diabetes – a chronic, metabolic disease characterised by elevated levels of blood glucose (or blood sugar), which leads over time to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys and nerves.

The WHO estimates the prevalence of diabetes in Nigeria to be 4.3 per cent and the prevalence is largely attributed to the lifestyle changes caused by urbanisation and its consequences; industries producing unhealthy diets including sugar-sweetened drinks, lack of exercise, tobacco use and harmful use of alcohol. 

While hypertension is the most common cardiovascular disease (CVD) in Nigeria, found in 86.4 per cent of CVD patients and prevalent in an estimated 29–38 per cent of adult Nigerians, the country is also believed to be the most sickle cell endemic in sub-Saharan Africa, with between two and three per cent of the nation’s population affected.

Sickle cell disorder is an inherited haemoglobin disorder comprising sickle cell anaemia (Hb SS) and some less prevalent but related conditions such as sickle haemoglobin C disorder (Hb SC) and sickle beta thalassaemia (Hb SBthal). 

In its efforts to provide free healthcare for sickle cell, diabetes and hypertension patients, the commissioner explained that the council approved the disbursement of N179.2 million as direct facility financing to the accredited primary health centres (PHCs) in the state.

He stated that the council also approved the establishment of 17 additional PHCs across the 281 political wards in the state for the first and second quarters of 2024, under the National Primary Health Care Development Agency.

According to him, N69.1 million was approved for the payment of monthly stipends for 79 midwives and community influencers, promoters, and services (CHIPS) agents.

He further mentioned that a work plan for the implementation of immunisation plus and malaria progress by accelerating coverage and transforming services project presented by the Ministry of Health was also approved.

“The IMPACT Project is supported by World Bank with a total amount of N1.2 billion only in the work plan for the year 2024 for Jigawa for the revitalisation of 161 primary healthcare centres in the state,” Musa said.

Nigerians react as Minister gives reasons for Ese Ukpeseraye’s bike drama at Olympics

Itoro ETUKUDO
-
0
Nigerians react as Minister gives reasons for Ese Ukpeseraye’s bike drama at Olympics

THE Minister of Sports, John Enoh, has explained why Ese Ukpeseraye had to borrow a bike from the German team before she could participate in one of the Paris Olympics events.

Enoh stated that the track race was reallocated to the Nigerian team after another country was disqualified and the Nigerian team would need special equipment, which, if paid for, would take months to be delivered.

However, many Nigerians did not agree with his claim and said the President Bola Tinubu-led government only dented the nation’s image with the incident.

“My attention has been called to a post on social media by Ese Ukpeseraye. After reading the post and some follow-up comments, I swung into action. Ese’s post seems to have been grossly misunderstood perhaps also because it didn’t seem to give proper context to the matter in perspective. It is important I make some clarifications.

“Abinitio, Team Nigeria qualified for one road race in cycling and prepared for it in terms of training and the appropriate competition equipment. Team Nigeria was fully prepared for this road race until two weeks ago, after the Cycling team with the rest of Team Nigeria had already left for the Olympics, when a communication from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) was received reallocating additional slots to the Cyclist Federation of Nigeria (Kerin and individual sprint).

“This reallocation to Nigeria was due to the disqualification of a country, leaving Nigeria as the next eligible to make the list of qualified countries to compete. Unfortunately, this additional slot required the use of different competition equipment in terms of biking,” he stated.

He said to get Ese to compete, the federation through Ese’s Club in Europe, and working with a German-owned company, got a ‘Track Bike’ for the cyclist.

Reacting to the minister’s response, some Nigerians saw it as a failure on the part of the government to make sufficient provisions for every athlete representing the country at the 2024 Olympics in Paris.

Expressing disappointment, a Nigerian X user, @MrsZanga said, “Are we not supposed to have all the competition equipment in case we get called up impromptu like this?”

Another user, @Spotlight_Abby said, “I find it inexcusable that they couldn’t get Ese a customised Keirin cycle bike two whole weeks after her participation was approved.

“Fuji Bikes, Cinelli, Cervelo sell these bikes and trust me, nothing is too hard to get if you know where to look. These companies are prepared for times like this and they’re not building from scratch.

“This also means Ese never had this bike to train with in the first place. So the official plan was really just to borrow?”

Another user, @CannonleoGeek said, ”That bike is sold in high-performance shops in Paris there and Toulouse. There is nothing like three months delivery.”

The ICIR reported on Thursday, August 8 that the Nigerian cyclist explained via her official X account how she got stranded and had no bike to participate in the competition but was saved by the German team.

Ukpeseraye expressed gratitude to the German cycling team after the team provided a bike for her to use for the scheduled keirin and sprint events.

The Nigerian team has faced a series of setbacks since the Olympics games started on July 26.

FG withdraws plan to sell rice at N40,000 to Nigerians

Ehime ALEX
-
0
FG withdraws plan to sell rice at N40,000 to Nigerians

THE Federal Government of Nigeria has withdrawn its plan to sell rice at a subsidised price of N40,000 to civil servants.

It disclosed this in a circular dated August 2 and signed by the Director of Human Resources at the Ministry of Special Duty and Inter-Governmental Affairs, Aderonke Jaiyesimi.

The reason for the withdrawal was not given and no indication if the scheme was stopped or only suspended.

“I am directed to refer to our internal circular in the Ministry (Federal Ministry of Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Affairs) of August 1, 2024, on the above subject matter and to inform you that the internal circular is hereby withdrawn. Further details will be communicated in due course.

“Please bring the contents of this internal circular to the attention of staff in your respective departments and units for their information and proper guidance,” the circular read.

Given the strain on the disposable income of many Nigerians, the surge in food prices has worsened the hardships faced by the masses and has recently resulted in the aggression of Nigerian youths to march on the streets against hunger, hardships, and bad governance.

Nigeria faces a food inflation crisis that jumped to 40.87 per cent in June, according to the latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

The subsidised rice initiative was one of several initiatives by the President Bola Tinubu-led administration planned to ease living conditions for citizens, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Muhammed Idris, had said.

In an earlier memo signed by Jaiyesimi, the ministry said the federal government’s rice subsidy was an effort to alleviate the current food crisis in the country and its effects on the general population.

“I am directed to inform you that 50kg bags of rice will be sold at subsidized rate of Thousands Naira (N40,000) only per bag to interested public servants in Abuja,” she said.

The ministry had recently said it had created centres across the country where Nigerians could purchase 50 kg bags of rice for N40,000 and had opened a Google form on the OHCSF website. https//www.ohesf.gov.ng for Nigerians to fill out.

Hunger protest: African Commission expresses concerns over human rights violations in Nigeria

Mustapha USMAN
-
0
Hunger protest: African Commission expresses concerns over human rights violations in Nigeria

THE African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has expressed deep concern over human rights violations arising from the Nigerian government’s response to the ongoing #EndBadGovernance protests. 

In a statement by the Country Rapporteur on Human Rights in Nigeria, and the Special Rapporteur on Human Rights Defenders in Africa, Solomon Ayele Dersso and Rémy Ngoy Lumbu, respectively, on Thursday, August 8, the commission condemned the tragic loss of at least 13 lives during the demonstrations. 

“The Commission has received numerous reports that on 2 August 2024 and subsequent days, incidents of clashes and fatalities took place in the context of the response of security and law enforcement personnel of Nigeria to the protests taking place in the country under the theme #EndBadGovernance,” part of the statement read.

The commission warned that such fatalities, when caused by security or law enforcement personnel, could constitute a violation of Article 4 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which guarantees the right to life.

The ICIR reports that many Nigerians have trooped to the streets to protest poor governance and economic hardships caused by President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.

The protests have been marred with violence, largely caused by the security operatives in places like Lagos and Abuja, where protesters have been subjected to tear gas and harassment.

Initially, on Friday, August 2, Amnesty International said 13 people were killed by security personnel across Nigeria during the protest.

However, in its recent statement, on Wednesday, August 7, the organisation accused Nigerian security forces of killing at least 21 protesters during the protests.

Amnesty’s Nigeria director, Isa Sanusi, said the group had verified seven further killings in the northern city of Kano and one in Azare, in northeastern Bauchi state, raising the toll from initial 13.

Reacting to the situation, the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights emphasised that the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies was contrary to the African Charter.

It further reminded Nigerian authorities of the Commission’s jurisprudence on the use of force, urging them to adhere strictly to the standards set, particularly in the General Comment on the Right to Life under Article 4.

“The Commission further echoes the condemnation by the National Human Rights Commission of Nigerian of the violations to which journalists were subjected by the Nigerian Police at Eagle Square. Such treatment of journalists could amount to violations of Articles 5, 6 and 9 of the African Charter,” the statement added.

The commission called on the government to respect and protect the right to peaceful protest, as enshrined under Article 11 of the African Charter. 

It also called for adherence to the guidance issued by the NHRC to ensure that Nigerians can exercise their freedom of assembly without fear of repression.

The commission demanded that law enforcement agencies operate strictly within the confines of the law and Constitution, adding that they refrain from using excessive force.

Besides, it called for thorough, independent, and transparent investigations into the reported fatalities and the abuse of journalists, with those responsible for violations held accountable.

It also asked that the government “facilitate open and inclusive dialogue with protesters, civil society organisations and all concerned sectors of society to address the underlying causes of the protests and implement corrective measures agreed to during such dialogue. 

“The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights remains unwavering in its commitment to supporting the Federal Republic of Nigeria in upholding its human rights obligations and fostering a culture of respect for the rule of law, human rights, and constitutionalism.”

Bad road greets visitors at 2024 Osun-Osogbo festival

Bankole ABE
-
0
Bad road greets visitors at 2024 Osun-Osogbo festival

VISITORS and tourists to the grand finale of the annual Osun-Osogbo festival in Osogbo Osun state scheduled for Friday, August 9, 2024, are greeted on arrival by the poor state of the road leading to the event.

The festival which takes place every year, attracts traditional worshippers and tourists from all over the world.

The event is majorly celebrated to honour the goddess of fertility, Osun.

The ceremony is part of the religious tradition of the Yoruba from the southwest of Nigeria and has spanned many years.

The festival is usually filled with the display of culture and tradition.

However, this year’s edition has been plagued by the dilapidated state of the road leading to the Osun Sacred Grove, the venue of the popular event.

The Osun-Osogbo Grove is located near the Osun River banks, just outside the city of Osogbo.  The Grove is several hundred years old.

A bad portion of Osun Sacred Grove Road. Photo ICIR/Bankole Abe
A bad portion of Osun Sacred Grove Road. Photo ICIR/Bankole Abe

According to the UNESCO website, worship is held in the grove on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. Additionally, the Yoruba people’s living cultural traditions are maintained via an annual processional celebration that takes place over twelve days in July and August each year to re-establish the mystic links between the goddess and the town’s residents.

However, the dilapidated road leading to the grove has been a setback for tourists and Osun devotees who visit the grove yearly.

The road is in such a bad state that during a visit to Osogbo, commercial motorcycles, popularly known as Okada asked The ICIR reporter for extra fees to be taken to the grove.

“That road no good at all, if you pay me well I will manage to go,” a motorcycle rider told The ICIR, in pigin English

Worshippers lament

According to a traditional worshipper, simply identified as Ifatope, the bad road is an embarrassment to the Osun state government.

Ifatope claimed that some tourists interested in the event usually stay back in their countries due to the condition of the road which he described as an eyesore.

“We have been shouting about the Osun-Osogbo road for years. You can see it yourself, it is not good at all and I am disappointed.

“This is an international festival, people come from all over the world but look at the road. What will it take the state government to fix this road and put it in a good condition,” Ifatope asked.

Another bad portion of the Osun Grove road. Photo: ICIR/Bankole Abe.
Another bad portion of the Osun Grove road. Photo: ICIR/Bankole Abe.

In a chat with The ICIR, the Agbongbon Awo of Osogbo land Kayode Faniyi urged the state government to repair the road.

According to Faniyi, who is also the Baale Apowe of Oduduwa land, the government can increase its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from the festival if the right amenities are put in place. 

“We have our place where people can come like Osun Osogbo. Only Rauf Aregbesola (former governor of the state) had done something feasible. We will want the present governor, Asiwaju Adeleke to follow suit.

“Even the road to Osun Osogbo, if you go there, you will see it’s not good, UNESCO is trying but it’s not enough. We need a good road,” Faniyi said 

He praised the efforts of a former governor of the state, the late Isiaka Adeleke to connect electricity within the Osun grove and claimed some leaders condemned the move due to the risk involved.

He appealed to the government to build more recreational centres to accommodate thousands of visitors who troop to the festival every year.

he Agbongbon Awo of Osogbo land Kayode Faniyi
The Agbongbon Awo of Osogbo land Kayode Faniyi

“Osun Osogbo is a big festival, we need a big parking space for motorists, good restroom facility and even pipe borne water for visitors to ease themselves.

“They should copy some other things going on at Ikogosi, a religious sit. They didn’t cut any trees, they are there naturally. It’s now a warm spring. They put some facilities there. You don’t have to go far to get a good hotel,” Faniyi stated.

Osun state government reacts

In a chat with The ICIR on Friday, August 7, Olawale Rasheed the spokesperson to the governor of Osun state, Ademola Adeleke said the  state government launched the tourism revival programmes for the Osun Osogbo project last year.

According to him, the first phase of the project was the reconstruction of the pavilion and the event arena, which was completed.

Governor of Osun State, Ademola Jackson Adeleke
Governor of Osun State, Ademola Jackson Adeleke

“It was put to use last year. The second item was the cleaning of the Osun grove for sustainability. The third one was the internal road within the groove itself, which is still on the table. Lets,  however, be aware that the government is not in control of the festival. The custodian is the Ataoja Palace,”

“The involvement of the state government is mainly in the area of financial and logistics support for the organisers,” he added.

1...519520521...3,440Page 520 of 3,440