Metro
Zone 2 Police Nab Money Counterfeiting Syndicate in Lagos, Read Riot Act to Criminals
Operatives of the Zone 2 Police Department, comprising Lagos and Ogun states, have arrested a 4-man syndicate of money counterfeiters, who specialize in remodeling naira, pound, dollar and CFA notes.
Parading the suspects of three men and a woman before the media on Friday at the Zonal headquarters in Onikan, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of the Zone, Olatoye Durosinmi, revealed the members of the gang were nabbed after a team of operatives, led by DSP Adeyemi Akeem, acting on credible information, investigated and swooped on the hideout of one Adeniyi Quadri, a 35-year-old male, who specializes in counterfeiting different currencies and supplying same to his allies, spread at different locations, including Cameroon, at No. 11 Alof street, Lagos Island.
The arrest of Quadri, according to the AIG, led to the arrest of the others including Oludare Olamilekan, 50, his wife, Oludare Oluwayemisi, 46, and Ilelabayo Johnson, who is 62 years, and recovery of exhibits including one currency printing machine, one hundred and eighty million Cameroun CFA, suspected to be counterfeit, fake nine million Naira in one thousand naira denominations and other currencies worth millions, and also suspected to be counterfeited.
Speaking to the media, Quadri, who was filled with remorse, confessed to have been in the business of currency counterfeiting for over three years. While Quadri’s confession led to the arrest the couple, the couple’s confession led to the arrest of Ilelabayo Johnson, an ex-military personnel who resides at No.3 Ilelabayo close, Isoto via Ajasa Compound, Lagos State.
The AIG revealed that during his arrest, his house and premises were searched and some suspected counterfeit local and foreign currencies were recovered in his possession. All the arrested suspects confessed to various roles in the process of committing this offence.
He informed that efforts are being intensified to apprehend other fleeing members of the syndicate, and warned criminals to desist from crime because they will be caught.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) has confirmed that two more bodies have been recovered from the wreckage of the Sikorsky S-76 helicopter that crashed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State on Thursday.
Initial reports said three had been recovered even though the police said all eight passengers and crew members were feared dead.
However, two more bodies have been recovered from the crash, leaving three still unaccounted for.
On Friday, the Rivers State Police Command had announced that all eight occupants of an Eastwind Aviation helicopter that crashed into the Atlantic Ocean on Thursday were feared dead.
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.
