The Muslim Community of Institute of Agricultural Research and Training, Ibadan is set to organize the 1st Ramadan Lecture with the topic “Societal Menace Among The Youth: Roles of Muslim Communities”
According to the information made available, the first lecture series will take place on the 17th of April, 2022 at Dr. K. Jm Nwufah Hall of Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology, Ibadan by 10am.
The lecture has been scheduled to have TPL Oyedele Rauf Abimbade an Assistant Director/Head of Department, Town Planning and Land Services, Ayedaade Local Government, Gbongan, Osun State as the Guest Lecturer.
According information made available by the Chairman & Secretary Organizing Committee, Dr. M.A Popoola and Mr. Ojo K. Samad confirmed that the Chairman , Muslim Community IAR&T, Professor L. B. Taiwo is the Chief Host while the Sheikh Mahmoon Tijani Eleshimeta, the Chief Imam of IAR&T will also be present.
The Vice-President Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on Sunday after months of speculation joined the presidential race ahead of the primary of the All Progressives Congress which comes up next month.
According to The Punch, Osinbajo made the declaration at a dinner he hosted at the Presidential Villa for the breaking of Ramadan fast (Iftar), the Vice-President informed the APC governors of his plan to succeed his boss, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), whose tenure as President ends in 13 months’ time.
It was learnt that no fewer than 12 APC governors out of the 23 were present at the meeting.
Some of the governors present include: Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa), Babagana Zulum (Borno) and Babajide Sanwo-Olu (Lagos).
“The VP invited all the governors to the meeting and has informed them of his plan to contest. He is also seeking their support ahead of the primary. Of course, the Vice-President has also informed President Buhari of his intention to contest. He will be formally announcing his candidacy on Monday (today),” said a top source.
The Vice-President is expected to release a video of his formal declaration on Monday on all social media platforms wherein he will seek the support of all Nigerians for his ambition.
Already, Osinbajo support groups have opened a campaign and strategy office for him in the Wuse 2 area of Abuja.
DECLARATION OF INTENT TO VIE FOR A SEAT AT THE 10TH OYO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, REPRESENTING IBADAN NORTH CONSTITUENCY 2
Protocol: Your Excellency, The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde. Honorable Chairman, Ibadan North Local Government. Distinguished Party Executives. Distinguished Party Men & Women. Respected Elders, Friends & Colleagues. Gentle men and women of the Press.
I’m delighted today to inform you all that after due consultations with my instinct, party and community leaders, including people of my Constituency, I’m taking this stand here and now to represent the people of my constituency at the Oyo State House of Assembly.
Over the years, representatives from my constituency including the incumbent has failed to live up to their responsibilities in giving our people true representation that will bring about true development of both individuals and communities beyond sharing Okada and TV sets.
With years of professional and political experience in youth affairs and leadership, I affirm my readiness in being the ideal candidate for people of Ibadan North Constituency 2.
Dear Constituents, Party Men & Women, with rich precedents of quality services to my community over the years and serving in different youth leadership capacities, if given the chance to represent you, the administration will be all-inclusive where every representatives of individuals and groups will be part of the decision making of what affects our constituency.
Dear Constituents, as I focus on delivery true representation through law making and other constitutional duties as stated in the Constitution, the administration will also focus in investing in the growth and development of constituents and the constituency as a whole. This will be possible through collaboration with concerned government ministries/agencies beyond distributing items that are not worthy to be called empowerment.
Given my education and experience in leadership, I’m confident that I’m of commendable character with requisite qualities to represent the good people of Ibadan North Constituency 2. I have researched my possibilities and strength and determined that the position and my SWOT is a strong match.
Finally, with all humility and sense of responsibility, I salute the contribution of relevant stakeholders, successive party and community leaders who has and still contributing to the advancements of the people of our constituents, as I present myself for service. It’s time we make a difference and the time is now.
I hereby officially declare that I intent to represent our people of Ibadan North Constituency 2 at the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly. I equally seek the support of every party man and woman, state executives, ward executives and prospective delegates to make this a reality for the general good of our people.
Ashiwaju Makajuola Oluwatosin Taofeek AKA Tosin Gboye (AMOT) Oyo State House of Assembly, Ibadan North Constituency 2 Hopeful.
Dr John’son Adedayo Adetumbi has emerged as the new Deputy Director of the Inst itute of Agricultural Research and Training, Moor Plantation, Ibadan for a 2 year term which commenced on 1st April,2022. This was contained in a press release by the Head of Public Relations of the Institute,Dr Adeniyi Amusat.
According to the release, Dr Adetumbi was employed in the Institute in 1995 as Agricultural Superintendent and rose through the rank to the position of Principal Agricultural Superintendent before conversion to Academic staff in 2010 after obtaining MSc in Crop Management from Federal University of Technology,Akure. He later obtained PhD in Seed Technology from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta.prior to this appointment, Dr Adetumbi has held different positions in the Institute, he was the Head of Seed processing and Storage Section of the Institute (2002-2010),Head of Kenaf and Jute Improvement Programme ( 2015-2019) and Head,Crop & Seed Production Unit (2019- March,2022).
Dr Adetumbi is an International Scholar who had served different organizations outside the country as a visiting scientist. He has over 40 publications in both local and international peer reviewed journals to his credit.Dr Adetumbi is presently a Senior Research Fellow in the Institute and he’s happily married with lovely children
Ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with the Executive Governor of Oyo State, party leaders in Ibadan North Local Government met with the Stakeholders and aspirants in the forthcoming General Election into the Oyo State House of Assembly.
You will recall, the Engr. Seyi Makinde met with some party leaders last Friday and informed them of his intention to present party tickets for National Assembly and State House of Assembly. Oduduwanews learnt that the Governor I structed the leaders of the 33 local governments in the State to meet with their people and present consensus candidates for a meeting scheduled for tomorrow 4th of April, 2022.
In the meeting attended yesterday, 2nd of April by leaders and stakeholders of Ibadan North, it was agreed that Ibadan North State House of Assembly Constituency 1&2 will conduct primary election and will not be going by consensus candidates same to National Assembly .
In attendance at the meeting were the Local Government Party Chairman, State Party Youth Leader, Women leader, Youth leader, LG party Secretary, all Local Government Party leaders in the local government, stakeholders and all aspirants…….
Oduduwanews learnt that agreement document was signed by all aspirants which authenticates their decision that primary election should be conducted as against the wish of the Governor to present a consensus candidate.
Executive Chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Hon. Akeem Adepoju Raheem, has felicitated the Muslim Ummah in the Council on the starting of the holy month of Ramadan, urging them to use the auspicious period to pray for Oyo State and the Council. Raheem, who described the Ramadan period as a time set apart by Allah for mortals to seek His face, his blessings and acceptance, saying that according to Bukhari, “when the month of Ramadan starts, the gates of the heaven are opened and the gates of Hell are closed and the devils are chained.” He enjoined Muslims to make supplications to God for the continued progress of the state under Governor Seyi Makinde and His Excellency and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) success in the coming elections. He equally rallied the Muslim Ummah to pray to God for the progress and continuous developments of Oorelope Local Government under his watch. He said: “Surah baqarah Ayah 183-185 says: “The month of Ramadhan [is that] in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion. So whoever sights [the new moon of] the month, let him fast it; and whoever is ill or on a journey – then an equal number of other days. “We felicitate our people as they begin the Ramadan, a pious moment set apart by Allah for mortals to please Him and seek His guidance, blessings and benevolence. “Please, use this period to pray for our dear Oyo State, which has been on the rise to prosperity under the watch of our Leader, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde. “I also urge you to pray to Allah to continue to guide the Governor and to grant him and our great party, PDP, successes in the coming 2023 elections. “We also covet your prayers as an administration in the Council, as we remain committed to our promise to uplift the Council and make life meaningful for all its residents. “Apart from prayers and supplications, Ramadan is also a period for individuals to seek to become better; I urge you all to become better in harmonious existence, good neighbourliness and cooperation with government.”
Oyo State Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde is set to hand over Senatorial, House of Representatives and State House of Assembly Forms for members of his party ahead of the Party’s Primary coming up in May.
Oduduwanews learnt that Gov. Makinde made this known on Friday, at the PDP stakeholders meeting held at Agodi Government House, Ibadan that two senatorial, eleven House of Representatives, and sixteen houses of assembly forms have been bought.
According to the information made available, a reasonable number will be given to the female gender as part of the policy of Governor Seyi Makinde.
The stakeholder’s meeting according to Governor Makinde will be reconvened on Monday when he is likely to declare his intention to run in 2023 and decide whosoever get the Forms.
Oluwafemi Marquis-Akanmu, has obtained the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) nomination form to represent Ibadan North State Constituency 1, at the Oyo State House of Assembly to commence Regeneration Practice for his people.
HON. Marquis confirmed to newsmen today, that he has obtained the PDP expression of interest and nomination forms from the Wadata Office of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja the Nation’s Capital.
Born on the 2nd of October some four decades ago. Oluwafemi, a devoted member of PDP and the Junior Chamber International (JCI), is an illustrious son of Ibadan from Apon village in Oke Apon suburb of Ibadan North Local Government Area of Oyo State.
He professionally heads Ace Conglomerates, a building and engineering company in Ibadan and also the co-founder of Dasluxury Paints. He is a frontline philanthropist in Oyo State as he’s already touching education, health care, Enterprises and welfarism of his people selflessly without being in Government.
He has positively touched several lives by virtue of the offices he held in the past, in which he performed creditably well with his track record visible to all and sundry.
Femi Marquis, a trained accountant, practicing engineer and an interior expert was born into the Marquis Family (Nee Owolabi).
Many may wonder, Why the colonial name “Marquis” But education significantly changed the mind and name of African as it is obvious from the missionary impacts on our Secondary Schools today such as Saint Anne’s College Molete and Saint Louis Grammar Mokola Ibadan which propelled the Colonialist to change the Ancestral name of his father from Owolabi to Marquis that have been an house name till date in Ibadan North Local Government Oyo State Nigeria.
His father, now late Chief Olufemi Nestor Akanni Marquis (Nee Owolabi) was a first class building contractor and a philanthropist known to his peers and associates during his lifetime.
Oluwafemi Marquis Akanmu started his educational life at Omolewa Nusery and Primary School; he proceeded to the Government College Ibadan, Apata for secondary education and later attended University of Ado-Ekiti (Now Ekiti State University), Ado-Ekiti. After the required years in UNAD (EKSU) he graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree with Second Class (Honours).
He was the President of JCIN in Ado Ekiti in 2008; President of JCI Ibadan in 2020; National Vice President of JCI Nigeria in 2021 with achievements ranging from School Prefect Sensitisation to prisoner rehabilitation to pupils deworming to faculty development to mention but a few.
He is currently the Chairman of Government College Ibadan Old boys Association (95set), Ibadan.
Marquis earned his Ambassadorial title in JCI in 2015, after serving humanity diligently therefore been known to be a member of JCI Nigeria Noble House where Great men of honor have been the foundational leaders.
He is also the founder of Oluwafemi Marquis Foundation (OMF), a non-profit organization he launched in the year 2013, due to his passion for helping the less privileged.
His Imperial Majesty, Oba Senator (Dr) Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli-Okunmade II, on Saturday, 26th of March 2022 approved the appointment the Mogaji of Anlamole Compound, Oloye Suraj Abiola Iyiola, as the Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland.
In a letter dated 26th March, 2022, and made available to our correspondent, The Olubadan of Ibadanland said that the appointment is inline with his constitutional and traditional role as the Olubadan of Ibadan land “In exercise of my constitutional and traditional role as the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the prescribed authority over Ibadan traditional matters, after due consideration of your past service to Ibadanland, I hereby appoint you, Chief Abiola Suraj Iyiola, Mogaji Anlamole, as Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland with effect from today, 26th March, 2022.”
The implication of this appointment is that Oloye Suraj is not a potential Olubadan of Ibadan land.
Oloye Abiola Iyiola was installed as Mogaji of Anlamole Compound in 2017 and since then, he has been of tremendous service to Ibadanland in particular and Oyo State in general.
The new Jagun Olubadan had his primary school education at Saint David Primary School, Kudeti, Ibadan after which he proceeded to Eleta High School for his secondary school education. He further attended University of Ibadan and Lagos State University after which he sought further educational sojourn at University of Manchester, UK, as an awardee of Chevening Scholarship by the British Government and, also attended the Texas Southern University and University of Houston both in the United States for his postgraduate studies.
Chief Abiola Iyiola is a successful businessman, the CEO of Safeway Group of Companies. His business interests encompass many industries, including shipping and logistics, oil and gas, real estate, consumer goods and water engineering.
He is a philanthropist par excellence, whose generosity knows no bound, whose aim and wealth is for serving humanity.
The new Jagun Olubadan of Ibadanland is the President, Ibadan Descendants Union, Houston Chapter. He is also the General Secretary, Ibadan Descendants Union, United States of America. As a sports lover, Oloye Abiola Iyiola is a member of Polo Club, Ibadan.
ODUDUWA NEWS: Can we meet you Sir? My name is Professor Raphael Afonja, now known as Professor Rahmon Afonja, I was a former Commissioner for Works and Transport in Oyo State, former Dean of Faculty at City University of New York, USA and former military personnel in US Army. I am a Professor of Civil Engineering and I have several other degrees related to the field. I am also a fellow of Nigerian Society of Engineer and the CEO/Managing Director of GAMUT Security and Escort Services.
Q: Recently, media space was awash with your conversion to Islam, what was the motivation behind it? I had wanted to become a Muslim since my childhood age because I was given birth by parents with mixed religion, my father was a Christian while my mother was a practicing Muslim and it gave me a privilege to be nurtured and groomed along the doctrines of Islam and Christianity.
Q: How has it been combining politics with academics? For me, when I think about politics, I think about service to the people. I always tell people that intention matters a lot. I came to Nigeria to serve my people and I have been channeling my strength towards the service to humanity. Particularly, the people of Oyo and Ogbomoso land and that is the reason why I am here. My motivation is to serve people and I have come to serve. My intention for coming to politics has always been the interest of the people.
Q: Can you give us an insight into your experiences during your time as the Commissioner for Works and Transport? I had good and bad experiences. It’s unfortunate that sycophancy was at the forefront instead of commitment, dedication and sacrifice. I used to work from 6am to 11pm and most nights I would be out there checking one or two projects in order to ensure timely delivery. I used to engage consultants outside to help in designing structural plans of roads and bridges and I never sacrificed meritocracy for mediocrity. Most of the projects currently embarked on by the Ministry of Works and Transport were structurally planned by me before I left office. I used to dedicate myself to the duties assigned to me by my principal and my target was to see him succeed. That has always been my philosophy whenever I am carrying out my responsibilities and duties. His landmark achievements while in office would be of great benefit to the people of Oyo State and I was dedicated and committed to the course because the governor was elected to serve the people of Oyo State.
I should inform you that this is the first interview I am granting after I left office. Let me use this medium to condemn certain misinformation out there where it was alleged that some files would be on my desk for weeks and months without being attended to, that’s a blatant lie. No file would spend more than 24hrs on my desk without being attended to. My philosophy at the Ministry was that no file should spend more than two days on my desk without being attended to. It must be treated and go to the appropriate channel. At times, my directors would come to work on Saturdays and Sundays and they would have to work day and night for the purpose of making things work out properly. The story out there that Professor Afonja used to delay files is a blatant lie and it was an attempt to smear my name.
Q: Immediately after you left office, there was a rumor that it was one inflated contract awarded by your Ministry that led to your removal by the State Governor, what can you say about this? Nothing special in my removal, that was an appropriate time for me to exit as destined by God. I believe that every contractor must do his job; the issue of disagreement on the said contract was the Olodo road that goes towards Iwo and COVID-19 Centre. Then, the road was very bad and the Director of Highway at the Ministry submitted a bill to me which was very reasonable and I defended it at the State Executive meeting, because the road according to the proposal, if completed would last for a very long time. However, politics came into play as some people who had wanted to take the job felt that the best way was to come up with a lower bill and had their way. Though, I looked at the bill and concluded it was not going to work. Today, the rest has become history.
Q: From your experience while in the office having come across ‘toxic politicians’ and sycophants, are you still interested in politics or you want to take your leave? Well, I always tell people that I’m not a full time politician, I am God sent to come and ameliorate the sufferings of the people and that has been my interest. One of the major reasons I left my job as the Dean of Faculty in a University in America to come and take the position of Commissioner was the interest of my people. The interest of my people has always been the motivation behind any step I take. On that note, I still remain a politician.
I met the Governor recently and we discussed at length. When I was the Commissioner, I knew I was there for an appointed time and a time would come that I would leave. I saw my exit coming and I have never regretted ever serving as a Commissioner. I am fulfilled with what I have done in that capacity and I am glad that most of the things being carried out by the Ministry today were my handiwork before I left. Everybody should remember that when you are given a seat, it is a privilege not an entitlement because at some point you either leave the office or the office leaves you. So painful, Kehinde Ayoola of blessed memory died while in the office, I pray for him often. The point I am making is that everyone would leave one day.
Q: Which party do you belong to currently? I’m a PDP member, I never thought of decamping.
Q: There is no gainsaying in the fact that there are factions in PDP, which faction do you belong to? Smiles! Let me say this, I don’t believe in factions and I pray and do hope that the crisis within our party gets resolved very soon because I believe if we want to win from the LG to FG we have to resolve all internal crises. I want the faction to understand that the Governor is the Governor, he was put in that position by God, and no matter how young he is, he should be respected.
I also want the Governor to understand that as a leader, you also need to appreciate the people that work tirelessly to get you elected; they should be heard and listened to. There should be certain level of compromise with them. The governor must be recognized and respected and whatever he does we should have it in mind that he has been given mandate to do that. We must work together as PDP and not to sell ourselves out. We have to support the Governor and he should also avoid sycophants who might want to mislead him. He should take his time to investigate and should endeavour to go extra mile to get his information right.
Q: 2023 is approaching, what’s your political plan? For me, I’m praying for God’s directive on what I should do. My first assignment is to ensure that our party remains at the forefront, and make sure that we win across board. Secondly, like I said, the Governor is the leader of the Party in the State; we are looking forward to his leadership as to what role we should play.
Q: What can you say about Rt. Hon Mulikat Adeola’s Camp? Let me speak about her as a person, Alhaja Mulikat is a very selfless person. I love her as a mother because she always desires best for all. I can boldly say that Alhaja is the most consistent person in the PDP for a very long time. When I was in office, the misconception was that we were fighting. People insinuated that I distanced myself from her, but a lot of people don’t understand that I was in a different position which required my dedication and full commitment to the vision and aspiration of my boss. My work for the governor required my loyalty at all times no matter how the circumstances.
Hon. Mulikat is a respected leader of the party and I wasn’t disloyal to her but I was only being careful due to the crisis rocking our party. Though, I made my own mistakes and hold myself responsible to them. She’s a very good woman that wants the best for her people and the people of Oyo State. I just pray that the crisis within the party gets resolved very soon so that we can come together and work for the progress of the party.
Q: Was Rt. Hon Mulikat Adeola instrumental to your nomination as Commissioner? Let me say that I am thankful to her, she later nominated me and I thank the Governor for accepting me and I am most grateful to everyone that was instrumental to getting the position.
I also found out that Hon. Ogunwuyi also played vital role that I didn’t know, let me say thank you to him also. I was told he said he doesn’t know who I am until when he checked my CV and was greatly convinced. He said I would be the right person for the job. That word, I think goes a long way. If he had said something differently; it would have gone the other way. I wasn’t the only person nominated by Alhaja because she also nominated two other persons before me and the Governor rejected them. I am most grateful to her. Upon my announcement as Commissioner for Works, I had to resign my appointment as the Dean of a University at the United States of America after my screening.
Q: What’s your general advice to the youths, Nigerian leaders and the followers? I am disappointed in our leadership from Presidency down to the Local Government. Let’s say the LGs do not really have the autonomy they supposed to have. I would say from the Presidency to National Assembly to Governors. I would say that I am disappointed that youths are not given opportunity to succeed.
There’s no support system that would give them the opportunity to make something out of themselves. Government can’t create employment for everybody, but government needs to create policies and enabling environment that would help people to come up with ideas. The health care system is nothing to talk about; our leaders are very quick at jetting out for medical attention. The politicians, leaders and the rest of us need to put politics aside and step up and do the right thing. Otherwise, there comes a point in time there might be a revolution whereby the youths would start fighting back. Again, there has to be control on money spent on electioneering. A lot of good people would love to come out and contest elective positions but they cannot compete with moneybags who usually hold sway every electioneering time.
Also, the so called delegates who usually collect money for nomination of candidates are not helping our democracy too. The youths need to be given more opportunities to be part of governance. The Youths should also get their PVCs and be part of the process. Vote for the right people and don’t vote based on party.
Also, to you journalists, a lot of journalists have been sold out; they won’t ask the right questions from politicians. I am of the opinion that we need to start screening our candidates as individuals not as party members.
I am asking the youths to stand up, ask questions, and assess their CV. What have they done before? What about major achievements in their chosen careers or businesses and their capacities? Those should be our parameters for assessment rather than protesting every time.
On Security, there’s a lot to be done because we are lagging behind. Our security agencies need to be taken care of, including their welfare and everything that concerns them. The government needs to effectively engage everyone, including the traditional rulers and community leaders on security of lives and properties.
Lastly, I strongly believe in the strength of the youths, they should know that Yahoo Yahoo is not the way out, there are better things to do and some are striving day and night to make it. They should get a mentor, I’m also accessible and I would continue to do my best.
