Metro
Delta Empowers 593 Youths on ICT
DAN DENT (ASABA)
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Chukwudebe Leslie at the closing ceremony/official presentation of starter packs to trainees of the programme in Asaba on Monday while the Chief Job Creation Officer, Prof. Eric Eboh(middle)looks on. PIX: ENARUSAI BRIPIN
Delta Government on Monday presented starter packs to 593 youths trained on its Information and Communications Technology – Youth Empowerment Programme, ICT-YEP with a call on the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity to launch themselves into the technology world.
Speaking during the closing ceremony of the first phase of the (ICT-YEP) for Delta North graduands at Government House, Asaba, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa urged the beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity provided to become self-sufficient in business and entrepreneurship.
Represented by the State Commissioner for Youth Development, Comrade Ifeanyi Egwunyenga, the governor said there were lots of opportunities in the ICT world and urged the beneficiaries to maximise the potentials in the technology world.
According to the governor, am happy to be among our youths who have successfully undergone ICT based training to equip themselves with relevant knowledge in information and communication technology capable of providing employment, not only for themselves, but also for others.
“I congratulate you for successfully going through the programme, in spite of the hitches. ICT has become the fulcrum around which economies of local, international agencies and even govermnment at all levels revolve.
“It has permeated lives and livelihoods, opening vast opportunities for newer, faster, better and more reliable ways for people to interact, do business and seek help in various ways, including developing ideas on how set goals can be achieved.
He said well meaning youths across the globe are deploying ICT to prepare for and access economic opportunities, career counseling, job matching, entrepreneurship and agriculture.
“Economic opportunities are a key pull factor for youth migration as they do so due to the lack of opportunities for employments and personal growth in their homes, communities and countries.
“We are determined to stem this tide, especially amongst our youths, by expanding the windows of opportunities for self development in vocational training and equipping it’s graduates to start up their own agriculture and girl-child empowerment.
“ICT will help you build and maintain social networks capable of providing access to knowledge and know how on virtually, all meaningful businesses and creativity capable of making expanding the frontiers of knowledge by creating noble ways of using the Internet in a much better, secure and faster ways.
“While you use the knowledge you have acquired for meaningful engagements with wider society, you should also challenge yourself on how best you can improve on the ICT, as areas of widening the usage are still open,” Okowa said.
He advised the beneficiaries to maximise the positive aspect of the Internet and warned against using it for mischief or outright criminal purposes, as the law is always there to deal with those who abuse ICT.
“Do not adopt ‘get rich quick’ mentality, be steadfast in the pursuit of those ideals which will earn you honour and fame both at the national and international levels.
“Go out there to convince the Delta state government and the people that the resources put into the training is worth the sacrifice.
“Once again I congratulate you and may God grant you wisdom to deplore the knowledge gathered to both your advantage, that of your families and the state in general,” Okowa stated.
Welcoming guests to the event, Commissioner for Science and Technology, Mrs Jennifer Adasen-Efeviroro said the programme was designed to build a community of youths with the right skills to start their own businesses, become self-sufficient entrepreneurs to contribute to the development of Delta in particular and the nation in general.
“You will recall that in April 2021 our dear Governor graciously approved the commencement of the ICT-YEP as part of his strategic plan to make technology innovation the building block of a future stronger Delta.
“593 youths from across the three senatorial districts of the state were selected through a transparent process to participate in a four months intensive programme in Basic and Advanced Front end/ Back end web developments, Advanced Networking, Home Security, design installation programme with closed circuit television (CCTV), Advanced solar inverter installation and repairs among others.” she said.
Also speaking, Commissioner for Information, Mr Charles Aniagwu congratulated the beneficiaries for being part of those selected, adding that the world awaits their exploits as tech entrepreneurs.
“We identify with your zeal to become entrepreneurs and as you collect your starter packs today, I urge you to bring that same zeal in managing what you are given today to grow your business.
“What you are given today are starter packs which means government is helping you to start off and how you are going to sustain the business depends on your positive mindset,” he added.
Chief Job Creation Officer, Professor Eric Eboh encouraged the beneficiaries to see the empowerment as an opportunity to launch out to the Information and Communications Technology world which he described as the new ‘black gold’.
He said a total 6,074 youths have been trained and empowered through the STEP and YAGEP programmes since 2015, adding that the state government was proud of the testimonies from the beneficiaries.
Two beneficiaries Ezeagbor Charles and Chukwudebe Leslie, who responded on behalf of others thanked Governor Okowa for the training and provision of starter packs.
They commended the state government for making their dreams a reality and pledged to leverage on the opportunity provided by the state government to become economically independent.
Metro
FIVE KIDNAPPERS FATALLY INJURED IN POLICE OPERATION ON LAGOS-IBADAN EXPRESSWAY
…As Commissioner of Police reiterates commitment to ensure safety of lives and property
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED: H&H
On January 25, 2025, at about 1900hrs, the Area Commander, Sagamu received a distress call from commuters travelling along Sagamu-Ijebu Ode Expressway of an ongoing armed robbery near Ilishan, Ogun State. Acting swiftly, the Area Commander mobilized a crack team of officers to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers discovered that a group of unidentified gunmen had set up a roadblock using an articulated truck, indiscriminately opening fire on unarmed passengers, causing widespread panic. In the ensuing chaos, three commuters – Bolaji Bilesanmi ‘m’, 65yrs Olasunkanmi Idowu ‘m’ 50yrs, and Mohammed Salisu ‘m’ (age unknown) were abducted into the forest from two vehicles (1) Honda Pilot (Registration No. Lagos EKY113GZ) and (2) Honda Accord Car (Registration No. Lagos KJA13QFA).
SWIFT POLICE INTERVENTION
The Commissioner of Police, CP. Lanre Ogunlowo, PhD. directed a covert operation led by the Command’s Anti-Kidnapping Unit. On January 29, 2025, at about 0400hrs, operatives located the kidnappers’ hideout, and upon sighting the police squad, the gang engaged the officers in a fierce gun battle. In the exchange, five (5) kidnappers were fatally injured while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
RECOVERED ITEMS
The following items were recovered from the scene:
• One AK-47 rifle
• Ten rounds of 5.6mm calibre ammunition
• ₦5.2 million (suspected to be proceeds of crime)
• Three mobile phones
The three (3) kidnapped victims regained their freedom unhurt. Efforts are ongoing to arrest injured members of the syndicate. The Commissioner of Police strongly warns against criminal activities, particularly among young individuals seeking financial gain through high-profile crimes.
He reiterates the Command’s unwavering commitment to an aggressive crackdown on criminals preying on innocent citizens in Ogun state.
Metro
So-Safe Corps Apprehends Ex-Convict with Human Skull in Ogun
So-Safe Corps Apprehends Ex-Convict with Human Skull in Ogun
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation, and Safety Corps (So-Safe Corps) has apprehended a middle-aged man at a tomb in Kere, Obada-Oko, Abeokuta, Ogun State, while he was allegedly attempting to exhume a human skull.
This was disclosed in a press statement issued by the Commander of So-Safe Corps, Commander (Dr.) Soji Ganzallo, through the office of the Director of Information and Public Relations of the Corps, Assistant Commander Moruf Yusuf.
According to the statement, at about 2:35 a.m. on January 21, 2025, officers of the So-Safe Corps on routine patrol observed suspicious activity on a parcel of land behind a church. The suspect, identified as 54-year-old Adelani Oriyomi, was spotted trying to hide. Once the coast seemed clear, he resumed digging the tomb to allegedly retrieve a human skull. However, the officers returned to the scene, apprehending him before he could escape.
Ganzallo revealed that the suspect, a resident of Kere, Obada-Oko in Ewekoro Local Government Area, confessed to the crime during interrogation. Oriyomi admitted that on January 18, 2025, he had exhumed a skull from a tomb on a plot of land behind his residence. He confessed that he was now attempting to retrieve another skull to complete the number required for a money ritual preparation known as Osole. Oriyomi further disclosed that he had hidden the first skull in his room.
The suspect also confessed to being a seasoned offender, having sold nearly ten skulls in the past. He revealed that previous arrests for similar offenses committed at Ado-Odo led to two years of imprisonment and a further six years and nine months at the Oba Correctional Center following another conviction in Obada-Oko.
Commander Ganzallo confirmed that the suspect and the recovered exhibit—a fully dried human skull—have been handed over to the Nigeria Police Force, Obada Divisional Headquarters, for further investigation and possible prosecution.
In his remarks, Ganzallo urged community leaders to thoroughly screen tenants and visitors to prevent harboring undesirable individuals. He emphasized that such vigilance could ensure 70% of home security, with the remaining 30% relying on alertness to external threats.
Metro
SANWO-OLU COMMISERATES WITH JIGAWA GOVERNOR, VICTIMS FAMILIES OVER FUEL EXPLOSION TRAGEDY
SANWO-OLU COMMISERATES WITH JIGAWA GOVERNOR, VICTIMS FAMILIES OVER FUEL EXPLOSION TRAGEDY
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has expressed his heartfelt condolences to the families of those who died in the unfortunate fire incident in Majiya town, in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, following the explosion of a petrol-laden tanker.
The Governor also sent a note of sympathy to his colleague, Governor Umar Namadi, friends and associates of the victims, as well as the people and Government of Jigawa State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu said the unfortunate incident has left yet another scar in the minds of millions of Nigerians, adding that no nation or people could afford to experience this kind of tragedy without its effect on the social and psychological wellbeing of the people.
Sanwo-Olu, in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr. Gboyega Akosile, offered prayers for the victims and their families, Governor Umar Namadi, and the citizens of Jigawa over the tragic loss of their fellow residents.
He said, “It is with heavy heart that I have read and followed the development of the disaster that happened yesterday in Majiya town, in the Taura Local Government Area of Jigawa State, following the explosion of a petrol-laden tanker that claimed over 153 persons.
“Certainly, this unfortunate incident is beyond what we can reasonably imagine, going by what I have seen in the media. The devastating effects can only be imagined.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with my brother, Governor Umar Namadi, the Government and the people of Jigawa State over this very sad incident.
“I pray for the repose of the deceased and ask that the Almighty Allah grant the families of the victims the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.”
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