NIN Registration: Ogun Monarch Pleads With FG To Unblock SIM, Extend Deadline

ABEOKUTA– The federal government has been urged to unban Sim cards that have been blocked and also extend deadline for the NIN – Sim linkage.

Olu of Lisa kingdom, Oba Najeemdeen Oladele Odugbemi gave the plead in his palace while fielding questions from newsmen on his role in facilitating NIMC personnel presence in Lisa for the registration of the people in the community.

Oba Odugbemi explained that shutting out millions of Nigerians as a result of sim blockage has made life unbearable for the people most especially in the rural areas which necessitated his move.

He appealed to the Federal government to sensitise and sponsor public enlightenment programmes in the media to enable Nigerians know the implications for not embracing the national identity programme.

He noted that federal government should continue to make life more comfortable for Nigerians, most especially when the country is going through economic and security challenges over the years.
In another development, the monarch over the weekend empowered his people with relief materials worth millions of naira for their benefits during the Ramadan period.

Part of the materials distributed include, 300 packed food stuff, praying mats, 300 ablution kettles, Mixers and 2 public address systems for the community central mosque.

Speaking with newsmen after the distribution, the monarch stated that distribution of the relief materials was devoid of religious affiliation, adding that he only choose the period owing to the community’s predominantly Muslim population.

The monarch reiterated his commitment to always support members of his community with social economic development schemes, which he added will boost the development of the State.

“In the month of Ramadan, I choose today to give palliatives to my people in Lisa. No discrimination, both Christians and Muslims are entitled to take part of the palliative.

“I started this foundation so many years ago. But was registered in 2013. Prior to that, we have been doing this to assist the people.

He however appealled to the state government to as a matter of urgency work on the dilapidated road networks to the community, adding that the economic status of the Lisa town has been affected by the bad roads.

“We have to appeal to the government, I mean the Ogun state government, since the road falls within the state government purview. We are appealing to them to rehabilitate or reconstruct the road.

“The road has gone back to its original very bad stage after the construction in 2006. But, within six months of completion of the road, it went back to its very very sorry stage.

“This is what we have been suffering since. Where is no good road, there would never be development. A good road drives economic development to any community.

“If we have been enjoying good road since 2006 till date, Lisa would have become a small London. Some of the people who have relocated here before have left because of the bad roads.

“If the inner cities of any state are not developed, definitely the city centres will have problems. Problems of kidnapping, banditry, criminality will be much more pronounced in the city centres. So, I think the state government should try to help us to fix our roads”, he added

One of the beneficiaries of the monarch’s benevolence, the Atunluse of Lisa Kingdom, Chief Francis Aderibigbe lauded the monarch’s gesture to the community, saying that it will lessen the burden on the people during the fasting period.

He therefore appealed to the people to remain in peace, steadfast and prayerful for the country.

“Our Kabiesi is someone who has a large heart, he has the capacity to carry too many people. He is not selfish, nor a self centered person. You can see it in his advisories to the people,” he added.