₦airaland Forum

The governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has assured local government employees across the state of speedy consideration of their request for the recruitment of new staff into the local government system in order to address the lacuna in place for many years following the retirement of some local government staff.




The governor, who gave the promise during an interaction with members of the Nigeria Union of Local Government employees (NULGE) recently in Abeokuta, the state capital, thanked the workers for their steadfastness and for bringing their knowledge to bear in local government administration.




While explaining some of the challenges that his administration was facing due to paucity of funds, the governor, however, promised that he would continue to do his best to ensure that every section of the state and every local government had real development.



This, he explained, was why he had priorised inner city and inter-city roads to bring succour to vast populations of the state.



He noted that the construction of housing estates and road projects such as the Ijebu-Ode Epe road, the Shagamu-Abeokuta road and the ongoing road projects in Owode-Ilaro and Atan-Lusada-Agbara and other areas of the state, the building of an Agro-allied Airport in Ilishan and the revival of the Olokola Free Trade Zone, among others, were all designed to ensure that people felt the impact of government wherever they may live in Ogun State.




Governor Abiodun, who also noted his administration's strides in making the state Nigeria's top investment destination, assured the workers that he would look into the issue of consolidation and parity advocated for by some heads of local government agencies who want parity between them and permanent secretaries in state ministries.





In the same vein, the governor promised to address the issue of leave bonuses, beginning from January 2023, and increase in the allocations meant for the payment of pensions to local government workers.




In addition, Governor Abiodun promised to donate a bus to the union so as to facilitate its day-to-day activities, adding that his administration would also consider the request by the union that his administration should assist in completing its state secretariat located in Abeokuta.

The recent remarks by the factional governorship candidate of PDP in Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, condemning appointments and projects by Governor Dapo Abiodun, as been described as a reflection of “a man with very little political goodwill and shallow knowledge of governance”.

Adebutu has been quoted in some media as condemning the recent appointments of commissioners and Governor’s Liaison Officers (GLOs) and award of road contracts by the Dapo Abiodun Administration.

The Governor’s Liaison Officer for Ikenne Local Government, Prince Adebayo Oyekoya, in a statement on Tuesday, described Adebutu as being “hunted by his past failures in previous elections” and therefore “it is not not surprising that he has left necessary issues to embrace irrelevancy”.

“The PDP factional governorship candidate has a shallow understanding of governance, if not, he should have known better; some appointees recently resigned from the state cabinet to pursue their political ambitions and for the smooth running of the state, such offices cannot be left void.”

On the appointment of GLOs, Oyekoya said, it was a further demonstration of the belief of Governor Dapo Abiodun in taking governance closer to the grassroots. The GLOs are the eyes and ears of the governor in their respective local government areas; and they are to complement the council chairmen”.

“The people of the state have widely appreciated the unprecendented projects embarked by the incumbent Governor and have continued to encourage and endorsed him for continuity as recently demonstrated by paramount rulers, royal fathers, clergymen and students. The present Administration even embarked on the construction of federal government roads and provision of palliatives despite the pausing of funds”, Oyekoya added.

“We therefore encourage Mr. Adebutu to exert energies on his ambition, the fratricidal war within his party that has produced three governorship “candidates” in Ogun State instead of always looking for cheap publicity”, the statement concluded.

You are ignorant indeed!

BREAKING:
Ogun State APC moves to suspend Amosun factional Chairman, Chief Derin Adebiyi and 99 others for anti-party activities.

This action of OGUN State chapter of APC was premised on a petition written by Idowu Oluwatosin from Ifo Local government area of OGUN State dated 26th August, 2022 and acknowledged at the State party secretariat on 29th August, 2022.

The petition which was addressed to the State Chairman of the party, Chief Sanusi and copied the State Governor, Special Adviser on Political Affairs and the State Publicity Secretary.

The petition was attached with Certified True Copies of the list of ADC delegates sources from INEC, submitted to INEC by the ADC, and therefore they have erred by practicing anti party activities which fouls against the constitution of the party and an act that is punishable.

It was gathered from the State secretariat of APC by a staff who claimed anonymity that the State Chairman and relevant state officers of the party met early on Monday morning and decided to suspend the violators immediately before complete expulsion from the APC.

Re - 2023: Over 10,000 APC loyalists defect to PDP in Ogun


The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State has described as grand self-delusion, reports published by some news media titled 2023: Over 10,000 APC loyalists defect to PDP in Ogun.

The party, in a rejoinder issued on Sunday and signed by its publicity secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye, described the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State as suffering from grand self-delusion.

The APC said that no notable member of the party joined PDP during the rally and the open appeal to some APC members to cross over to the PDP, “about seven months to general elections, showed that PDP is a mock-party that is not ready at all.”

The statement read: “That the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) held its much touted rally in Abeokuta last week without pomp and pageantry is no longer news, however, the report in some media that over 10,000 APC members crossed into the PDP smacks of grand illusion and delusion in the PDP as nothing of such ever happened.

“Recall that the PDP had boasted before the rally that the party would be joined by notable members of the ruling party, APC. At the end of the day, not a single notable member of APC crossed to the PDP. We challenge the PDP to name any, if indeed there was one.

“Rather, what we saw in the pictures and videos of the event was the factional gubernatorial candidate of the PDP, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, begging and prostrating that some of our members, including our senatorial candidate for Ogun East, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, should dump APC and move to the factionalized PDP in the state! the open appeal to some APC members to cross over to the PDP, about seven months to general elections, showed that PDP is a mock-party that is not ready at all.


“We would not have issued this clarification if it had been published in some other less known media. Our advice is that the factional candidate should first go and win the battle of his life for the gubernatorial ticket, which is currently in various state and federal high courts before coming out to deceive himself.

“We will not join issues with someone who is owing less than 50 staff of his farm several salaries in arrears but dreaming to govern Ogun State; someone whose family took away from him the family business he was managing, due to mismanagement. One who cannot manage a limited liability company successfully but dreaming to manage an enlightened state like Ogun State with about seven million people.

“The PDP and its “10,000” crowd of decampees, are like a farmer who has one ridge of yam but claims to have 100, when he finishes harvesting the real one he has, he will still harvest the non-existing 99.

Justice Oluremi Oguntoyinbo of Federal High Court One has dismissed a suit by a former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship aspirant, Mr. Biyi Otegbeye , challenging the emergence of the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2023 elections.

The matter came up on the 24th August, 2022 for the hearing of the preliminary objections and the originating summons. The plaintiff was represented by Mr. Wale Taiwo SAN and Professor Yemi Oke. The first defendant, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), was represented by Damilola Akinduro, while Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN and Tunde Ahmed Adejumo represented the All Progressives Congress APC) as second defendant, and Professor Taiwo Osipitan represented Prince Dapo Abiodun.

When the matter was called, counsel to the Plaintiff informed the Court that they had filed a motion for discontinuance of the suit as the applicant, Biyi Otegbeye, intended to pursue his remedy elsewhere.

Kehinde Ogunwumiju SAN informed the Court that the defendants were not opposed to the motion for discontinuance of the suit. He however urged the Court to dismiss the suit and award cost to the defendants rather than striking out the matter .

The court agreed with the Counsel to the and consequently dismissed the suit and a cost of N100, 000 was also awarded against the Plaintiff.

END

EXPOSED: Chief DERIN ADEBIYI Faces expulsion from APC in Ogun

A reliable and highly placed source from the National Secretariat of the APC just confirmed to us that plans are at very advanced stage to expel the erstwhile factional Ogun State APC chairman of Sen. Ibikunle Amosun group along side 99 others for anti-party activities.
Details soon……

EXPOSED: Chief DERIN ADEBIYI Faces expulsion from APC in Ogun
A reliable and highly placed source form feom the National Secretariat of the APC just confirmed to us that plans are at very advanced stage to expel the erstwhile factional Ogun State APC chairman of Sen. Ibikunle Amosun group along side 99 others for anti-party activities.
Details soon……

A very reliable and highly placed source from the National Secretariat of the APC just confirmed to us that plans are at very advanced stage to expel the erstwhile factional Ogun State APC chairman of Sen. Ibikunle Amosun group along side 99 others for anti-party activities.
Details soon……

BREAKING...
Ogun 2023: My movement to PDP noble, necessary- Akinlade

The Deputy Governorship candidate on the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Hon. Adekunle Abdulkabir Akinlade, has given a vivid insight on the rationale behind his movement from the All Progressives Congress, APC, to the PDP.

According to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on new media, Comrade Owolabi Ajibola, the copy which was made available to newsmen in Abeokuta on Sunday, Akinlade, in the exclusive interview granted to cross sections of media on Friday revealed that the decision to walk away from the abode of his former political family was borne out of necessity and noble intentions.

According to the statement, the 3-hour long interview, which touched on various topical issues of concern, such as his political future, the costly price of his principal’s presidential aspiration, in- house attempts to overturn his nomination, the inherent manipulations and subversion of APC leaders, coupled with lack of transparency and accountability on the part of APC at the National level. He also added that the last straw that broke the camel's back within the camp of SIA was the inordinate ambition of both the Nigeria Ambassador to the UK and the 2019 APC House of Reps candidate in Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency.

"The seeming selfish skimmings and political chicanery of these individuals implicitly brought down the political dynasty of the former two term governor before my subsequent intervention", Akinlade said.

Akinlade further revealed that both men exploited their closeness to SIA to plot and plant several landmines for him, adding that they erroneously underestimated his courage to make logical political calculations that significantly changed the trajectory of events towards the 2023 general elections.

He said, "The flaw in the political permutations and manipulations of the duo is that they ignorantly mistook my calmness, obedience and loyalty to my mentor as political naivety”.

"Both the Egba born Ambassador and Ilaro born, Insurance executive, took advantage of the former governor’s vulnerability caused by his Presidential aspiration, thus forcing his hands against what would have been a masters stroke after all the humiliations we all suffered in the APC.

"If the leadership had unambiguously told SIA loyalists to seek alternative political platforms to actualize their political aspirations after the failed 2022 APC primaries, why are they so bent on bringing me down ? the shocking fact is that I am not even the Guber candidate but a nominee on a ticket”.

"These accidental later-days evangelists of SIA should be blamed for the crack in the wall of our political structure".

Akinlade concluded that, contrary to what his distractors would want the people to believe, his timely decision to secure the PDP deputy governorship slot actually held up a lifeline for the SIA political structure, adding that the interview became necessary to set the records straight and put issues in the right perspectivces for posterity sake.

Meanwhile, his media adviser, through the statement promised that the complete excerpts of the interview will be published soonest.

The All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State Chapter, has put a lie to the media statement credited to Senator Tolu Odebiyi, in which he reportedly said the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, refused to accept reconciliation within the ruling party.

The party declared that it was actually the immediate past governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who refused to be reconciled despite interventions of the revered Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba S.K. Adetona as well as close friends and colleagues.

This was contained in a statement issued in Abeokuta and signed by the APC State Publicity Secretary, Tunde Oladunjoye.

Oladunjoye described Odebiyi’s statement as “a product of frustration," adding that "his choice of abusive words and gutter language are unbecoming of someone of his status."

“We want to state emphatically and for the avoidance of doubt, that the Senator lied throughout his wishy-washy statement," he noted.

The APC’s statement reads: “The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ogun State Chapter has been drawn to a media statement credited to Senator Tolu Odebiyi and published in some media where false allegations were levelled against Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State on issues of reconciliatory efforts within our dear party.

“Ordinarily, we would not have joined issues with Senator Odebiyi, but the fact that he so much unashamedly and barefacedly peddled white lies that are really unexpected from a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“We elect not to join Senator Odebiyi in his lamentations traceable to his rejection by his constituents at the last APC senatorial primaries; a frustration that was obvious in his choice of abusive words and gutter language unbecoming of someone of his status. However, we want to say emphatically and for the avoidance of doubt, that the Senator lied throughout his wishy-washy statement.

“Our party challenges the Senator to tell the general public where any reconciliatory meeting was called; when and who convened the meeting and who attended.

"On the other hand, it was actually the immediate past governor who refused to be reconciled despite interventions of close friends, colleagues, and the revered Awujale and Paramount Ruler of Ijebuland, Oba S. K. Adetona. The former governor disrespected the Awujale by shunning the peace moves of the elderly and highly respected royal father who has spent over 60 years on the throne, insisting he was not ready to reconcile with Governor Dapo Abiodun.

“The discerning public therefore knows who is playing God with empty boasts and spreading misleading information. Senator Odebiyi should have found out the truth from his sponsor before coming to the public with the latest concoction, which is a figment of his imagination.

“We dare the abusive Senator to showcase his achievements and record of service to the people of the Ogun West Senatorial District in the last three years. His total failure culminated in his rejection at the party primary where, after three years of uneventful stay at the National Assembly, he scored zero vote.

“Our Governor is a man of peace. His inclusive policy has even attracted juggernauts from opposition political parties in Ogun State into the APC. The Governor’s style of politics without bitterness has brought tremendous peace to Ogun State since the inception of the incumbent Administration.

“We don’t want to take the Senator’s statement as his valedictory speech. However, events of days and weeks to come will be full of revelations.

“For APC as a party, and with our government in power, we wish to reaffirm our unwavering commitment to peace and development in Ogun State and the delivery of dividends of democracy to the good people of Ogun State, regardless of the provocations and shenanigans of sore losers whose camp has been decisively depleted and decimated."

Signed:
TUNDE OLADUNJOYE
Publicity Secretary
Ogun APC
Oladunjoyelo@gmail.com

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