By David Owei

Osun state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed Mrs Oyebode Mary as the Iyaloja General of Osun State, denouncing any announcement of a new appointee.

In a statement in response to an announcement from the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, the governor affirmed that only the state government is vested with the authority by law to appoint the Iyaloja General.

“Any announcement from any other quarter including the Osogbo Royal Palace is null and void. Mrs Oyebode remains the legally appointed Iyaloja General under the authority of the state government.

The governor urged market associations and womenfolk across the state to ignore any appointment of any new Iyaloja General. Mrs Oyebode continues to enjoy the full support and recognition of the state government in her capacity as duly appointed Iyaloja General of Osun state.

He further appeals to institutions and individuals to be mindful of the law and their assigned mandates under the law”, advising that institutions and individuals should desist from actions capable of disturbing the peace of the state.

By David Owei

The House of Representative has issued a 7-day ultimatum to the Programme Coordinator of the HydroCarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HyPREP) to appear before the Public Account Committee of the House for explanation over allegations of mismanagement of over #400billion in the 2021 and 2024 Audit report from the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation.

The ultimatum followed the adoption of a resolution to that effect at a Public hearing of the Committee held today and attended by twenty-seven members.

Speaking at the hearing, Chairman of the Committee Rep. Bamidele Salam noted that the ultimatum serves as the final warning after HyPREP failed to appear before the committee despite four different invitations extended to them.

He added that failure to appear before the Committee by Monday 12th October, 2026, the House will be compelled to invoke its power and compel appearance by the Accounting officer of the agency.

The Committee also extended the same invitation to the Chairman Board of Trustees of the Ogoni Remediation Trust Fund.

According to the Audited Reports presented before the Committee HyPREP failed to submit its audited account to the Office of the Auditor General from 2017 to 2021.

Other queries include: Irregular award of Contracts and non-deduction of Statutory Taxes of $2.1million; Payment of #986million Consultancy Without Execution; Irregular Payment of #315million for Training; Payment of #7.2billion for poorly executed contracts; payment of #268m without prepayment audit; Non-deduction of #32million statutory taxes; Engagement of External Solicitors with #31.8million without Attorney General Approval; Crude oil recovery from remediation site without being documented; Adoption of progressive salary scale for contract staff; Extra-budgetary expenditure of #931million.

Others are: Duplication of Services through award of Contracts worth #182million; Duplication of function monitoring and evaluation worth #507million; Irregular Payment of #43million for advertisement without evidence of performance; Irregular stay in office by an officer after the expiration of the secondment period.

According to the 2024 Audit Report presented before the Committee HyPREP made an Unverified #1.5billion payment of compensation.

Also queried are: Non-retirement of #14million of cash advances; Irregular payment of #229.1million; Payment of #260million for training programme without evidence of execution; Denial of access to #27.5billion project documents and records.

Rep. Salam added that the HYPREP and Ogoni Trust Fund will also speak to issues surrounding the 1 billion dollars contributed for the claen up of the Ogoni land after the pull out of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of which the Renaissance Energy Ltd claimed to have made a contribution of over 900 million dollars to the fund.

By David Owei

2021 Olympic silver medallist Blessing Oborududu has expressed profound appreciation to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, and the state government for recognising her contributions to the development and progress of the state.

Oborududu, who was among distinguished Bayelsans honoured as part of activities marking the 30th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State, described the recognition as a significant milestone in her life and career.

The wrestling star commended Governor Diri for what she described as his visionary leadership and commitment to the continued development of Bayelsa State, while also appreciating the state government and everyone involved in her selection for the honour

She said the award was a reminder that the efforts and contributions of individuals to the growth of society were being seen and appreciated, adding that the recognition had further encouraged her to continue making a positive impact.

“I sincerely appreciate my Miracle Governor, Senator Douye Diri, for your visionary leadership and for the development and progress of Bayelsa State. I also appreciate the entire Bayelsa State Government and everyone who considered and selected me for this great honour.”

“This award is a reminder that our efforts and contributions to society are seen and appreciated. I am truly grateful and encouraged to continue making a positive impact.” Oborududu stated.

Oborududu said October 1, 2026, would remain a memorable day for her, as she had the opportunity to receive the award alongside other distinguished personalities who had contributed to the development of Bayelsa State.

Expressing gratitude to God Almighty, she said she was deeply honoured to have been selected from among thousands of Bayelsans and recognised in the presence of eminent personalities during the anniversary celebration

Blessing Oborududu who became first Bayelsan woman to lift an Olympic silver medal said she did not take the recognition for granted, stressing that the honour would further motivate her to remain committed to contributing meaningfully to the development of Bayelsa State and society at large.

“I am deeply grateful to God Almighty for the opportunity to stand out among thousands and to stand in the midst of distinguished personalities to receive this great honour. I do not take this recognition for granted. All glory and honour belong to God.”

“October 1 was truly a great and memorable day for me as I received an award from the Bayelsa State Government in recognition of my contribution and impact in Bayelsa State as we celebrate 30 years of our dear state.” She said.

Oborududu also congratulated Nigerians on the Independence Day celebration and Bayelsans on the 30th anniversary of the state, describing Bayelsa as the “Glory of All Lands” and expressing optimism that the state would continue to grow, prosper and achieve greater heights.