Metro
Police Confirm Killing of Two Kogi Varsity Students by Kidnappers
The Police in Kogi State have confirmed that two of the 21 students of Confluence University of Science and Technology (CUSTECH), Osara, abducted by bandits on May 9 while preparing for examination, have been killed by their abductors.
The State Police Commissioner, Bethrand Onuoha, who gave the confirmation while addressing a press conference in Lokoja on Sunday, described the killing by their abductors as very unfortunate, adding that the operatives police had made efforts to rescue the kidnapped students unharmed.
Onuoha, who did not provide the details of how the students were killed, however, assured that security operatives are on the trail of the abductors to bring them to justice.
At a separate press parley on Sunday, a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO), Education For All (E4A), condemned the killing of two students in spite of ongoing negotiations with the parents to pay ransom for their release.
The Publicity Secretary of the NGO, Malam Nasir Ibrahim, said the group described the killing as the height of callousness.
Ibrahim noted that the intent of the kidnappers was to scare young people from going to school in the State, a situation he described as very unfortunate.
“It is sad that the criminals killed two of the students who were not among the 21 rescued through the operation coordinated by the Kogi government,” Ibrahim said.
“This is sad, callous and a call for collective action against attackers of educational institutions.
“We are aware that parents of the students were negotiating with the kidnappers which slowed down the offensive on the kidnappers by security agencies so as not to endanger the lives of the captives.
“We were very hopeful and optimistic that they will be released at the end of the negotiations.
“Information reaching us shows that the students allegedly killed were James Michael Anajuwe, a 100 level Information Technology student and Musa Hussein, a 100 level Software Engineering student of the University.
“They were allegedly killed at the kidnappers’ hideout in Kwara. We are broken and shattered that despite the efforts of the parents, NGOs and the State government, we still lost these promising students.”
“The painful loss of the two students should provoke the office of the National Security Adviser to work with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure the safety of our schools across the country.
“It is unacceptable to lose children whose only offence was embracing education. Our nation must rise to the occasion to arrest the rising insecurity across the country,” he added.
Ibrahim called on the Kogi State government to work with its Kwara counterpart to take a decisive action against the perpetrators, who were suspected to be hiding at a forest in Kwara, close to Kogi and Ekiti states.
Metro
World Food Day: Capacious Farms, Adron Homes Host JSS Arts & Essay Contest, Reward Top Five Schools
In celebration of World Food Day, Capacious Farms & Foods Ltd, on Tuesday, hosted the 2024 Junior Secondary School (JSS) Arts & Essay Contest Award Ceremony, with sponsorship from Adron Homes & Properties.
The event, which took place at the Adron Training School in Shimawa, aimed at engaging young minds in agriculture, creative arts and essay writing, in other to raise awareness about food security and sustainability.
The competition witnessed the participation of 40 schools from across the nation, each submitting entries on the future of agriculture and its role in combating food insecurity.
After a rigorous judging process, five schools emerged as winners, with students from these schools receiving generous cash prizes, sponsored by the foremost real estate company in Nigeria, Adron Homes & Properties.
The Chief Operating Officer of Capacious Farms & Foods, Chi Tola Roberts, emphasized the significance of the event in her address.
“Commemorating World Food Day through this contest highlights the critical role agriculture plays in our society. Our goal is to spark an early interest in agriculture and equip students with the knowledge and motivation to pursue careers in the sector,” she stated.
Roberts also announced that the contest would become an annual event, with promises of broader outreach, and increased opportunities for students.
In his remarks, the Chairman, Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, spoke passionately about Nigeria’s agricultural history and the importance of returning to its roots.
“Our nation was built on agriculture. Cocoa House, one of Nigeria’s landmarks, was funded through proceeds from cocoa farming. By supporting initiatives like this, we aim to inspire the next generation to see agriculture not only as our past, but as our future,” he said.
Emmanuelking reiterated Adron’s commitment to supporting youth engagement in agriculture, particularly through sponsorships like those awarded at this event.
Prof. Adesegun, Chairman of the Babcock University Schools Management Board, who delivered a keynote speech on Global Food Crisis and the Importance of Youth Involvement, noted as follows: “We are facing a global challenge in food security, and the youth must be at the forefront of finding solutions. This competition is a step in the right direction, as it encourages students to think critically about the future of food and agriculture.”
The event provided a platform for young students to showcase their artistic and literary talents, exploring themes that align with the mission of World Food Day: ending hunger and ensuring food security for all. The five winning schools were awarded cash prizes, and their students were celebrated for their exceptional creative and analytical contributions.
Capacious Farms & Foods Ltd and Adron Homes & Properties are committed to making this competition an annual event, fostering a deeper connection between Nigeria’s youth and the agricultural sector.
In a gesture that underscores his unwavering commitment to promoting and preserving the rich Yoruba culture and traditions, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, Chairman/CEO of Adron Group, accompanied by the Managing Director of Adron Group, Mrs Adenike Ajobo and some other company’s management team, paid a royal visit to His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ogunwusi Eniitan, Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife, on Sunday, October 20, 2024, in celebration of the monarch’s 50th birthday.
The visit took place at the Ooni’s historic palace in Ile-Ife, a city revered as the cradle of Yoruba civilization. Aare Emmanuelking, a staunch advocate for cultural heritage, expressed his deep admiration for the Ooni’s pivotal role in uniting and uplifting the Yoruba people. This significant visit exemplifies the strong relationship between Adron Group and traditional rulers across the country, and it reflects the company’s commitment to community development, as well as the preservation of Nigeria’s diverse cultural values.
Speaking at the event, Aare Emmanuelking emphasized the importance of maintaining and promoting the customs and traditions that define the Yoruba people, while fostering relationships with traditional rulers and the broader community. He noted that these relationships are essential not only for cultural preservation but also for supporting sustainable development that benefits local communities and strengthens national unity.
“A nation’s growth is deeply tied to its cultural roots. The Yoruba culture, and indeed all Nigerian traditions, form the bedrock of our values and our identity. We at Adron Homes are proud to be associated with these values and are committed to ensuring that they are passed down to future generations,” Aare Emmanuelking stated during the visit.
In closing, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking offered his heartfelt prayers to the Ooni of Ife, saying: “May His Imperial Majesty, Oba Ogunwusi Eniitan, continue to reign in wisdom, peace, and prosperity. As the custodian of our cherished traditions and a beacon of hope for our people, we pray for long life, good health, and enduring success for His Majesty. Long live the King, long live the Ooni of Ife.”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, expressed his gratitude for the visit and lauded Adron Group’s efforts in supporting traditional institutions and fostering development. The Ooni’s 50th birthday celebrations have drawn dignitaries and well-wishers from across the country, all paying tribute to his reign and visionary leadership.
Adron Homes and Properties, a leading real estate company, remains committed to its mission of making affordable housing accessible to all Nigerians. Under Aare Emmanuelking’s leadership, the company continues to engage with traditional rulers, recognizing their vital role in community cohesion and the preservation of cultural identity.
The management staff of leading real estate firm, Adron Homes and Properties, led by the Chairman/CEO, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, has paid a courtesy visit to the Palace of His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II, CFR, in Ile-Ife. This visit was to seek the revered monarch’s endorsement of the forthcoming ADRON GAMES 2024, scheduled to take place in November 2024 in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Following a week of celebratory activities for the Ooni’s milestone birthday, Aare Adetola, also known as Aare Akile Adimula Oodua, commended the Ooni for his unwavering support for real estate professionals in Nigeria. He emphasized Ooni’s significant contributions to sports development, highlighting its essential role in fostering community growth.
During the visit, Aare Adetola presented a soccer ball to the Ooni, who showcased his skills with it. A framed official jersey was also gifted to symbolize the Ooni’s endorsement of the forthcoming Adron Games.
This event aims to unite sports enthusiasts, real estate firms, and various stakeholders under one roof to participate in a range of indoor and outdoor competitions, with exciting prizes for winners in different categories.
The Ooni, through a signed letter, formally endorsed the Adron Games and expressed his intention to attend the event. He encouraged Adron Homes to continue its commitment to sports development, recognizing it as a vital unifying force for youth across the nation, transcending racial and regional divides. He also expressed gratitude to Aare Adetola and his team for their support during the Annual Olojo festival, and for celebrating his birthday with generous gifts.
In his remarks, Aare Adetola highlighted that Adron Homes is honoured to collaborate with traditional rulers and contribute to the development of their communities. He extended best wishes to His Imperial Majesty for continued good health and prosperity, expressing hope for many more years of celebratory milestones. Aare was accompanied by several senior executives from Adron, including Adenike Ajobo (MD), Ihuoma (DGSM), Azuru, Emmanuel Oladapo (DAS), and several other key team members.
