₦airaland Forum

The diverse and sophisticated people of Ogun State have courageously distinguished themselves among their other compatriots within the Nigerian nation-state since the creation of the State in 1976, exhibiting a rare dexterity and acumen in all human endeavours, especially in the area of quality leadership and administrative savvy, making many around the country to conclude that the State remains the face of the Southwest geo-political zone.

Against this rich pedigree of Ogun State, as an arena of intellect and political ideology, entrenched in civilized world view, majority of Nigerians expected an outstanding leadership at the helms of affairs of the State, to sustain this enviable legacies of excellence and be a model for others.

While the mess caused by military incursion could be forgiven, there was high expectations from many quarters on the nature and scope of leadership that would emerge in the Gateway State and speed of development thereafter.

However, and rather regrettably, analysts of varying backgrounds have adjudged the period between 2011 and 2019 as the only time the State experienced purposeful leadership that engendered desired transformation in all the sectors of the State and social strata.

Majority of Ogun residents can not forget in a jiffy the obbesian nature of the State in the pre-2011, with insecurity and misery on the geometric increase, coupled with large deficit in infrastructural development, until the emergence of Governor Ibikunle Amosun, which brought about a creative narrative and developmental thinking.

It is therefore, pathetic that the administration of Prince Dapo Abiodun came into the saddle in 2019 in reverse order, retrogressing the giant strides of Amosun in the State, and thereby dragging the entire State into abysmal and precarious condition of living; the situation that compelled the entire State to vociferously call for change of government and a relief of some sort.

Meanwhile, to avoid the mistake of 2019, in which contrary to the pedigree of the State, a personality with controversial certification in all ramifications was allowed to sneak into the corridor of power in the State, the people unanimously clamoured for a clear-headed leader with requisite Alacrity, Dexterity and Competence(ADC), akin to what the State enjoyed between 2011 and 2019, when lives were in abundance and secured.

In the course of searching for individual with these qualities, a quintessential with enviable backgrounds and without doubtful credentials came on board as a liberator to end this present political impasse and economic predicament in the State.

In the indelible thoughts of Jim Rohn, '' A good objective of leadership is to help those who are doing poorly to do well and to help those who are doing well to do even better."

The above postulation clearly defines Olubiyi Oladipupo Otegbeye, a great thought leader of impeccable character, sagacious, shrewd and urbane, with unmatched passion to liberate the poor and downtrodden and help the society at large to grow to the point of eldorado.

Born into the family of teaching parents, with paternal root in Ilaro, Ogun West senatorial district and a mother from the Bamgbose family in Odopotu, Ogun State.

Otegbeye bagged a Bachelor’s Degree in Insurance at the University of Lagos in 1984 at the age of 20 and his Masters’ Degree (MBA) in Financial Management and Accounting between 1985 and 1987, and later graduated with LLB in Law at Lagos State University in 2001.

He was admitted to the Nigerian Law School and called to the Bar in 2003 as a Barrister and Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Nigeria and professionally qualified as an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute London (ACII) in 1988.

The young and erudite scholar started his career at the United Nigeria Insurance Company Limited (UNIC) in 1986. Between 1990 and 1991 he was the General Manager of Capital Asset Insurance Brokers and in 1991; he became CEO of Excel Insurance Brokers. In 1993 and at the age of 29, he founded Regency Insurance Company Limited. In 2007, he led Regency to the capital market to become a publicly quoted company. Till date he remains the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Regency Alliance Insurance Plc.

This leading light of Yewa extraction has been recognised from all fronts for his professional acumen, intellectual strength, leadership forthright and huge philanthropy.

These recognitions and laurels include: Member, Olabisi Onabanjo University Development Foundation; Fellow Lecturer, University of Lagos; Fellow, School of Management, The Bell University; Fellow, School of Management, Caleb University; Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Training and Development (NITAD); Merit Award and Ogun State Chambers of Commerce & Industry. Merit Award, Comprehensive High School, Ayetoro Old Students Association, otherwise known as the Compronians; Merit Award University of Lagos Alumni; Top 25 CEOs in Nigeria in 2015; Three times Merit Award and Distinguished Son of Yewaland; Vice President, Boys Scout, Kosofe Division, Lagos State and Major Rank Nigerian Legion.

He founded Building Opportunities For Tomorrow” (BOT), an NGO as a platform to drive his philanthropic gesture among Ogun indigenes, empowering the people and putting smiles in their faces.

Otegbeye, having successfully made great impact in the private sector, consciously heeded to the warning of the 35th American President, J.F. Kennedy, who said ''Those who refuse to participate in the politics of their environment end up being governed by their inferiors'', as he accepted to serve as a member of the fact-finding panel of Gateway Industrial &Petroleum Institute in 2012, he was later appointed as Chairman of the Governing Board of the University of Uyo Teaching Hospital in April 2013 by the Federal Government.
In 2015, he contested for the Senatorial seat in Ogun West under the Social Democratic Party, he also served as a member of Ogun State Judicial Service Commission.

By his irrevocable conviction and progressive political ideology, he believes in the principle of natural justice, which encapsulates Liberty, Equity and Fairness.

He has been a strong advocate for equitable power distribution among different political blocs in Ogun State like many other individuals around the State, hence, his readiness to champion the age-long agitation of Yewa/Awori for Governorship position.

Otegbeye, by his nature of determination and responsiveness has promised to bring his huge wealth of experience in both private and public sectors to bear in the administration of Ogun State and quickly reverse this ugly trend in the State.

In the words of Martin Luther King Jr" The real freedom of the people can always be measured by the amount of responsibility which they must assume for their welfare and security".

It is on that note that I call on the electorates in Ogun State to come together in unison and liberate themselves from this present suffocation of ineptitude administration and political jobber as a matter of responsibility and for the purpose of ensuring their welfare and security.

The Federal Government through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has named Ogun State as the best performing state in the South West of Nigeria in Routine Immunization and COVID-19 Vaccination.

In a letter dated 15th of August, 2022, addressed to the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, and signed by the Executive Director of NPHCDA, Dr Faisal Shuaib, the Governor was acknowledged for his “commitment and support towards improving the performance of Routine Immunization and other PH services in Ogun State and Nigeria in general.”

The letter reads: “On behalf of the management of NPHCDA, I wish to acknowledge your commitment and support towards improving the performance of Routine Immunization and other PH services in Ogun State and Nigeria in general.

“This is to inform Your Excellency that as part of the activities to mark 2022 African Vaccination Week (AVW) and the third year anniversary of Wild Polio Virus (WV) eradication in Nigeria, the Federal Government through NPHCDA, will be recognising and rewarding Best Performing States in Routine Immunization and COVID-19 Vaccination. The theme for the 2022 AVW is "Long Life for All, Vaccinate for Healthy Living".

“I am glad to inform Your Excellency that Ogun State emerged the Best Performing State in COVID 19 Vaccination in the South-West Zone.

“Congratulations Your Excellency. The State will receive the Immunization Performance Recognition Award during the celebration of 2022 African Vaccination Week and Commemoration of the Three Years Post WV Free Certification.

“This is therefore to humbly invite Your Excellency to receive the Immunization Performance
Recognition Award for Ogun State at the Award Ceremony”, the letter concluded .

Don't mind the idiotic wailers jare.

They were being intimidated by your articulation and logic of presentation, against the wishy-washy analysis of docile Obidients and unserious elements behind the clueless ATIKU, who employed thug as spokesperson.

nairavsdollars:
https://independent.ng/no-conflict-between-my-ministerial-duty-and-apc-spokesperson-assignment-keyamo/

ChangetheChange:

Tinubu is a bastard

Your father and his forebears are bastard.

You this irrelevant being is calling someone that has done to himself what no individual in your generation has not attained before.

I am so sure your so-called biological father is as useless as tissue paper, hence, the reason your mother became a public commodity.

I pity you these idiots from the remote areas of gully erosion. Obviously, majority of you bastards escaped to Lagos from your poverty-stricken villages, and because of your primitive mentality, you start abusing your destiny helper. Bastards!

An astute banker and fellow Chartered Accountant, Eniola Adigun, on Saturday emerged as the President of Nigerian Boys' Brigade, Osun State Council, at an investiture ceremony held at St. Peters Anglican Church, Olupona.

The event, which was attended by people from all walks of life also included installation of other office holders and conferment of Grand Patron on Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, likewise the Royal Grand Patron on the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The Osun State Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi, who doubles as a long time friend of the new President was represented at the occasion by the Special Adviser to Governor Oyetola on Budget, Mr Ogunkale Ayedade.

Alabi, in his speech commended Mr Adigun for being a vanguard of proactive efforts towards rejuvenating Boys' Brigade in the state.

He said :"It is my profound pleasure to grace this occasion of great importance. As a member of State executives, I believe this initiative is long overdue in our quest for nation-building in the state of Osun.

"Today's event of investiture of my good friend of long standing and former colleague, Mr Eniola ADIGUN, as the President of Boys' Brigade Nigeria, Osun State Council, is a manifestation of a consistent efforts towards rejuvenating the requisite patriotic zeal in our young ones for a better society.

"Obviously, this great initiative will specifically serves dual purpose of equipping our youths for the task ahead, the task of building an egalitarian society and also will instill certain decorum and discipline in the society at large.

"Since it's establishment in 1883, as a global interdenominational Christian youth organisation, conceived by the Scottish businessman, Sir William Alexander Smith, to combine drill and fun activities with Christian values, the organization has been a strong instrument of social enabler.

"Introducing Boys' Brigade into Nigeria in 1908, through Dr Mac Milliam, at the Holy Trinity Anglican Church, Ebutero, Lagos, the foremost Voluntary Uniform organization in the country quickly became a fancy of young boys as an incubator for responsible and responsive adulthood and citizenry.

"It is on that note that I want to specially appreciate and commend the patriotic spirit of Eniola ADIGUN for his persistence and tenacity in resuscitating this noble cause of social orientation in the State of Osun.

"This is without doubt a complementary efforts to the enduring and frantic initiatives of our government to build future leaders among the youths for leadership roles and nation-building.

"I, hereby congratulate our amiable Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola on the conferment of Grand Patron on him today, as well as our imperial Majesty, Kabiyesi Enitan Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife as the Royal Grand Patron.

"May we continue to work on the path of patriotism and enduring legacies of our heroes past".

Earlier in his address, the new President, Mr Eniola Adigun, thanked the congregation for honouring him with their presence, as he promised to sustain the tempo of social reorientation through the ideals of Boys' Brigade.

My dear good people of Ogun State and most importantly, the SIA political family to which I owe my political attainments to date, I say thank you for your understanding and patience regarding unfolding in-house political events that have almost demystified the greatness in us in the last 5 weeks or so.

As leaders, I must sincerely apologize for seeming shortcomings on our part, as I applaud your steadfastness, cooperation and support over the years without which none of us, be it leader or protégé, would not be here today. Meanwhile, one of the lessons that this unfortunate development has brought to light is that, accumulation of material riches or political influence regardless of how high, does not immune one from the fatal fate of a mortal.

My dear compatriots, the focus is and MUST remain Ogun State! The mismanagement of our collective heritage, wealth and resources in the last three (3) years should be the primary concern of all and hence, the need to influence a change in the political architecture of this State come March 11th, 2023.

Prince Dapo Abiodun, inherited one of the fastest growing economies in Nigeria, a State with the highest concentration of industries and a hopeful generation of young adults. In short, he inherited a very prosperous State on the 29th of May, 2019, but dropped the ball from day one by appropriating the “god” status to himself, thus committing the age long human flaw of self-grandeur.

Unfortunately, our dear state has dropped from the enviable pedestal it was when Prince Dapo Abiodun took over, to this shameful level of near insolvency. Our IGR has dropped astronomical not because taxes are not paid but for lack of responsive leadership. The level of insecurity across the state is alarming and scary because the CSO of the State practically indulges the perpetrators for political patronage.

The FOCUS, should not be who leads what faction or what platform an individual chooses to actualize his political aspiration, but the ability, resourcefulness and courage of that individual to take a stand in the interest of all.

To this end, my humble self and our gubernatorial candidate in person of Hon. (Dr) Oladipupo Adebutu, have carefully reviewed the present status of our dear State and resolved to redirect the trajectory to a true, all-inclusive and purposeful governance from day one.

Hon. (Dr) Oladipupo Adebutu on assumption of office on the 29th of May 2023 by the overwhelming support of our people and the benevolence of the Almighty, shall make clear and attainable promises to the good people of our dear State and make himself available to be held accountable, unlike the present helmsman in the state.

His Excellency shall hold in trust and deploy your resources in line with the tenets of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

His administration shall return power to the Local Government Areas and encourage self development of elected officials at all levels. Unions shall be empowered, recognized as partners in progress rather than tools as it is the case today. Community oriented infrastructural development shall be implemented unlike the present cosmetic “Yellow” roofs that adorn sketchy spots in the state.

All in all, regardless of the change of my political affiliation and convictions, I shall continue to honor those who saw in me the qualities and ability to speak truth to power.

Thank you and God bless.

Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade. (Triple A)
PDP Deputy Gubernatorial Candidate.
Ogun State.
13th Aug, 2022.

The gubernatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement in Ogun State, Hon. Olutosin Emmanuel Jolaoluwa has denied withdrawing from the guber race in Ogun State. Olutosin said he is in the race, contesting the elections and does not intend to withdraw for anyone as the windows for substitution of candidates for the elections is winding up gradually.

In a letter addressed to the National Chairman of the Party APM and copied to the INEC chairman (Copy attached), Olutosin categorically stated that he remained the candidate of the party for the 2023 general elections. He also disclaimed the notification of a scheduled gubernatorial primary of the party slated for Thursday 11th August, 2022 said, the purported primary is not genuine and should not be recognized by all relevant authorities.

"I write to draw your attention to a purported APM gubernatorial primary scheduled to hold in Abeokuta tomorrow Thursday 11st of August, 2022.

"Sequel to the above, I hereby State categorically that I, Olutosin Emmanuel Jolaoluwa of #19, Alhaji Adeosun Street, Abiola Way, Abeokuta, am the bona-fide Ogun State gubernatorial candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for thr March, 2023 general elections as published by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). I have not withdrawn my candidature for anyone and do not plan to do so. Thus, I remain the Ogun State APM candidate for the March, 2023 gubernatorial elections".

The recent development in our polity, towards the 2023 presidential election, in which supporters of the Labour Party candidate, Peter Obi are constantly deploying crude propaganda and naked lies as preffered style of campaign is utterly dangerous and scary, capable of dragging Nigeria to unimaginable crisis and upheavals.

The latest version of this calumny was the lies they told about President of Ghana, Nana Akufo- Addo, with spurious intent of raising the bar of popularity of their candidate. This is indeed ridiculous and embarrassing.

As we all know that fake news is a potent factor of instability and chaos, we urge political gladiators and their supporters to quickly desist from this political anomaly and start to be real and genuine in their campaigns for the purpose of peace.

..... Advocacy for Advancement of Peace and Harmony in Africa Initiative(ADAPHAI).

Royal fathers inl Ijebuland on Monday unanimously endorsed Governor Dapo Abiodun for a second term in office.

Leading other monarchs, the Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona, said: "You have worked assiduously these past three years and three months and you have justified why you deserve a second term in office".

Oba Adetona spoke through his representative, the Dagburewa of Idowa, Oba Yunusa Adekoya, at the commissioning of Igan Road at Ago-Iwoye, in Ijebu North Local Government Area.

"The message is clear. You have done very well by fulfilling the promises made to us in 2019. 2023 is sure and our people will vote overwhelmingly for you", he assured the governor.

Also endorsing the governor for another term, the Ebumawe of Ago-Iwoye, Oba AbdulRasak Adenugba, said though he's not a politician, the people of the ancient town "have come to tell me that it is Dapo Abiodun they want and not anyone else. You have restored confidence in government and for keeping the promises made to us during the electioneering campaign", he stated.

Ebumawe used the opportunity to appreciate the governor for embarking on reconstruction work on the road linkng the University town to other Ijebu and Remo towns and villages.

The Orimolusi of Ijebu Igbo, Oba Lawrence Adebajo,
reaffirmed the stance of other monarchs in Ijebuland, stressing that: "In the short period i have been an Oba, you have changed my perception about poloiticians as liars. Your words have been your bond. I can see development you've brought into our towns. We love you and our people have told me that year 2023 is yours without equivocation".


The monarchs were backed by students and community leaders who urged the governor not to be distracted by antics of certain politicians, but while not resting on his oars, to ensure sustenance of the momentum beyond the elections.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has called on the general public to pray for the immediate past governor and Senator representing Ogun Central Senatorial District, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, saying he obviously suffers “political amnesia and out-of-office loneliness.”

The APC, in a statement issued in Abeokuta on Saturday by its Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, faulted the comment reportedly credited to Amosun that the incumbent governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, did not win the 2019 governorship election.

The party described the ex-governor's claim as "an after-lunch belching of a man suffering from political amnesia and loneliness.”
The statement reads: “The attention of our party has been drawn to a statement reportedly credited to the immediate past governor of Ogun State and the Chief Promoter of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), His Excellency, Senator Ibikunle Amosun.

The quoted statement was not only an insult to the psyche of the people of Ogun State, but also a sad indication that the former governor is yet to purge himself of extreme arrogance and intolerance that were his trademarks, which earned him suspension from our party, even as a sitting governor.

The APC, therefore, calls on the general public, and particularly our esteemed members, to pity and pray for the former governor as he obviously suffers from political amnesia, loneliness and absolute lack of touch with reality.
There is absolute no truth in the specious utterance of the former governor who is obviously still sulking from the electoral defeat of his surrogate party in 2019. Our party and candidate not only won fair and square, the victory of Prince Dapo Abiodun was also attested to by his co-contestants, many of whom later joined APC and are still in APC.

Never in the history of governorship elections in Ogun State have candidates of other parties so instantaneously congratulated and visited the Governor-elect, as it happened in the case of Governor Dapo Abiodun, whose Iperu country home hosted candidates and leaders of other parties, including late Prince Buruji Kashamu, Otunba Rotimi Paseda, Mr. Gboyega Nasiru Isiaka (GNI), and Otunba Gbenga Daniel, among others.

It is on record that many of the then opposition figures like former Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Alhaja Salmat Badru, the deputy governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Rueben Abati, GNI and others served in the Economic Transition Committee chaired by Mr. Tunde Lemo, which was set up by Prince Dapo Abiodun immediately after the elections.

As provided for in a democracy, the candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement challenged the results of the election at the Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abeokuta and lost. His ramshackle petition was dismissed. While confirming the victory of Governor Abiodun at the Saturday, March 9, 2019 election, the tribunal led by Justice Yusuf Halilu, in its judgment, stated that: “This petition does not only fail, it is destined to fail, it fails and hereby dismissed.”

Not satisfied, the APM and its candidate went on appeal at the Court of Appeal, Ibadan and later at the Supreme Court where they also lost. It is remarkable that in all the petition and court cases, the judgements were unanimously passed without any dissenting voice from the Tribunal members and the judges at the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.

If the APM was as popular as the former Governor wants us to believe, he would have contested his senatorial election on the platform of the APM and not on the platform of the APC. We recollect vividly that it took the support of Prince Dapo Abiodun and the open appeal of our father and leader, Chief Olusegun Osoba, who pleaded during his visits to all the wards in Ogun Central Senatorial District that our members should consider the interest of the party by voting for Amosun.

Having been witnessing the frustrating exodus of his former political allies who openly said they were tired of endemic lies; and his failure to wrest the party structures from the incumbent governor, the recourse by Senator Amosun to “elated” after-lunch belching is understandable and pitiable.

Furthermore, Amosun is still pained that despite the violence wrecked on our members, despite unfinished projects whose costs were mostly paid 100 percent upfront, despite the handover without a handover note, despite the wanton destruction of public facilities including pipe-borne water taps in Abeokuta, and notwithstanding the untoward provocations and shenanigans; Governor Abiodun remained focused and determined to leave Ogun State much better than he met it.

While commending Governor Dapo Abiodun for his giant strides since assumption of office, we urge him to remain focused continuous delivery of the dividends of democracy for which Ogun people elected him; and not to join issues with sore losers.

Signed:
Tunde Oladunjoye
Ogun APC Publicity Secretary
Oladunjoyelo@gmail.com

THE HOME COMING OF PA SHOBOWALE

By Tunde Oladunjoye (oladunjoyelo@gmail.com)

The latest write-up by Pa Shobowale attacking Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu is surely a characteristic portrayal of his passionate penchant for trivializing issues and attacking personalities without any justification whatsoever.

Good enough, Pa Shobowale, let out the cat from the bag, even from the headline of his hatchet-piece published in a national daily and gleefully shared on the social media, that Tinubu was his headache: “its (sic)-not-muslim-muslim-ticket-its (sic)-tinubu”. It was clear from the onset that Baba Columnist has come again for Tinubu, the way he rallied and railed against Osinbajo who he heckled to no avail, as he did not and does not see anything good in the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo; a fellow Christian. Even when the Vice President visited America to solicit for the much needed foreign investments, there was no amount of insults that the ace-hack-writer did not pillory Osinbajo with.


The burning question is that, why has Baba Shobowale, who must have been writing columns for decades, derailed so retrogressively and seemingly irretrievably that he no longer sees anything good in anyone no matter what? Is it as a result of lack of personal fulfillment, frustration, depression or unrealised expectations or all of the above”? Who around him can spur a quick self-assessment by this once respected writer? Most of us who followed his articles religious, especially in the Vanguard in the 1990s, have since been using our times for better things because we know that Baba will gush negative narratives from start to finish without any modicum of respect for anyone whether older or younger than him, whereas respect is said to be reciprocal.

How on earth, will a supposedly enlightened writer be creating religious discord and falsehood, portraying and unashamedly so, that religion is the determinant of promotion in the Lagos State Civil Service? When has it become an offence that people bearing a particular names or of a particular religion cannot occupy public appointive, elective and political positions? A writer is primarily meant to inform, educate and enlighten; not to spread falsehood for personal reasons.

Pa Shobowale, with due respect, was speaking from both sides of his mouth in the article hurriedly put together, as shown in the grammatical blunder in the headline. We were also told how he supported Muslim-Muslim tickets in the past; how he travelled tens of kilometres to vote Muslim-Muslim tickets. How he will even support certain names of Muslims if they are the ones to be on the ballot. But for Tinubu, it’s a No No No. There may be need therefore, to sit down Asiwaju Tinubu and let him confesses if he once snatched Pa Shobowale’s many girlfriends as we learnt “Baba Sho” is very good and loved in that area.

The Veteran (a tag that journalists, especially upcoming ones, do not want to be called) used the word “I” severally throughout the hate-filled article, that you start wondering why and how his personal assumptions, self-opinionated biases and unsubstantiated claims have turned to represent the generality of Nigerians or Christians.

To worsen the whole scenario, the obviously enraged writer, posited so blatantly and in a thoroughly embarrassing and highly blaspheming manner: “a vote for this M-M ticket, by any Christian, will amount to a vote against Jesus. Those who do it can, thereafter, forget Jesus. They should instead pray in the name of their political god when trouble comes – as it does to all people”! That was an elder talking and acting as “Assistant God”!


But, honestly, is it not possible to gather the children and the grandchildren of this once prolific writer and let them tell him: “Daddy listen to yourself”! “Daddy something is wrong somewhere”! “Daddy come off it”!
Enough of this undisguised hatred, political masturbation and religious fanaticism”.
Pa Oshobowale, “e wale o”!

- Tunde Oladunjoye, a writer based in Abeokuta, Ogun State sent this via oladunjoyelo@gmail.com

A support group, Christian Youths Movement for Tinubu/Shetima 2023, has felicitated with the new President of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)
Archbishop Daniel Okoh.

This was contained in a press statement signed by the National Coordinator of the group, Mr Emmanuel Olorunwa Adeleke, the copy which was made available to newsmen on Tuesday.

According to the statement, the emergence of Okoh as the head of the Christiandom was timely and appropriate, considering various challenges facing the country and the need for spiritual direction.

The group expressed hope and confidence in the new CAN President's capacity and wealth of experience to serve as an illuminating compass for the Christian body.

The statement read in part:'' We heartily congratulate you on your recent victory at the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) election where you emerged as President and leader of the noble body of Christian believers.

"It is our deep belief that there could be no better time to bring in someone of your calibre than now when this exalted body is faced with a myriad of national issues requiring urgent attention. Indeed this is an opportunity for you to bring in your wealth of experience to chart a progressive vision and agenda for CAN.

"We are confident of your capability to steer the wheels of the great Christian body and lead the entire Christiandom as the Lord Jesus Christ admonishes.

"As our name implies above, we wish to use this medium to formally introduce our association, which comprises many intellectuals and politicians from the length and breadth of this country. We shall use our position to support your administration in any way that can add value to CAN and Nigeria.

"We wish you a successful tenure even as we affirm the assurance of our esteem regards".

A PLEA FOR TIMELY INTERVENTION OF OUR ELDERS!

Dear SIA political family, events of the last few weeks that eventually culminated in the meeting between our leader, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun Fca and relevant stakeholders at his Abeokuta residence calls for deeper reflection.

Our people say that when a child is being reprimanded by his father, (right or wrong) all he can do is scrunch down and “shield” his face with both hands while calling for help. In the same vein, elders in the vicinity are expected to rally round to “save” the child from further beating. We hereby call on well-meaning elders within the SIA political family to intercede on our behalf to plead with our leader to temper justice with mercy.

We remain loyal and resolute on our collective primary objective, to Rescue Ogun State and never a personal interest.

Signed.
Comrade Rotimi Rahmon
Ado-Odo/Ota LG.
Ogun State.

Insecurity: Association of Residents Doctors in UNIOSUN embarks on warning strike



Members of Association of Resident Doctors, Osun State University chapter, on Friday convened an emergency general meeting, to discuss the spate of insecurity in the hospital environment.



The association described the working environment around the hospital as porous and life-threatening, adding that their members were daily exposed to incessant attacks by hoodlums.



This was contained in a statement signed by the the President of the association, Dr Solomon Ilori and Secretary,Dr Felix Olaomi, the copy which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo.


The statement reads in part: ''EGM noted that the protection of lives and properties of our members and hospital staff appear not to be on the priority list of the Hospital Management.



"The hospital is so porous that workers are easily exposed to life-threatening attacks from hoodlums



"After exhaustive deliberations the EGM made the following resolutions:

"The EGM demands that there should be immediate provision of: (a)armored Tank, (b)presence of trained security officers (c) Security Post at both entrances of the hospital i.e. Ajegunle entrance and Idi-seke entrance.

"There should be IMMEDIATE organisation and re-organisation of the security structure in the hospital to forestall recurrence of unpleasant and lifethreatening attacks on hospital staff while discharging their duties. These should include (a) routine surveillance (b) continous dissemination of security information to members of staffs among others.

"The Hospital Management should set up an Hospital-Based Security Committee that will appraise and assess the security structures in the hospital on periodic basis. The EGM demand that our members should be an integral part of this Committee.

"There should be training and re-training of the security personnel in the hospital premise.

"That the visitors inflow and outflow in and out of the hospital should be closely checked henceforth.

"In view of the depressing lack of security in the hospital, the association have to withdraw all forms clinical activities in the Hospital, except for patients already on admission for the period of three days as we reconvene in few days time to take further action".

Insurgency: Confused FG battling focused criminals in Nigeria-NGO

A Civil Society Organization, Advocacy for Advancement of Peace &Harmony in Africa Initiative ( ADAPHAI) has described the ongoing fight against insurgency in Nigeria as a battle between confused government and focused enemies.

Commending soldiers and officers on the front line for exhibiting necessary patriotic zeal in the fight against insurgency, the group slammed the Muhammadu-buhari led administration for alleged indecision and lack of vision, adding that the body language of the President and his handlers did not suggest genuine readiness to fight terrorism and banditry.

ADAPHAI made these known in a statement issued on Friday morning titled: "Nigeria under siege of criminals: An urgent call for action", and signed by it's National Coordinator, Comrade Sulaimon Suberu, the copy which was made available to newsmen.

According to the statement, while soldiers and officers alike at the battle field were showing commitment with little or no corresponding incentives for motivation, the Federal Government and Military authorities were paying leap service to the fight against insurgency.

It further said that the ruling APC has not shown Nigerians that it has solution to the menace of insecurity ravaging the entire country going by the pattern of it's response in the last seven years and some months.

The group explained that the 'technical defeat' the government claimed over Boko Haram militants has exposed the inherent deception and mental laziness on the part of government officials.

According to the statement, the two consecutive attacks on the military in the last few days in Abuja confirmed that government at the centre is confused while insurgents are focused on their goal of overrunning the country.

The statement reads in part:'' The systemic rise in the activities of terrorists and bandits across Nigeria, resulting to deaths of thousands of Nigerians and wanton destruction of property and public facility, despite huge budgetary allocations to Defence is a pointer to the fact that this government is confused and practically helpless.

"It is regrettably annoying that despite all the promises made by Buhari and APC's leaders in their quest to take over power in 2015, this government has terribly performed below expectations of Nigerians, making life more vulnerable for every citizen more than ever before.

"The present siege on Nigeria has further shown that Buhari and his acolytes, instead of understudying the tenets and scope of asymmetric war of Boko Haram insurgency and map out unique strategies of tackling it headlong prior to assumption of office in 2015 were more concerned about power without alacrity for service delivery.

"While the so-called rag tag insurgents were making frantic efforts to achieve their satanic goal of taking over Nigeria by forming military alliances with foreign terrorists in the Sahel and along the Islamic maghrib, Nigeria's government under Buhari was sleeping like a baby as if nothing was happening.

"Instead of addressing the issue of porous borders across Nigeria, especially in the Northern zones, the government was making needless and fruitless policies without recourse to critical reasoning.

"Now, Nigeria is presently at the crossroads, the President whether he likes it or not must protect the corporate entity of Nigeria by all possible means, or else, his name will go down in the history book as weakest and the most clueless President ever in the history of Nigeria".

The group however called on part Presidents and heads of state, as well as eminent Nigerians home and abroad to urgently come to the rescue of the country before it is too late, saying any major crisis in Nigeria will have a devastating effect on the entire Africa.

Amalgam of youths in Ibeshe, Yewa North of Ogun State, on Wednesday blocked the major road in the town, leading to Dangote Cement, to protest the alleged imposition of an alien, one Rotimi Mulero, as the new king of the ancient town against a popular candidate, Idowu Abdulhazez Adedimeji, from the eligible ruling house, the Olokojobi family.

The youths accused Governor Dapo Abiodun of conniving with certain powerful individuals in the town to scuttle the age-long process of Obaship in the sleepy town.

According to them, despite several court rulings and Ifa Oracle pronouncement confirming Adedimeji as the rightful candidate, the Governor and individuals insisted on a wrong candidate, Rotimi Mulero.

The attention of the media team to the Deputy Governorship Candidate of the People's Democractic Party PDP in Ogun State, Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade, has been drawn to the vituperation of a confused interloper in person of senator Adeola Olamilekan, who in his frustration after the emergence of the Ota High Chief, Oluwo Ganiu Dada as the PDP Ogun West Senatorial candidate threw all decency to the dogs and resulted to name calling and shameful lies.

It must be noted for the records that as a true son of Ogun West extraction, Hon Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade only expressed his view that our “brother” from Ekiti attempt to buy his way into the Yewa linage was dead on arrival and an insult to their collective heritage as Ogun West indigenes. Rather than react to those simple and unambiguous clarifications, the undistinguished senator (pls note the “s” in small letter) because he is definitely small in character, chose to result to unfounded lies.

senator Yayi had alleged in his infamous and baseless opinion that Hon. Adekunle Akinlade has criminal charges in the UK thus will be arrested upon if he visits the UK. He also claimed that the name change from TAJU to Abdulkabir was intended to cover his criminal past. Well, unlike “Shawn Michael” and “Sulaiman”, Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade simply exercised his Constitutional right and backed same with sworn Affidavits which was published in the national dailies.

As the picture above will confirm, Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade was in the UK in March 2022 where he visited his brother and fellow Ogun State indigene, the Nigerian Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Alh. Sarafa Tunji Isola at his official residence. For the records, Hon. Akinlade is a resident of the United Kingdom.

That said, senator Adeola Solomon’s outburst clearly proves that he lacks depth, the comportment to handle himself under pressure and intelligence to relate in a civil manner when the tide is against him, vis-à-vis his Senatorial ambition in Ogun West. Our candid advise is that it is not too late for him to count his losses and exit Ogun West because it will not be a tea party as claimed by those deceiving him.

senator Olamilekan Solomon aka Yayi should at least respect the courage and boldness of Triple A for stating clearly why he considered and accepted the Deputy Governorship ticket of PDP. As a man of integrity, Hon. Akinlade stands for something at all times. In this instance, “stopping Prince Dapo Abiodun’s 2nd term bid and senator Olamilekan Solomon incursion into Ogun West to soil our honor. That is a MAN!!!

The struggle ahead in the next couple of months is clear, good against evil, truth against lies, uprightness against deceit. Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade obviously stands for good, truth and uprightness for his people. As he said despite all indications to contrary, “Lekan could not have authored this”. In spite of the aspersion cast at his person, he still believes that there is a good side of senator Olamilekan Solomon character. I doubt it though!

Signed:
Azeez Adelani,
Media Aide to Hon. Adekunle Akinlade TRIPLE A,
PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate,
Ogun State.
27th July, 2022.

The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in Ogun State, National Association of Ogun state students (NAOSS) and the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), have berated the Minister of Works, Babatunde Raji Fashola over his comment that the State lacked the power and fund to take over the reconstruction of the deplorable Lagos-Sango Ota - Abeokuta road.

The student and youth bodies called on the Minister to tell residents of the State when the Federal government would commence reconstruction of the road since he insisted that the State cannot not take over it.

The students gave the Minister a 2-week ultimatum to commence reconstruction of the road, else students and youths in the State would shutdown the road in a massive protest.

The bodies issued the ultimatum in a statement jointly signed by NANS Chairman, Comrade Simeon Damilola Kehinde, NAOSS National president Com Ogunrombi Oluwagbemileke and Chairman of National Youth Council of Nigeria,Ogun state Com Ayelagbe Jabar on Tuesday, describing the Minister as incompetent and lacks empathy. He is not concerned about the sufferings of the residents and those plying the road.

It would be recalled that, Governor Dapo Abiodun during an inspection tour of the bad portions of the 52.5 kilometre road on Saturday, called on the Federal government to fix the road within two weeks failure to which the State would take over its reconstruction.

Ogun and Lagos State governments had in 2019 submitted a proposal to the Federal government, seeking the handing over the road to them for joint for reconstruction.

Abiodun lamented that, three years after, the Federal government had failed to consider the proposal while the condition of the road had worsened.

Abiodun accused the Federal government of frustrating his administration's efforts at reconstructing the road.

But, Fashola while reaction to Abiodun's statement during an interview on Channels television, said, Ogun State lacked the financial capacity to reconstruct the road.

Fashola warned Abiodun not to engage in an act contrary to the law by reconstructing the road without the Federal government's approval.

But, the NANS, NAOSS and NYCN in Ogun State has described Fashola's comment as the height of insensitivity to the plights of residents of the State by the Federal government.

The bodies commended the sincerity and commitment of Governor Dapo Abiodun towards fixing the road, said, the Federal government has failed in its responsibility and therefore sees nothing wrong in Ogun State taking over the reconstruction of the road.

"We are saddened by the insensitivity and wickedness of the Federal government through the Ministry of Works to continue to subject residents of the State to untold hardships by not fixing the deplorable Lagos-Sango Ota - Abeokuta road.

"For years, our people especially thousands of people who ply the road on daily basis have been going through hell.

"But it is very unfortunate and disappointing for the Minister of Works, Babatunde Fashola to oppose the reconstruction of the road by the Ogun State government and not providing us a solution to this huge problem.

"We consider Fashola's comment as a further prove of his incompetence, not showing concern to the huge deplorable state of the road and the Federal government's insensitivity to the plights of the Ogun State people.

"It is so unfortunate and irresponsible for Fashola to turn down Ogun State government's offer of reconstructing the road even when Fashola has admitted that the Federal government has no fund to fix the road.

"Is it not only honourable for the Federal government to allow the Ogun State government fix the road and alleviate the sufferings of the road users? Why does the Federal government hell-bent on inflicting pains on the people when there is an option to resolve the issue?

"We hereby call on the federal government to as a matter of urgency commence work the Sango-Ota road and we condemn in totality the deliberate insensitivity of the Minister for works and housing.

Finally, if at the expiration of our ultimatum (2 weeks), the federal refuses to commence work,we would mobilize en-mass to shut down the Sango-Ota road.

We are not recruiting, beware of scammers- Ede Poly

The Management of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has warned the general public to be wary of unscrupulous individuals with intent to defraud unsuspecting job seekers, saying the institution was not currently recruiting .

The disclaimer followed a purported advert for part-time teaching job in the Polytechnic, recently surfaced on some online platforms.

A statement signed by the Protocol/Media & Public Relations Officer of the institution, Sola Lawal, mnipr, the copy which was made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Osogbo described the said notice of vacancy as fraudulent with criminal tendencies.

It added that the Polytechnic has a proper channels of communicating such information to the general public if it embarks on exercise of that nature and not on social media platforms.

"We are urging the general public to disregard any information on any online platforms adverting vacancy for part time teaching job at Federal Polytechnic, Ede.

"We want to place it on record that the Polytechnic is not currently recruiting into any office, any information in contrary is not only fallacious but criminal", the statement read in part.

I got the news in the afternoon of Sunday July 10, 2022. Another great Nigerian has been announced as the Vice-Presidential Candidate of one of the leading political parties in our match to the general election next year. Ordinarily, I would not comment on political decisions of this nature, but against my usual disposition, at this hour, fate has bestowed on me the duty of coming out to identify with a true Nigerian and an ardent believer in the unity of Nigeria. It is, therefore, my pleasure to write about an uncommon, highly cerebral, detribalized, non-bigot, and kind gentleman called Kashim Shettima. This piece is about a relationship spanning 31 years plus drawing from my personal experience and relationship with His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Kashim Shettima.

Our paths first crossed in October 1991 as a corps member on resumption of my primary assignment at the Department of Agricultural Economics and Extension, University of Maiduguri, Borno State. On my first day at work, Professor Bankole Oluwafemi Ogunbameru (then HOD) introduced me as the corps member from the University of Ibadan posted to serve his fatherland in the Department. Seated with others at the meeting that day were two gentlemen who just returned from Ibadan after completing their Master’s programme in Agricultural Economics from UI. The duo, Sabo Mohammed and Kashim Shettima (both Assistant Lecturers) were elated to have someone from Ibadan joining the Department as youth corp member. Though, I was in my final year of my undergraduate programme while he was in the Master’s class; we never had the opportunity to interact in Ibadan. Kashim, took special interest and chatted me up after the meeting to know more about me. We instantly struck a chord of friendship which has been waxing stronger over the years despite distance, our different callings and belonging to different tribes (He is Kanuri and I am Yoruba). I cut my teaching teeth under Kashim as he trusted me with supporting him in delivering Farm Management course at 300 Level then. My stay in Maiduguri was very memorable courtesy of Kashim Shettima. Then, he would come in his Volkswagen Beetle to take me round the city. He also would come with foodstuffs and provisions at no cost to me.

Kashim Shettima could have been a renown Professor of Agricultural Economics if he had remained in academics. He however decided to move to the banking industry consequent upon the protracted ASUU strike of 1993 that lasted for six months. Notwithstanding, we kept the line of communication open and followed each other’s northeasterly trajectory in our development. Kashim is an avid and consummate reader whose knowledge traverses his immediate area of specialization. He is versatile and very comfortable with statistics on any topic of interest.

He is a very accommodating person. Two of my former students who worked with him, at my instance during their service year, at various times attested to this. My mentors and senior colleagues who have had the opportunity of teaching him also subscribed to his neutral but meritocracy outlook in his approach to dealing with anyone that comes his way.

Kashim believes in delegated responsibility and authority. Most of those that worked with him agreed that he would give them assignments with necessary enablers and leave them to deliver without any let or hinderance. He is also someone that is not arrogant with his level of achievement and erudition. He is humble enough to accept that he doesn’t know it all. He searches for the best-fit (as we say in econometrics) for any activity of interest to him. He does this purely on merit and qualification for the job. He is a team player who provides clear instruction and guidance as a team lead; while as team member, he effectively discharges his responsibilities with absolute loyalty.

He believes in empowering people especially the masses as a way of curbing societal vices. He doesn’t care if his subordinates take glory for an achievement that is duly his. His human-relation is per excellence. He doesn’t underrate anyone. He is one person that cherishes long-standing relationship. Despite his tight schedules and executive positions, he would find time out to see his friends and dine with them. He came all the way from Maiduguri to Ibadan in 2010 to see me. He requested to eat amala at ‘Inastraite ’ . Upon his election in 2011, a public relation outfit came to Ibadan to interview his lecturer and my humble self about this quintessential gentle man. He commiserated with me and specially visited me upon the transition of my dad to the great beyond on January 30, 2018. Kashim is a benevolent and cheerful giver. He has to my knowledge assisted individuals and corporate entities without expectation of any returns except from his maker.

My summation of Kashim Shettima is that of a man of the people who cherishes progress of all and harbours no ill-feelings against anyone. The choice of Kashim Shettima as the vice-presidential candidate of his party is a testimony to his all-round sound mind with focus on improving the system for the betterment of all. I thank all that contributed to his emergence, and I wish him success as he moves into election proper.

Prof Sulaiman Adesina Yusuf
Department of Agricultural Economics
University of Ibadan, Ibadan

Benedict Olugboyega Alabi: A phenomenal administrator @57

Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, was the product of the divine arrangement of procreation that came to fruition in the early hours of July 12, 1965, between adorable amazon and legend of note, Mama Eunice Atoke and Pa John Oyeyemi Alabi, both of blessed memory, at the Catholic Hospital, Oluyoro, Oke-Ola, in the agrarian community of Ikire, the present headquarters of Irewole Local Government.

From an organised family setting, strongly rooted in the Catholic faith, Alabi started a journey of life with readiness and focus to fulfil his earthly obligation of being a blessing to humanity as his name, 'Benedict' suggests.

In the same way Jack Welch puts it :" Before you are a leader, success is all about growing yourself. When you become a leader, success is all about growing others", Alabi relentlessly followed the path of hard-work and dignity, rising to his apogee in banking and private business, and eventually became a thought leader in the political space.

After completing his Secondary education, he proceeded to the Polytechnic, Ibadan, to study Banking, at a tender age of 18.

He later attended Olabisi Onabanjo University and University of Lagos respectively for his Bachelors Degree in Banking and Finance and a Masters degree in Economics.

He is a fellow of Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, a Fellow of the Institute of Credit Administration of Nigeria, a Fellow of the Government Institute of Research and Leadership Technology (with specialisation in Strategic Management).

Benedict Alabi, is the first African to be qualified and awarded the Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) Certification by the International Facility Management Association, Houston USA.

BOA, as he is popularly known in the political palance had worked at managerial level of many banks in Nigeria .

He has served on the Technical Committee of Federal Government of Nigeria on Development of Green Building Initiative for Nigeria as well as Committee on Establishment of Building Rating System.

Both Initiatives of the Federal Government of Nigeria are directed towards taming building collapse in Nigeria.

He was the pioneer Group President and Chief Executive Officer of Eliezer Group, the company he raised from nothing to become leading entity in facility management industry in Africa, with offices across the continent.

Despite his wealth of experience and success attained,the industrialist also ventured into Agriculture,as well as becoming a source of encouragement and advocate of youth involvement in the sector.

To the chagrin of many, he stormed the political enclave as a colossus, and changed narratives in many quarters without noise, with profound determination to grow multitudes.

Curiously, his political expedition has revealed many hidden talents in him, which continued to amaze many pundits and gladiators, within and outside the state of Osun.

It is against this backdrop that Governor Adegboyega Oyetola described him as a loyal, forthright, and committed lieutenant.

The Governor further described Alabi as a brother,a dear friend, unassuming and humble personality, who merits recommendation of good deed.

Obviously, Benedict Alabi's political sagacity, forthrightness, humility, leadership quality, loyalty, insight, commitment, and service to the people of the state are legendary.

For instance, the Deputy Governor was nominated as the Chairman, Technical Committee on Covid 19, where he prudently and judiciously managed available resources to flatten the curve of the virus in the State despite incursion from neighbouring country.

As the Chairman, Road Safety Advisory Council, he has technically coordinated the Osun traffic architecture in collaboration with other paramilitary agencies saddled with responsibility of traffic management.

Alabi, as the Chairman, Osun State Boundary Committee redefined the scope of crisis management between the State and contiguous states on array of boundary disputes through the concept of Alternative Conflict Resolution, with laudable results of great interest.

Imbued by passion for humanity, the Deputy Governor founded Osun Ajose Foundation, to support indigenes of the State and empower the downtrodden for the purpose of liberating them from the shackles of poverty.

The foundation had also supported various small and medium scale enterprises to boost the micro economy of the State.

In line with the biblical injunctions and humanity theory, suffice to say that Alabi has laid treasures in heaven and achieved immortality in the hearts of the people through his unwaivering service to humanity.

The Deputy Governor, who believes that blowing one's trumpet deliberately for selfish motive was immodesty of the highest order preferred his achievement to go ahead of him in the minds of the populace.

The growth and development of people is the highest calling of leadership.
This informed the decisions by notable National and international organizations to honour him with myriads of national and international awards before his assumption of office and during his service to the state as the Deputy Governor.

Without mincing words, the future is for those who dare to dream and find courage to pursue their dreams, that indeed remains the guiding principle of Mr Benedict Olugboyega Alabi.

A man of enviable intelligence, calmness, with unflinching loyalty embedded in clarity of purpose.

Indeed, every 12th of July is a nostalgic reminiscence of a divine intervention in humanity, providentially domiciled in the ancient town of Ikire, a special gift of unquantifiable value from the most high.

According to the indelible words of Simon Sinek, " A boss has the title, a leader has the people", obviously, you are a leader and dynamic mentor of impeccable personality with amalgam of mentees .

From birth to adulthood, the iconic administrator has exhibited resilience and doggedness to weather every storm with great triumph, leading those coming behind with profound trait of courage and determination.

Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, a leader of a virile line-up, leading from the front with zeal, inspiring from the middle with passion and defending from the back with vigour.

A trailblazer of rare sagacity, shrewd and thorough. Indeed, your significant impacts on many lives around you have shown the degree of your resoluteness and determination to change your spot and the world at large.

Omo Baba Oyinbo Dudu, Ewu Ni Winrin! We join many others around the world to celebrate a phenomenon and icon; may the rest of your existence brings more honour, prosperity in sound health.

May you celebrate more of this special day with uncommon favour of God, as you continue to selflessly serve humanity.

Happy 57th Birthday Your Excellency, Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, Deputy Governor, State of Osun.

Olaniyi Ajibola, Senior Special Assistant/ Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor.

Kashim Shettima: A true Nigerian and Bridge Builder

By Adetunji Oredipe PhD
As the news filter to me in my remote location in Monrovia that Senator Kashim Shettima has been announced as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), my immediate reaction is that APC might have given Nigeria and Nigerians a unique opportunity to taste governance at a different level.
To start with, permit me to introduce my focal character in the person of Senator Kashim Shettima. He is a true Nigerian, with friends all over the country. His networking acumen is second to none. Setting the record straight. I am from Ijebu-Ode in Ogun state, while as you all know the Senator is from Nimeri Korongoso, Lamisula, Shehuri North, Maiduguri, Borno State. Our path crossed as classmates at the master’s class at the University of Ibadan many years ago. Since then, Senator Kashim has continued to nurture and cherish that relationship. By the grace of God, I have a good job and cannot be classified as hanger-on by any classification, but I owe it a duty to myself and my conscience to come out to identify with a committed and loyal friend of all seasons at this moment in the history of our dear Nation.
True to the topic of my discussion, I will dwell more on Senator Kashim’s attribute as a Bridge Builder per excellence. But before doing that, let me see him from the lens of a brilliant politician and seasoned administrator. He is no doubt well-groomed to assume the position of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is highly qualified and his contribution to nation building has been referenced in so many fora and would not be my focus in this piece, which is solely aimed at showcasing his rare attributes as a true Nigerian and Bridge Builder. Bridge builders are considerate people who do their very best to support others.
At this moment of decision making and when the country is battling with several issues, especially the ominous ethnic and tribal sentiments in decision making, we must factor these twin attributes in selection of the new breed of leaders that will take us to the next dispensation. Many commentators in the affairs of the Nation have argued that tribalism is one of the most disruptive influences confronting the country. Tribalism, they argue, is the basis for hatred between peoples in the country today. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the failed efforts to eliminate tribal identities may have contributed significantly to Nigeria's catastrophic problems. If Nigeria is to take her rightful place in the scheme of development, tribalism must be destroyed. The last time I checked on the attributes of a bridge builder, which is a very important attribute deserving of a leader in Nigeria at this crucial time, I found Senator Kashim Shettima scoring very high in all areas.

Senator Shettima as a Bridge builder like to help to connect people. He has a way of recognizing what someone else needs and his minds start searching for ways to help them move ahead. He is a leader who knows precisely what the next step is for his followers. He is very painstaking in decision making and never pushy; he just wants you to achieve greatness. He will do it for free. His search and selection of his successor in Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is a case in point. Ultimately Senator Shettima is a fine leader.
Senator Shettima understand the power of a kind word. He is first at making a timely phone call or a note of praise. He once called me and repeated five times “Oredipe you are a good man”. It was indeed a morale booster for me coming from a second term sitting Governor. I, therefore, congratulate my dear friend as a bridge builder. Nigeria needs him because of the difference he can make in the lives of average Nigerian.
We all need that one person who understands and distracts you from your anxieties. A friend you can call anytime, who you know will be available to you and can talk you through your stresses. We all need a sounding board, somebody who will give sane advice and provide you with strength when needed. This is the real definition of our in-coming Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima.
I would like to join other well-meaning friends and his many admirers all over Nigeria to congratulate him for crossing the first hurdle and to wish him success as he moves to the election proper. He should be ready to harvest the goodwill he has amassed over the many years of sustained relationship with Nigerians across ethnic and religious boundaries in the period leading to the election proper. I am already feeling proud of my good friend, and I know that he will make us proud with his track records. He has always dreamed of working for the people, and he has demonstrated it in his home state. Very soon, he will have the opportunity to do it for the entire country. Congratulations, Senator Kashim Shettima on your amazing success.

July 8, 2022.

Our attention has been drawn to the reported decamping of a former House of Representatives member, Hon. Adekunle Akinlade, from our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his spurious claim that “injustice” by the APC forced him to take this latest decision.

Ordinarily, we would not have reacted if not for the fact that Hon. Akinlade, who once used the platform of APC to represent the Egbado South/Ipokia Federal Constituency of Ogun State in the House of Representatives, cast aspersions on our great party while lamely justifying his long expected departure.

It should be noted that we are not in any way surprised by this latest course of action by Hon. Akinlade. His body language and series of clandestine activities had hitherto given him and his well known sponsor away. He once left the APC in 2019 to contest the gubernatorial election of Ogun State on the platform of now defunct Allied Peoples Movement (APM); and suffered excruciating defeat despite being backed by powerful state machinery. Although he claimed to have returned to the APC after his loss to Governor Dapo Abiodun at the polls, he was more remembered for playing politics of division in the party rather than contributing to its progress.

That he has again left the APC is indeed, a good riddance. And that he plans to run as a deputy governorship candidate also revalidates our position that Akinlade has never being a governorship material field the gateway state. That a 2019 governorship candidate has reportedly decide to run as a deputy to a 2019 governorship aspirant, shows a very desperate ambition to return to public office after four uneventful years in the National Assembly.


We insist that Hon. Akinlade has never been a loyal party man. He worked against the interests of APC and it is generally believed within the party circles that he will not hesitate to re-enact his morbid hostility at the slightest opportunity. Recall that as the APM governorship candidate, Hon. Akinlade signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the factional governorship candidate of PDP, Ladi Adebutu, ahead of the March 9, 2019 governorship election. This MoU highlighted power sharing deals between the parties as well as the political appointments and infrastructural projects of interest, all in a desperate bid to stop the emergence of Prince Dapo Abiodun as Governor.

Now that Hon. Akinlade has jumped ship for the second time, is it now clear that his decision might be a move to renew the ill-fated 2019 APM/PDP alliance for the 2023 project? If indeed he was a party man, Hon. Akinlade ought to have remained in the party and work in tandem with teeming loyal members for the electoral success of APC in 2023.

However, we acknowledge the fact that political association is about free entry and free exit. There is no compulsion in membership. We can only wish Hon. Adekunle Akinlade well in future endeavours. He may have left the APC, but thousands of willing individuals, have freely embraced and are still joining the membership of our great party. Therefore, Ogun APC will not miss serial defectors.

- TUNDE OLADUNJOYE
State Publicity Secretary
Ogun APC
oladunjoyelo@gmail.com

Eid-el-kabir: Be a good ambassadors of Edeland, Timi urges subjects

The Timi of Edeland, Oba Dr. Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa 1, has urged the good people of Edeland to be patriotic in their attitudes and conduct as good ambassadors of the ancient town.

The revered Monarch opined that Ede, being a town of rich history in Yoruba land, it's sons and daughters must exhibit impeccable pedigree.

The Royal father made these remarks in his sallah message to the people of the town, a copy which was made available to newsmen by his Special Assistant on media and publicity, Dapo Folaranmi.

Oba Adesola also enjoined all his subjects to rally round the candidate of Peoples Democratic Party, Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in Osun State, slated for Saturday 16th July, 2022, irrespective of their political affiliations.

He said," All hands must be on deck to have a very blissful sallah festival this year with a resounding victory for Senator Nurudeen Ademola Adeleke.

"As people of great town of Ede, you must all eschew every tendency of violence or any act capable of truncating the peaceful atmosphere in our land, before, during and after the election".

The paramount ruler, therefore, used the occasion to pray for sustainable peace and tranquility in Osun State and Nigeria at large, as he implored Muslim clerics to use the special season to pray for the lasting peace and progress of the ancient town, advising youths to be moderate in the course of celebration and shun the use of hard drugs.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has sympathised with the Organised Labour, the Nigerian Union of Teachers and the family of Mr. Sunday Ogunjimi, a teacher, who died last Friday at the secretariat of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) in Abeokuta.

In a statement issued on his behalf by the Ogun State Head of Service, Dr Nafiu Aigoro, the governor described the death of the late Comrade as a big loss not only to his immediate family and Labour, but also to the state at large.

Abiodun said, “We are pained by the unfortunate death of your colleague, who until his death was a teacher and member of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Odeda. As a workers' loving Government, losing a worker in such a circumstance is so devastating. We pray that God will grant the deceased eternal rest and comfort the family, colleagues and associates he left behind.

He reiterated the Government's commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of the workforce, stressing that “our Administration is a promise-keeping one and we shall strive to honour all the terms on the agreement reached with the labour leaders."

He added that although death is an inevitable end to all mortals, citizens should endeavour to take personal health more seriously by regular medical check-ups, physical exercise and ensuring that they rest very well. "On our part, Government has invested a lot in the health sector and even provided a health insurance scheme that is worker-friendly and affordable at all levels starting with our primary health centres up to the tertiary level”, the statement concluded.

Signed:

Dr. Nafiu Aigoro
Head of Service

June 30, 2022.

PRESS STATEMENT


Re: Amosun’s foot soldiers head for PDP

The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has been drawn to a story planted in an online medium, by some so-called loyalists of the immediate past governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, insinuating that an imaginary peace accord between him and Governor Abiodun was proposed.

We want to alert members of the general public, especially members of our dear party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), that contrary to the fake news, there was no proposed “agreement for power sharing” with anyone or group by the APC in Ogun State. There could not have been any agreement or sharing formula with people or groups that, from all intents, purposes, actions and utterances; are not members of our party.

It is well known that this set of disloyal politicians not only resigned their membership of the APC in the build up of the 2019 governorship election, which was clearly won by the present Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, their touted return to the APC was mere talk as their actions had consistently shown.

These serial complainants and endemic petitioners are, in their usual character, aim to blackmail the leader of our party and the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, in a desperate attempt to continuously cause confusion and possibly reap from where they did not sow. That is why they have been churning out serial falsehoods.

Confirmed intelligence reports have always pointed to the fact that members of the embattled Amosun group have always been hand-in-gloves with members of the opposition parties, especially the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). It is therefore not unexpected that they want to return to the PDP, which they actually worked for in 2019. It is on record that the Amosun group, after defecting to the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in 2019, went ahead and signed an MOU dated 7th March, 2019 with the PDP. It is this expired MOU that the insatiable Amosun group simply wants to renew.


We commend notable former members of the group like the Senator representing Ogun East Senatorial District, Senator Lekan Mustapha; former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jide Ojuko; former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, and many others who have since seen the light and have returned to the mainstream Ogun APC, pledging their loyalty to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

We urge our members not to be misled or distracted by the antics of these sore losers who are still sulking, three years after losing the March 2019 governorship election. Our focus as a party, is to support our government to continue to deliver the dividends of democracy to the good people of Ogun State and to win the forthcoming general elections overwhelmingly.

Tunde Oladunjoye
State Publicity Secretary
oladunjoyelo@gmail.com

The religious obscurantist that can not successfully manage his home dreaming of managing Nigeria.

It is even disheartening that despite being a serial presidential contender, he does not understand the dynamics of governance.

Man of God indeed.

Maxymilliano:
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2022/06/okotie-at-63-i-wish-to-head-interim-govt/

Amosun: Playing to gallery

Not a few people wondered what pushed the immediate past governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, into the presidential race of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the first place. People actually wondered why Amosun entered the race and bought the N100 million naira nomination forms.


While some analysts saw him as a pretender rather than a contender, some described him as a spoiler. The doubt on Amosun’s sincerity was not unconnected with his track record of anti-party activities, for which he was previously suspended from the party even as a sitting governor. It was unbelievable that a man who reportedly had no control of the executives of the party at the ward, local and state level and had not a single delegate out of the 60 delegates from his state would want to contest the presidential primary.



At the last convention of the party in Abuja where the national officers were picked, out of about 242 delegates from Ogun State, the Amosun group had only 12, and they were statutory delegates. Returning from the convention, and realizing that all pre-convention boasts by their boss amounted to nothing, his major supporters started leaving his dilapidated camp in droves and visiting the Ogun State governor, Prince DAPO Abiodun, to pledge their loyalty to the mainstream APC. All persuasions and subtle threats to make them stay in the unpopular camp were rebuffed.



Among the supporters that left Amosun in the few weeks preceding the APC presidential primary in Abuja were Senator Lekan Mustapha; former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, and former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Jide Ojuko, to mention but a few.



It was with this serious dilemma of a sinking ship that Amosun hurriedly jumped into the presidential fray. To those who are discerning, it could be seen that Amosun who had touted the name of President Muhammadu Buhari to heaven and back realised he was going to become an orphan in 2023 at the exit of Mr. President, under whom he has been accused of ruling with impunity. Given the Buhari Estate scandal, the alleged mismanagement of OPIC revenue, illegal stockpiling of 1000 pieces of AK47 riffles and many more, not a few people believe that Amosun’s definitely has a date with the law enforcement agencies after this dispensation.



Additionally, it would be remembered that it was the former governor was accused of failing to rein in the urchins on the platform of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) who stoned President Buhari, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Comrade Adams Oshiomole, and other APC national leaders in Abeokuta on February 11, 2019 during the APC presidential rally, where the governorship flag was handed over to the current Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun.




With all these questions waiting for him to answer in due course, and realising that Asiwaju might probably be the President in waiting, Amosun put one and one together and “stepped down” for him during the presidential primary in Abuja. This was a tactic to save face, adopt Asiwaju as his new political godfather and eventually secure immunity from prosecution after President Buhari’s exit.


The gleeful manner with which the “stepped-down” speech, pictures and video were shared on social media showed that Amosun’s stepping down was self-serving, face-saving and a vainglorious attempt to hide from his shadow.

Earlier on, Amosun and four others that were considered unserious had been asked to step down at the South West meeting held Saturday before the presidential primary and chaired by Chief Olusegun Osoba and Chief Bisi Akande.


The question is, where did Amosun step down from? He had no single delegate from his home state! He neither campaigned anywhere nor consulted like the serious ones . He was just another pretender that kept dropping President Bihari’s name, daydreaming that Buhari would hand over to him like a family inheritance! Of course, only the left-over followers believed that cock-and-bull narrative. He would have scored zero like his counterpart Rochas Okorocha. Previously, he was said to have consistently vowed that anybody but Tinubu would emerge the APC candidate. He obviously joined the train of those that were stepping down when all their plans failed. We are sure this is not lost on Asiwaju.

- Lanre Adenle, Ibara Abeokuta

....says APC's flag bearer has capacity to redirect Nigeria's security architecture


The Harmonised Vigilante Group, has felicitated with the winner of All Progressives Congress, APC's Presidential Primary, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing him as a dogged fighter.

The group asserted that going by the pedigree of Tinubu and his enviable achievement as the former Governor of Lagos State in the areas of security and infrastructure, he no doubt possesses solution to various security challenges facing Nigeria.

This was contained in a press statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo, the Osun State capital by the group and signed by the Head of the group, Alhaji Ridwan Hussein Yahasalam.

According to the statement, the APC by its choice of presidential flag bearer has demonstrated capacity in the process of leadership recruitment, adding that Tinubu is a round peg in a round hole.

It further eulogized the former Lagos State Governor as an astute administrator and team leader, who is ready to sacrifice anything for his followers and the country at large.

"The emergence of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the just concluded APC's Presidential Primary was the best decision ever taken by any political party in this fourth republic.

"Asiwaju indeed possesses solution to array of our National challenges, especially the menace of insecurity; he is a man with requisite capacity and courage to tackle issue of our internal security headlong", the statement said.

The Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has announced resumption date for the new academic session of 2021/2022, with effect from 4th June, 2022.

This was contained in a memo signed by the Registrar and Secretary to the Council, Alhaji Isiaka Tunji Agboola, the copy which was made available to newsmen on Thursday by the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer of the institution, Sola Lawal.

The memo read thus: " The academic Board at it's emergency meeting held on Wednesday, 8th June, 2022, considered and approved the commencement of academic calendar for the 2021/2022 new academic session with effect from 4th June, 2022.

"The board also directed the online and physical registration for the new session for both new and returning students , including SIWES students should continue on Monday 6th June, 2022, while lectures and other academic activities will start on Tuesday, 14th June, 2022.

"On behalf of the Chairman and members of the academic Board, I wish both new and returning students happy and crises free new session. Kindly observe COVID-19 protocols at all time and in all gatherings and be security conscious.

"The foregoing is for the information and compliance of members of staff and students of the Polytechnic".

Thank You.

How could any right thinking person ever think of a northerner to continue ruling this country in the face of lack of requisite mental capacity for coordination and Administration they have exhibited since independence, coupled with the level of national turmoil and disaster they have brought to Nigeria as a result of bad parenting and weak leadership in the region, which gave birth to amalgam of irresponsible and deviant youths, who constitute terrorist gangs of different forms.

It is very disheartening that majority of southern leaders are timid and docile, they could not speak truth to these Northern elements who have failed woefully at home at the peril of the rest of us and only desperate to hang on to power for frivolity .

.....says dialogue remains best option

The Management of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has called on Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Polytechnics (SSANIP) chapter of the Polytechnic to review it's stance on the proposed warning strike about to embark upon and kindly reverse it.

The Polytechnic Management in a statement made available to newsmen on Sunday by the Protocol, Media and Public Relations Officer of the school, Sola Lawal, said the appeal became necessary in the interest of the students and the academic community at large.

The statement stated that since there is ongoing peace meeting to find an amicable solution to every issue, such proposed warning strike is needless and unnecessary, adding that some of the demands of the union are being implemented gradually.

According to the statement, the Dr John Adekolawole-led management, with full backing of the Governing Council led by Air Cdre Emmanuel Jekada will continue to engage members of the union as very important stakeholders with a view of creating a conducive and peaceful environment for learning and research.

"While the management of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, recognises the inalienable right of every Union to down tools in the course of pressing home it's demand, we therefore consider this proposed warning strike about to embark upon by SSANIP as needless, considering the sincerity of the management to resolve every contending issue.

"To show the level of commitment and seriousness of the management, some of the demands of the union are being implemented gradually in order not to collapse the entire system.

"We hereby want to assure the general public that the Polytechnic is still maintaining it's peaceful atmosphere without any rancour, as efforts are in place to settle with SSANIP quickly without delay", the statement read.