NEWS
Ooni Declares ‘No More War Between Ife, Modakeke’
From Ayinde Akintade, Osogbo
Modakeke, Osun State witnessed a historic moment at the weekend as the Ooni of Ife and Permanent Chairman of the Osun State Council of Obas, Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, His Imperial Majesty OoniAdeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, paid a symbolic visit to the Ogunsua of Modakeke, His Royal Highness Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola, Ajibise Ogo I.
The streets of Modakeke were filled with a jubilant crowd comprising residents, traditional rulers, community leaders, cultural groups, and well-wishers, all eager to welcome the revered monarch in what many described as a “homecoming” and a renewed affirmation of peace between Ile-Ife and Modakeke. Traditional drummers and dancers set the tone as the Ooni arrived at the newly constructed Ogunsua Palace, where he was warmly received in an atmosphere charged with excitement and respect. The visit marks a major milestone in the ongoing reconciliation and peace-building efforts between the two historically linked communities.Oba Toriola, in his welcome address, commended the Ooni’s leadership, describing him as “the glory of Yorubaland whose heart is always inclined toward peace.”He further raised concerns over increasing security threats in the region and made a passionate case for the emergence of an Ife-born governor in the near political future.“Kabiyesi, we see what you are doing across Yorubaland, both at home and abroad. Peace is reigning because of your wisdom,” Oba Toriola said. “But we must strengthen local security structures. Also, the time has come for an Ife-born governor, and we must work together to make it a reality.”President of the Modakeke Progressive Union (MPU), Professor Olawunmi, described the day as “heroic,” noting that the enduring efforts of both monarchs toward peace serve as a beacon of hope for the younger generation.He urged both communities to continue resolving disputes through dialogue rather than litigation or political conflictIn his response, Ooni Ogunwusi expressed deep appreciation for the rousing reception and praised the developmental strides made in Modakeke under Oba Toriola’s reign — particularly the successful construction of the new palace.He promised continued support for Modakeke and confirmed his attendance at the forthcoming Akoraye Day celebration. “As requested, I will not be far away from Modakeke. This is my home. Let us bury the past. Anyone who does not want peace should be helped to stay away,” the Ooni stated.The monarch condemned any attempts by individuals to reignite tension during the farming season or under the guise of historical rivalry.“No war can ever happen again between Ife and Modakeke, not under my reign as Arole Oduduwa. Those who instigate trouble are not our people — they are thieves. Let’s not give them space,” he warned.The Ooni concluded his speech with heartfelt prayers for peace, unity, and progress for both communities, encouraging the youth to focus on hard work and shun violence.The event drew several prominent traditional and community leaders, including HRH Oba Eludoja Elugbemi (Obalaaye of Iraye Kingdom), the Lowa Ate of Ile-Ife, Arode of Ile-Ife, Oosa of Modakeke, Asipa Balogun of Modakeke, Balogun Iyalode of Modakeke, Professor Olawunmi (President, MPU), and others from across Osun State.
By David Torough, Abuja
The founders and Senior Pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr. Paul and Dr. (Mrs.) Becky Enenche, have successfully trained and empowered 100 individuals in agribusiness as part of their commitment to youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, and economic development.
Dr.
Paul Enenche made the announcement during the church’s Thanksgiving and Testimony Service on Sunday, highlighting the initiative as a strategic effort to promote self-reliance and agricultural productivity.According to the cleric, each beneficiary will be allocated at least one hectare of farmland to commence farming activities upon completion of the training programme.
He further disclosed that the beneficiaries will receive monthly stipends to support them until their agricultural produce is ready for harvest.Dr. Enenche noted that the training and empowerment programme represents a significant investment, with each participant’s training costing approximately ₦500,000.
The beneficiaries, who constitute Batch A of the Entrepreneurship Agribusiness Training Programme, graduated from the C.S.S. Farm and Skills Acquisition Centre located along the Keffi–Abuja Road. The entire programme was fully sponsored by Dr Paul,Dr (Mrs.) Becky Enenche and the church as part of their ongoing efforts to empower individuals with practical skills and sustainable means of livelihood.
The initiative reflects the church’s commitment to transforming lives through both spiritual and socio-economic empowerment.
The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality ahead of the 2027 general election, saying INEC has no candidate or political party to favour.
In a post obtained from INEC’s X handle on Sunday, Amupitan stated this during a visit to the Emir of Zazzau, Amb.
Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, as part of the commission’s stakeholder engagement and preparations for the 2027 elections.The visit formed part of activities surrounding INEC’s planned interactive meeting with staff and readiness assessment at the zonal level.
The INEC chairman was accompanied by National Commissioners, the Acting Director-General of the Electoral Institute, his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Technical Assistant, Chief of Staff, Special Aides and other senior officials of the commission.
Amupitan described traditional institutions as important stakeholders in the electoral process because of their influence and reach within communities.
He said elections were fundamentally about the social contract between citizens and those entrusted with public office, stressing that public trust was essential to the success of democracy.
According to him, INEC has commenced preparations early because of the size and complexity of conducting elections across Nigeria.
He said the commission had moved away from last-minute preparations and was testing, auditing and strengthening its operational systems well ahead of the 2027 polls.
Amupitan assured the Emir that INEC remained committed to neutrality, fairness and transparency in the conduct of elections.
“We have no candidates, we have no political party, we have no interest other than the sovereign will of the people of Nigeria,” the INEC chairman said.
He added that the commission would continue engaging traditional institutions and other stakeholders as it intensifies preparations for the 2027 General Election.
The Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, has deployed personnel to Garko Local Government Area to track and contain dogs suspected to be infected with rabies.
The service said the suspected rabid dog had bitten 18 people in Garko and its environs.
The NFSS State Commander, Abdullahi Al’ameen, disclosed this in a statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the service, Usman Abdullahi-Umar, on Sunday in Kano.
Al’ameen said: “The command received a distress report at about 2 p.m. that a dog suspected to be rabid has attacked residents in Garko town.
“The dog has so far bitten 11 persons in Garko town before moving to neighbouring communities, including Raba, Kadage, Gurjiya and Dausai.
“It has also attacked and bitten seven additional persons in the affected communities.”
The commander further explained that they had received another report that two more dogs had been infected with rabies in the area.
Al’ameen said personnel of NFSS Garko Division, under the leadership of the Divisional Forest Officer, Auwalu Muhammad, had been deployed to the affected areas to track and contain the infected dogs.
He urged residents of Garko and neighbouring communities to remain vigilant and report sightings of stray or suspected rabid dogs to the nearest NFSS office or other security agencies.
The commander also advised residents who might have been bitten by suspected rabid dogs to seek immediate medical attention.
Al’ameen assured residents that the NFSS would continue to monitor the situation and take necessary measures to prevent further attacks.(NAN)
Paul Enenche, Wife Train, Empower 100 People in Mechanized Agribusiness
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The founders and Senior Pastors of Dunamis International Gospel Centre (DIGC), Dr. Paul and Dr. (Mrs.)...
2027: Tinubu’s victory, a win for the north, Tompolo tells Kano electorate
ShareGrand patron of the PBAT Door-to-Door Movement, High Chief Government Oweizide Ekpemupolo has said President Bola Tinubu’s victory in the...
INEC Has No Candidates, Party – Amupitan
ShareThe Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, SAN, has reaffirmed the commission’s neutrality ahead of the...
Rabies Scare: Suspected Infected Dog Bites 18 in Kano
ShareThe Nigerian Forest Security Service (NFSS), Kano State Command, has deployed personnel to Garko Local Government Area to track and...
FG Targets 10m Globally Certified Nigerians by 2030 — Alausa
ShareThe Federal Government said it is working to create one million export-linked jobs and produce 10 million globally certified Nigerians...
Doctors Give FG Two-week Ultimatum to Avert Strike
ShareThe National Association of Resident Doctors (NARD) has given the Federal Government a two-week ultimatum to resolve outstanding welfare and...
Diri Urges Newlyweds to Make Forgiveness, Tolerance Foundation of Marriage
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has urged newly wedded couples to make the virtues of...
Bayelsa at 30: Assembly Clashes with State Executive Today
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Bayelsa State House of Assembly will take on members of the State Executive Council in...
Oborevwori Urges Nigerians to Embrace Sacrifice, Patriotism for National Devt
ShareFrom Francis Sadhere, Delta Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has urged Nigerians to embrace sacrifice, patriotism, courage and...
Nweze Urges S-East Voters to Back Tinubu
ShareFrom Godwin Okeh, Abakaliki The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagements, South-East, Chioma Nweze, has urged people...