As Christians all over the World celebrate the birth of Christ, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II has enjoined all humans to emulate the spirit of Jesus Christ in their day to day interactions. The Oonirisa who is also the Co-Chairman of the National Council of Traditional Rulers of Nigeria (NCTRN) in a goodwill message obtained from his official Instagram Handle @OoniAdimulaIfe described Christmas as a time of reflection and honour, urging all and sundry to imbibe the spirit of love, kindness and tolerance as demonstrated by the son of God, while also advising people to take into account Covid-19 safety precautions as they celebrate the festive period. "I join all Christian faithfuls in celebration in this special season of Christmas. As a time of reflection and honour, I implore all to emulate the spirit of the one being celebrated in showing love and kindness to all, by rescuing the needy, feeding the hungry and shelter

The Academic Staff Union of Universities(ASUU) has finally suspended its Nine-Month-Old industrial action. This was announced by the Union's National President, Prof. Biodun Ogunyemi during a press conference held earlier today Wednesday December 23rd, 2020 in Abuja, the Nation's Capital. The suspension according to Prof. Ogunyemi was an outcome of the latest agreement reached between the Union and the Federal Government regarding its demands. According to him, the two parties have agreed on the adoption of the University Transparency and Accountability System (UTAS) for the payment of university staff salaries and concluded that the lecturers' salary arrears be paid via a different channel. Government had directed members of the ASUU to enroll on its proposed Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS), a rejection of which had resulted in the withholding of the lecturers salaries over the months. #BREAKING : ASUU suspends 10months strike conditionally.

Kayode Olawuni Properties worth hundreds of millions of Naira were lost following an inferno that engulfed the popular Oja Tuntun (New Market) in Ile-Ife, Osun State in the late hours of yesterday, Tuesday 1st of December, 2020. The fire, Ife City Blog gatherd, broke out at around 11pm and ragged throughout the night leaving behind griefs-ladden tales on the shopowners as the day broke. When visited the seen around 10am this morning, sympathisers were seen trying to put out the still burning fire to forestall further escalation to the other wings of the market.  While the cause of the incedence is yet to be ascertained as at the time of filling this report, sources at the scene however alleged poor response including a claim of 'lack of water' from the fire service personnels as being responsible for the escalated damage. Others alleged a refusal on the part of the market security officers to grant entry to rescuers. When contacted, an Official of the Ile-Ife branc

Kayode Olawuni The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Olofin Adimula Ooni(Dr.) Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II today Wednesday 2nd of December, 2020 hosted the Emir of Kano Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero at the House of Oduduwa, his palace where a number of matters of national importance, particularly those bothering on youths development were discussed. The Oonirisa used the occasion to advocate for the urgent need for youths development in the country. The Ooni particularly emphasized the need for traditional institutions to champion the vanguard for youths inclusion and capacity building in their respective jurisdictions. "Let us surrender ourselves to the youths because they own this country, they are the future that we have to build today. Let us train and re-train them and we shall be better for it. We don't have to wait for the government, let us do our best individually and it shall be well with us", Ooni admonished. The paramount traditional ruler, Co

By Kayode Olawuni Adewale Adeyemo The United States President-Elect, Joe Biden yesterday announced Adewale ("Wally") Adeyemo, a Nigerian born American Attorney and an illustrious Yoruba son from Ipetumodu in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State as the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury alongside other key members of the economic team that will work with him in the next 46th US presidency. Adewale Adeyemo is the first and the current President of the post Obama-Biden's presidency non-profit organization, the Obama Foundation, a position he has held since August, 2019. Prior to his attaining this post and specifically during the Obama administration, Adeyemo served as the President's senior  international economic adviser and Deputy National Security Advisor. Mr. Adewale also served as the Deputy Director of the National Economic Council, the first Chief of Staff of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and Deputy Chief of Staff of the Department of the Tr

As part of the the activities celebrating the newly born crown prince and heir to the sacred ancestral throne of Oduduwa, the Raia Rooks Chess Club (RRCC) is partnering with an illustrious prince of the Source and a former president of the Chess Players Association of Nigeria (CPAN), Prince Adeyinka Adewole in hosting a special courtesy Chess fiesta tagged "THE CROWN PRINCE ADESOJI ADEREMI TADENIKAWO OGUNWUSI CHESS SIMULTANEOUS EXHIBITION". The RRCC, an initiative by a progressive Ife blood, Hon. Bisi Awope has, in recent times been in  the forefront of championing the discovery and projection of local talents in Chess and constituted an important stakeholder in the development of local sport and tourism advancement of the city through the facilitation of series of well meaning sporting events including the famous Annual Olojo Festival Rapid Chess Tournament. The guest host and star player, Prince Adeyinka is a Chess Icon and a fantastic supporter of the sport of Chess in

Premier Hotels Tower, Ibadan the Oyo State Capital was stormed by dignitaries yesterday Saturday 28th of November, 2020 to grace the 5th Coronation Anniversary Lecture and Banquet, part of the activities marking the 5th Year Ascension Anniversary of the Arole Oduduwa His Imperial Majesty, Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife. Among those present were the former president Olusegun Obasanjo, the Sultan of Sokoto Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar, the Emir of Kano Alhaji Aminu Ado Bayero, the Olubadan of Ibadan Oba Saliu Adetunji and the Alaafin of Oyo Iku Baba Yeye Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III. According to @ooniofficialphotojournalist reports on Instagram, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa'ad Abubakar while eulogising Ooni was quoted saying "The Ooni is a friend, brother and a worthy companion who has performed creditably well in accordance with the status of the Ooni within the last five years. "Let me also add that he has visited

The Osun State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Alhaji Tajudeen Olaniyi Eniafe Lawal has felicitated with the state Governor, Alhaji Isiaq Gboyega Oyetola in marking the Governor's two years in office, today 27th of November, 2020. In a cogratulatory message obtained from his Media Aide, Musefiu Kolawole Afolabi, Prof.  KCIO3 as popularly known, the Ife born commissioner described Governor Oyetola's two years in office as a "GLAMOROUS 24 MONTHS OF SERVICE YO THE PEOPLE". He described Governor Oyetola as God-fearing, Meticulous and a listening Governor which according to the commissioner, makes him the best choice the osun people could ever have made, while praying to God to endow the Governor with more inspiration, guidance and divine wisdom to make Osun State an ecosystem of his dream. Alhaji Eniafe encouraged the people of osun to continue to  discharge their constitutional obligations as citizens for the sustenance of the dividends of democracy currently being en

His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II The House of Oduduwa, Palace of His Imperial Majesty, the Arole Oodua Alayeluwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II has officially denounced the pictures making the rounds on social media purportedly representing the newly born crown prince and hire to the sacred ancestral throne of Oduduwa. In a statement signed by the Director of Media and Public Affairs, Ooni's Palace, Comrade Moses Olafare, the Palace disowned the circulated images claiming to be that of the new prince, describing it as a misrepresentation and urged the public to disregard them. According to the statement, it is the sole descretion of the Arole Oduduwa, his father to publicly unveil the face of the baby which shall be done after the conclusion of all the necessary traditional rites currently ongoing. The statement added that jubilations remain unceasing at the palace with the new born and her mother, the Yeyeluwa of the

The Arole Oodua, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II with Olori Silekunola Naomi Ogunwusi, the Yeyeluwa of the Source. The entire Ife community has been marked with a joyous mood following the news of the delivery of a new born baby by Olori Silekunola Naomi Ogunwusi, wife to the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa Olofin Adimula Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II. The Paramount ruler had earlier yesterday taken to His official Instagram handle @OoniAdimulaIfe to announce the welcome of the new born prince. "To God be the glory great things he has done. Hearty congratulations to the entire House of Oduduwa and Olori Silekunola who today birthed a prince to the Royal throne of Oduduwa. Mother and Child are doing well to the glory of God Almighty". Sources at the palace however confirmed that the Ooni may not be able to see the new born baby and her mother untill after several weeks in line with the Ife traditions as necessary rites usherin

By Kayode Olawuni Informationn Minister, Alhaji Lai Muhammed and Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State The Ogun State Governor, His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun yesterday hosted the Honorable Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Muhammed to launch the "AdireOgun Digital Marketplace", an online marketing platform for native "Adire" tie and dye fabrics makers in the state. The Governor, in a statement @dabiodunMFR said the online  marketing platform is an initiative designed to drive laudable economic benefits to the  state which include global visibility, employment generation  and poverty alleviation. "The digital platform will not only project Ogun State to the global market but also generate employment and alleviate poverty. Already , our Government has enrolled over 200 participants in the Adire value chain on the portal.   "It is projected that if each of the eventual 2,000 participants impact another 4 or 5 people, 8,000 to 10,000 jobs

The  State Government of Osun has  banned principals and other school authorities in the State from selling or disturbing uniforms to students.  This was disclosed by the State commissioner for information and Civic orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode while addressing newsmen after the State Executive Council meeting held on Monday, November 9, 2020. She stated that the new arrangement is part of the government resolves to reviewing certain extant educational policies in the State as earlier announced which include a reversal to the old schools uniforms practice as against the current monotonous policy of using the same uniform by all the schools, scheduled to take effect from the 2020/2021 academic session.  According to her, "The Council decided that no school authority or principal is allowed to assume the duty of selling or distributing uniforms to students. It is not the monopoly or exclusive preserve of any school or individual to do so". Mrs Egbemode highlighted that

U.S President Elect, Joe Biden The United States of America has produced Joseph R. Biden Jr. as the newly elected President to run the affairs of the country for the next four years. Mr. Joe Biden, a former eight years term Vice President under Barrack Obama from 2009 to 2017 will by his election become the 46th President of the United States. According to the Associated Press(AP) reports, "Democrat Joe Biden defeated President Donald Trump to become the 46th president of the United States on Saturday, positioning himself to lead a nation gripped by a historic pandemic and a confluence of economic and social turmoil". Meanwhile, a senior CNN political analyst, John Avlon, has described the 77years old's victory as "a huge and historic one", having won over 74 million votes which is an unprecedented success figure in the entire history of the United States. Biden will also break a 28years record of unseating an incumbent president. More significantly, Joe Bid

Adeoye Owolewa The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has congratulated a young Nigerian Adeoye Owolewa on his victory as the first Nigerian-American to be elected to occupy a seat in the United States' Congress. The Northeastern University (Boston, USA) doctorate degree in pharmacy holder and a former  commissioner of  Southeast DC neighborhood is now to represent the District of Colombia (Washington DC) in the US (Shadow) Representatives House under the flag of the Democratic Party. In a congratulatory message signed by the Commission's Head of Media and Public Relations, Abdur-Rahman Balogun as contained on its official Twitter handle @nidcom_gov, Hon. Erewa described Owolewa's victory as well deserved while acknowledging him as a role model and a good ambassador of the home country, Nigeria, adding that his  victory was informed by a high sense of dedication, hardwork and prayer.  "This

The Osun State Sports Council has appointed Hon. Bisi Awope, CEO of Raia Rooks Corner Limited as the Vice Chairman of the State Chess Association. This was confirmed by a letter of appointment earlier issued today  to the Ife born Chess Icon by the State Sports umpire signed by its Acting General Manager, Rotimi Dunmoye. The four years term State Vice Chairmanship position bestowed on the manager of the famous Olojo Festival Rapid Chess Tournament hosting club, the Raia Rooks Chess Club, according to the letter, is expected to begin with immediate effect but will be fully activated with the official inauguration of the Association which has been put on hold due to reasons related to the Covid-19 pandemic. The letter reads in part: "This is to humbly refer to the above topic and to inform your honour that Mr. Governor, HE, Adegboyega Oyetola has approved your nomination as Vice Chairman of the Osun State Chess Association". "This letter serves as a letter of appointme

The Council of Traditional Rulers in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State under the Chairmanship of His Royal Majesty, Oba (Prof.) Joseph Olugbenga Oloyede Latimogun I, the Apetumodu of Ipetumodu has commended the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty Alayeluwa Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II for the prominent fatherly role He has been playing in the ongoing campaign against Police brutality in the Country championed by the Nigerian youths.  This commendation was issued following a meeting held by the monarchs. They lauded the Arole Oodua for particularly amplifying the voices of the youths while also maintaining that they conduct themselves peacefully, particularly in Ifeland as the struggles last. The elders, while solidarising with the youths in their genuine agitations for better Nigeria also condemned the Lekki Toll shooting but urged them to keep maintaining peace as they press home their demands from the government, which according to them is bei

The Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has condemned the gruesome murder of unarmed #EndSARS protesters by security operatives on Tuesday night 20th of October, 2020 at Lekki Toll Gate. The Paramount traditional ruler stated this in a communique issued on His official Twitter handle @OoniAdimulaIfe on Wednesday. He described the incidence as highly disheartening and regrettable, calling on government authorities to immediately investigate the case and bring perpetrators to book. The statement reads in part: "The sad event that happened yesterday at the Lekki Toll gate in Lagos where armed soldiers were alleged to have killed unarmed young protesters is highly disheartening, regrettable and condemnable". "Our political leadership must immediately investigate the circumstances that led to the avoidable confrontation and consequent loss of lives with a view to swiftly fishing out the unlawful attackers who must be made to face the fu

The entire media team at IFECITY BLOG MEDIA heartily felicitate with His Imperial Majesty, the Arole Oodua Alayeluwa Olofin Adimula Ooni (Dr) Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi Ojaja II, the Ooni of Ife on this great occasion of His 46th Birthday Anniversary. The current generation recognizes, appreciates and celebrates the unprecedented progress and prosperity that your reign as a charismatic and highly informed monarch has brought to the land of Ife, the Yoruba race and humanity.  Long may you reign Kábíyèsí. Kádé pé lórí, kí bàtà pé lésè, késin Oba jeko pé. Igba odún, Odún kan. From All of Us, IFECITY BLOG MEDIA

By Kayode Olawuni The  Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Alayeluwa Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II has expressed his support for the ongoing protests against the brutality of the Police Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) by the Nigerian Youths. The monarch, in a communique issued on His official Twitter handle @OoniAdimulaIfe on Monday said the youths are united for the first time in the fight for their common interest. "The #ENDSARS movement has brought nothing but joy to me. Finally the youths are awake with one voice and a common goal", the tweet read. The eminent traditional ruler expressed a deep understanding of the bitter experiences the young Nigerian folks are passing through in the hands of the personnel of the security unit, supporting this with the narration of an ordeal His own daughter was once subjected to. "I understand your plight, my 25years old daughter had a nasty experience with SARS, almost losing her life. On

By Kayode Olawuni (L-R) Governor Ggboyega Oyetola of Osun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun(Ogun Central Senatorial District) and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu. Osun State Governor, Ggboyega Oyetola has congratulated his Ondo State counterpart, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress, APC over his victory in the Saturday October 10 gubernatorial polls held in the State, re-electing him for another four years term.  Governor Oyetola spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan in a statement issued in Osogbo, the State Capital, describing Governor Akeredolu's victory as well deserved, adding that the election results were a true refection of trust and confidence the people of Ondo have in his administration. "I heartily congratulate Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu on his well-deserved re-election as Governor of Ondo State", the statement read. A member of the National Caretaker Committee of the All Progressives Congress, APC and Chairman, Con

By Kayode Olawuni Muhammed A. Adamu, Police IG The Federal Government has dissolved the Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS) unit of the Nigerian Police Force. This was announced by the Inspector General of Police, Muhammed A. Adamu while briefing newsmen at the Force Headquarters in Abuja on Sunday 11th of October, 2020.  The dissolution of the Force unit came up following series of the recent nationwide protests hashtaged '#ENDSARS' championed by the Nigerian Youths, alleging brutality and related unprofessional conducts on the part of some members of the Squad. According to a statement containing the main points of the Press Release delivered by the IG as made available on the Nigerian Police official Twitter handle @PoliceNG, signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Frank Mba, "The Inspector General of Police has dissolved the Special Anti-Robbery Squad(SARS) across all the Thirty-Six(36) State Commands and the Federal Capital Territory(FCT) with immediate eff

The Ife Mini Bus Drivers Unit (Sabo Lagere) of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ife Branch has issued a new transport fares schedule.  The new upwardly reviewed charges scheme was circulated on Monday 5th of October, 2020, with a One day citywide shutdown of services from their members, which according to the Union was aimed at getting people aware and prepared.  Confirming the new fees with Ife City Blog, the Organisational Secretary of the Union Mr. Taiwo Bada gave the prevailing economic realities in the country as the basis for the price review, while appealing to the members of the public to bear with them. Details of the new fees is as follows: Gate to Campus N50.00 Within Campus N30.00 Campus Gate to Hostel & Market N80.00 AP, Mayfair to Campus N80.00 Sabo to Campus N100.00 Lagere to Campus N100.00 Alakowe, General & Ilesa Garage N50.00 Ilesa Garage to Lagere N50.00 Sabo to Mayfair N50.00 Lagere, Sabo to Alakowe N70.00 Mayfair to New Garage N50.0

By Kayode Olawuni The Federal Government has approved a special salary structure for all teachers in the country. This was disclosed at the occasion of this year's edition of the World Teachers Day celebrations held at Eagle Square, Abuja today Monday 5th of October, 2020. Represented by the minister of education, Prof. Adamu Adamu, President Buhari asserted that the reviewed salary scale for the teachers is geared towards motivating them for greater productivity and effectiness. This is in addition to the extension of the service years of the teachers from 35 to 40 years announced by the education minister at the occasion as approved by Mr. President.  The event also featured the conferment of awards of excellence to deserving teachers. Details of the new national teaching policy is as follows:  Establishment of a special salary scale. Retirement by age is now 65. Retirement by service is now 40. Rural allowance to be provided Increase in science allowance. Peculiar allowance.

By Kayode Olawuni The Osun State Sports Council has commended the Raia Rooks Chess Club (RRCC) under the Chairmanship of Hon. Bisi Awope for a successful hosting of the 2020 Olojo Festival Rapid Chess Tournament held between 24th and 25th of September, 2020. This was contained in a letter of appreciation addressed to Hon. Awope, the RRCC founder and chief organizer of the tournament from the State sports body signed by its CPRO, Mrs Funmilayo Moradeyo on Monday October 5th, 2020. The letter reads in part: "On behalf of the management and staff of the Sports Council, we want to sincerely thank you for sponsoring the Olojo Festival Chess Competition. We really appreciate you. Thank you", She concluded. The tournament, held at Iyeru Ideal Hall & Suites Parakin, Ile-Ife had participants from different parts of the country mostly tertiary institutions students and was supported by prominent local brands and well-meaning individuals notably among which is Hon. Taofeek Abimb