Author: Taiwo Ismael

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Governor Makinde Charges Chartered Institute of Arbitrators To Provide Home-Grown Solution To Issues Affecting ADR, Says His Administration is Ready For Further Collaboration.

Engr. Seyi Makinde while speaking at the Opening Ceremony of the Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria Branch on Tuesday says that he has always been an advocate of Alternative Dispute Resolution.


“Because of my background in business, I have always been a great fan of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR). In a country like ours, where legal battles are often long and drawn out, business people are interested in settling issues out of court”.
“The ADR is a tidier way to resolve matters. It is in the best interest of all concerned to find alternative yet legal ways of speeding up the process of dispute resolution. So, I can happily identify with the theme of this event, “Future Perfect: Securing Africa’s Ascent On The Global ADR Stage.”
The Governor further commended the Chairman of the Institute for his choice of Ibadan as the place of the Conference, and assured them that his administration will facilitate more collaboration with the Institute.
“Let me commend the organisers of this event, especially Chief J. Akingbola Akinola, C.Arb, Chairman, Chartered Institute Of Arbitrators Nigeria Branch, for bringing this event to Ibadan. We are always happy to welcome visitors here. We hope you enjoy your stay with us and take advantage of this conference to see a little more of our city”
“I read your welcome address, and I am assured that this will indeed be a rich conference. The lineup of panels, sessions and conversations show that Nigeria is indeed ready to take its rightful place in the international Alternative Dispute Resolution stage. Of course, there is a continuous need to inject new thoughts and improve the process of dispute resolution such as arbitration and mediation here”
I look forward to a time where people will think of arbitration first before heading to the courts. We already know that our judicial system is overburdened. The innovative use of the ADR process can reduce the stress on our courts. So that, it is primarily criminal cases that they will adjudicate.
“So, I am pleased to read about the collaborative efforts between the judiciary and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators. If there is anything our administration can do to make this collaboration more effective in Oyo State, we will be happy to help.”


The Governor further charges the Institute to offer local solution to issues affecting the patronage, especially as regards the cost and other matters surrounding ADR.


“So let me use this opportunity to challenge the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators to think about issues that affect us here at home. You will agree with me that there are definitely gaps in the dispute resolution process that need to be filled. These issues include the high cost of alternative dispute resolution processes as well as the fact that cases dealt with through ADR may still end up in court. It is time to develop home-grown solutions to these problems. And I am confident with the calibre of people in this room that you will be able to get this done”

  • Governor Makinde with Executives of the Institute
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Osun 2022: NURTW Endorses Oyetola For Second Term, Lauds His Performance In Office

…asks others eyeing governorship seat to wait for their turn

‘Our endorsement is a clarion call for more service to the people’ – Gov

Ahead of Osun 2022 governorship election, the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), has endorsed Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for second term in office and asked other politicians eyeing the seat to wait for their turn.

The NURTW joins other groups of workers and critical stakeholders in Osun who have thrown their weight behind Oyetola’s second term ambition and are ready to ensure the success of the Governor in the forthcoming election.

In October alone, workers under the auspices of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and their counterpart in the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), had endorsed Oyetola.

This is even as the Governor attributed his open endorsement as a challenge to do more for the people of the State.

On Wednesday, 3 November, 2021, thousands of NURTW members thronged the Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, to declare their support for the Governor whom they described as an extraordinary leader.

The Chairman of Osun NURTW, Comrade Olelakan Folorunso said the Union decided to endorse Oyetola after assessing his remarkable and unprecedented achievements in the last three years.

Folorunso who doubled as the Zone 2 Council Chairman (NURTW Southwest), described Oyetola as a man of outstanding leadership traits and professional know-how, adding that the Union in particular and the State in general have benefitted from these qualities in no small measure.

He commended the Governor for the exemplary way he has been piloting the affairs of Osun and appreciated his Administration for the recognition accorded the Union as critical stakeholders in the development of the State, stating that “it has never been this good.”

The NURTW boss who highlighted a number of commendable projects undertaken by Oyetola, said the Union was resolute in ensuring that excellence is enthroned yet again.

“The Union, at its monthly meeting, highlighted the performance of His Excellency, despite the little resources available to the State, hence our resolve to support our Governor to lead the State for another term of four years.

“This is a bold statement from the Osun State Council of NURTW to always support your programmes and ideas that would bring the State to attain its goals.

“We also express gratitude to the government of Governor Oyetola, for the necessary recognition accorded our Union as major stakeholders in the Osun project. This is another reason why we are also assuring him of our support”, Folorunso said.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the Lagos Council and Vice-Chairman of South-West Zone of the Union, Musiliu Ayinde Akinsanya, popularly known as MC Oluomo, lauded Governor Oyetola for the good works he is doing to bring real development to the State. He also applauded him for being supportive of the Union in Osun.

Akinsanya who described Oyetola’s Administration as one that cares for all, reiterated the Union’s commitment to work for his return to office com 2022.

He however called on members of the Union to prove that they are serious about their open endorsement, by doing their Voter’s registration and turning out in large numbers to vote on the election date.

In his response, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola commended the management and members of Osun Council of NURTW, for the open show of support for his Administration.

He assured that his administration would continue to invest in human and infrastructural development for the benefits of different associations in the State.

Governor Oyetola who described the endorsement as a manifestation of good governance that the Administration has provided since inception, noted that he would not take it for granted but rather see it as encouragement to do more for the generality of the people of the State.

“I am extremely happy today that a notable Union like NURTW could come out in thousands to endorse our administration. I appreciate you for your solidarity and show of love. As a government, we will never take it for granted.

“It is always a thing of joy for people to appreciate your little effort. I thank you for appreciating the modest achievements that God has done through our efforts in almost three years.

“I appeal to you all to go and register and collect your voter’s cards. There is still opportunity to do so. This is the only power to further prove your support for us particularly in the next election. As said by your Chairman, we are here as a government for all and nothing will stop us from putting the welfare and well-being of our people at the front burner.

“I am assuring you that we will do more than what we have done. We are constructing several kilometers of roads to change the face of infrastructure and ensure improved standard of living for all.

“Our Adminstration is committed to making life easier for all, and that is why we have been running all- inclusive, participatory and Goverment-for-all as reflected in the successes we have recorded so far. We have seen your commitment, support and cooperation so far, and I am assuring you that soon, we will attend to your requests.

“We will leave no stone unturned to strengthen the existing synergy to bring about more success. I believe strongly that majority of your people are for us as this informed today’s collective decision to endorse us for second term. I am assuring you once again that you will not regret taking this action”, Oyetola said.

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Lagos Deputy Governor Visits Collapsed Building In Ikoyi, Says Building Was Sealed for Four Months

His Excellency, Obafemi Hamzat, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State has said the building which collapsed in the Ikoyi area of the state on Monday had been sealed for four months.

Hamzat who paid a visit to the scene of the incident on Tuesday said it was shut down from July to November.

He also stated that two more survivors have been rescued while the remains of 10 people have recovered from the rubble of the collapsed building.

He said the two survivors who were rescued and currently being treated at a hospital gave conflicting figures concerning the people who were inside the building before the collapse.

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CCII Youths Represented at 2021 National Youth Conference, Coordinator Advises Youths on Governance and Nation Building

This afternoon, IPYF National Coordinator, Dr. Oluwatunmise Adeagbo represented Ibadan Prime Youth Forum Ibadan Prime Youth Forum at the opening ceremony of National Youth Conference organized by the Office of the Minister for Youth and Sports, under the leadership of Mr Sunday Dare.

The Vice President; Prof. Yemi Osinbajo represented the President, and declared the 3 days programme opened.

The Theme of the Conference is Youth Inclusiveness-Governance, Security, Employment, Dr. Tunmise while granting Interview, highlighted the challenges facing Nigerian Youths, he proffered solutions and commended the Federal Ministry for putting this type of programme together at this moment, to discuss the challenges and proffer practical way forward.

The National Coordinator further said, that the Youth of the Nigeria should not lose hope yet, that the future, which start from now is still bright, while he also admonished the youth to get involved, in his words “Politics precede Governance” as the only way to effect meaningful change through governance is to be part of the political process.

He advised the Federal Government to put more youth-friendly programmes together with the aim of engaging the youth, while he also calls for more job creation and youth empowerment beyond bicycle and maruwa distribution.

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IPYF Congratulates Professor Adebowale As He Resumes Office.

The Ibadan Prime Youth Forum (IPYF) on Monday congratulates the new Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan as he resumes Office, describes him as a round peg in a round hole.

In a statement by the National Coordinator, Dr Oluwatunmise Adeagbo said “On behalf of all the youths of Ibadanland under the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes with the name IPYF, we congratulate Professor Adebowale on this mile stone achievement. We knew when the agitation for having an Ibadan-born as the VC started, and we are happy that it’s happening while we are alive. It is not that the University has never produced any competent Indigene who are qualified for the position, but the problem has always been politics, we are glad that this time around, a competent son of the soil has been given the mantle of leadership, given his wealth of experience in academics and administration, we believe that he will make a difference”

Prof. Adebowale was born on 11 January, 1962 in Ibadan, Oyo state. He completed his B.Sc in Chemistry in 1984; M.Sc in Industrial Chemistry in 1986 and Ph.D in 1991.

The new Vice Chancellor began his academic career at the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA) in October, 1991, as a Lecturer Grade II. He returned to UI in 1999 as a Senior Lecturer and rose through the ranks to become a Professor in October 2006. He had post-doctoral experience in Germany and Italy. His cognate administrative experience includes: Dean, Faculty of Science, 2009-2011;
Director Special Duties Office of the Vice-Chancellor, 2015-2017 and two-term Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), 2018 till he was appointed.

He is a Fellow of the following learned societies:
Science Association of Nigeria;
Chemical Society of Nigeria;
Polymer Institute of Nigeria and the Nigerian Academy of Science.

Outside the shores of the country, Professor Adebowale is a Fellow Royal Society of Chemistry (UK); African Academy of Science (Kenya), and Alexander von Humboldt (Germany). He is happily married with three children.

The National Coordinator of the Forum Dr. Oluwatunmise Adeagbo also admonishes the the new VC to use his experiences to sustain and improve the standard of the University achievement both in academics and other areas.

“Let me also add that University of Ibadan is known for greatness, the University has won many medals in Science, Arts and other areas, we want the new VC to sustain this and improve on them, we have no doubt in his ability to succeed and we pray that the Lord be with him”

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Lekbad Column: The Intrigues, Power Play and Permutations Behind PDP’s Convention

Eventually, the much-touted PDP convention has come and gone. The convention; amidst court case instituted by the erstwhile national chairman of the party, Prince Secondus, began on October 30th and ended on 31st of same month.

The convention was at the instance of the election and ratification of National Executive Council officials. The National Executive Committee is the body saddled with the responsibility of running the affairs of the party. The body is crucial to the presidential primary of the party.

The issue of who controls the party machinery is not a child’s play. The fierceness that is associated with the exercise is understandable because the convention is a battle ground to test wits, popularity and relevance. Thus, the unending maneuvering and nocturnal meetings.

There are power blocs in every party. Meanwhile, the most vocal bloc is the governors’ forum. Senators’ forum and others are not as powerful as the committee of state governors.

Political parties get funds from elected officers in form of levies, donations from wealthy political bigwigs and gratifications from manufacturing cum construction companies. The list is endless. However, the bulk of the fund comes from the governors. Thus, their over-bearing influence. As long as the governors remain the major financiers of a political party, the control of the structure would reside in them.
He who pays the Piper, dictates the tune.

The victories of both Dr. Ayu as national chairman and Taofeek Arapaja as Deputy Chairman South are products of secret cult – like relationship amongst the governors. Dr. Iyorchia Ayu is a known figure in the party. He was once a senate president in Nigeria. Ayu was the candidate of his state governor, Ortom while Taofeek Arapaja, who himself was once a deputy governor to Alao Akala of Oyo state was the annointed candidate of governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state.

It was reported that two hours before voting, Atiku, Saraki and Lamido shrugged off their big men status as they made their way to state pavilions housing delegates to lure delegates in support for Oyinlola. The deft move was meant to neutralize the influence of the governors. However, the move turned out an exercise in futility as Arapaja polled a whooping total of 2,004 votes to beat Oyinlola’s meagre votes of 705 .

The defeat of former governor of osun state, Oyinlola by Taofeek Arapaja was as a result of his closeness to Obasanjo. The governors of the party are obviously not pleased with any retired general dictating the pace in the party again.
Whatever respect they hitherto had for them; especially OBJ, may have vanished due to the manner with which the former president disgraced the party when he tore his membership ID card in the full glare of the world. The action of Obasanjo was a misnormer. It was least expected of a personality like him. Obasanjo should not have torn the identity card in the public. One expected somebody like him to be able to control his adrenaline. Adrenal gland controls anger. Anger lacks timidity.

The action of Obasanjo was in the governors’ blast radius. It drew the ire of the governors and that was why his influence was laid to waste. Oyinlola was also a former governor but his intimacy with Obasanjo was his albatross. That he once ditched the party for APC was another stroke in the camel’s back.

One noticeable development within the party is the uncommon love now existing within the rank and file of PDP governors. For the first time in the history of the party, the governors now speak with one voice. The unanimity in the decisions taken so far; from the ouster of Uche Seconds to the convention is a testament to the mutual trust. Party positions were shared amongst the governors and were followed to the letter without much ado, legal tussle to stop the convention were unanimously confronted, the spirit of comraderie is waxing and regular communication within the party governors’ forum has improved. With this new-foumd love, it may be difficult for an “alien” to emerge as the party’s presidential election in 2023. The situation this time would be different from what transpired in the last convention where Alhaji Atiku stole the show despite the gang-up from some Rivers State governor, Wike. Governor Wike had threw his weight behind Governor Tambuwal of Sokoto with a reported caveat and a treaty that he would be picked as running mate.

Meanwhile, politics is not religion. Political trust is not wholesome. In politics, one needs to have a shock absorber. According to Asiwaju Tinubu; ” I have always prepared for disappointment”. This is wisdom. The interpretation of which is the non-existence of permanent friend or foe in politics. Former Oyo state governor, Senator Ladoja once gave an admonition that anything is possible in politics. No matter the vituperation and public criticism, politicians are always friends. Alhaji Atiku stood in as the groom’s father when Buhari’s son was wedding. The president was physically present. This is the politics of my dream. A political co-habitation where politicians could dine and wine together without suspicion. A situation where campaign would be issue-based. A situation where the atmosphere would be free from campaign of calumny and where political supporters would not fan embers of discord. Permit me to salute the courage of former governor Fayose on this aspect. It was only Fayose, outside APC, that went to visit Tinubu after his return from London medical treatment.

The administrative acumen of the convention planning committee chairman and Secretary are commendable. The duo of Governors Fintiri of Adamawa and Engineer Seyi Makinde of Oyo state did a yeoman’s job. They deserve a credit.

Now that the convention is over, two crucial issues await PDP. The threat by Secondus to approach supreme Court and the battle to pick 2023 presidential aspirants from the likes of the perennial presidential hopeful Atiku, Tambuwal and Saraki. Coincidentally, the trio were at the forefront in the last presidential primary convention.

All the same, the earlier the party mends fences, the more potent their opposition to APC come 2023.

Comrade Lekan Badmus is a columnist with Oduduwa News.

For Comments:
lekanbadmuscolumn@gmail.com

08060002439

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PDP National Convention 2021: 21 New NWC Members Emerges

PDP Elects New Members Of National Working Committee At The National Convention. See Full List.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has just elected a new set of members into its National Working Committee (NWC) to take over the leadership of the party.

Twenty-one people were elected at the party national convention which began on Saturday October 30 and lasted till Sunday October 31 at the Eagle Square in Abuja.

See the full list of the newly-elected national officials:

National Chairman – Iyorchia Ayu

Deputy National Chairman (North) – Umar Damagum (Contested)

Deputy National Chairman (South) – Taofeek Arapaja (Contested)

National Secretary – Samuel Anyanwu (Unopposed)

National Treasurer – Ahmed Mohammed (Unopposed)

National Organising Secretary – Umar Bature (Unopposed)

National Financial Secretary – Daniel Woyegikuro (Unopposed)

National Women’s Leader – Professor Stella Effah-Attoe (Unopposed)

National Youth Leader – Muhammed Suleiman (Contested)

National Legal Adviser – Kamaldeen Ajibade (Unopposed)

National Publicity Secretary – Debo Ologunagba (Unopposed)

National Auditor – Okechuckwu Daniel (Unopposed)

Deputy National Secretary – Setoji Kosheodo (Unopposed)

Deputy National Treasurer – Ndubisi David (Unopposed)

Deputy National Publicity Secretary – Ibrahim Abdullahi (Unopposed)

Deputy National Organising Secretary – Ighoyota Amori (Unopposed)

Deputy National Financial Secretary – Adamu Kamale (Unopposed)

Deputy National Women’s Leader – Hajara Wanka (Unopposed)

Deputy National Youth Leader – Timothy Osadolor (Unopposed)

Deputy National Legal Adviser – Okechukwu Osuoha (Unopposed)

Deputy National Auditor – Abdulrahman Mohammed (Unopposed)

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Arapaja’s Victory, A Testament To Governor Seyi Makinde Leadership, Congratulates Arapaja ~ Oorelope LG Chairman

Hon. Akeem Raheem on Sunday congratulate the National Deputy Chairman Elect, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja described the victory as a result of true leader of Engr. Seyi Makinde.

    Hon. Akeem Raheem who’s the Executive Chairman of Oorelope Local Government also appreciated the people of Oyo State for standing solidly behind His Excellency for this victory.

    “On behalf of the people of Oorelope Local Government, I Congratulate our leader, the National Deputy Chairman Elect, South, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja on his landmark victory, this victory is a reflect of the exemplary leadership of his Excellency, Gov. Abiodun Oluseyi Makinde, the People’s Governor”

    “I want to reiterate that the victory is a well deserved one, and His Excellency, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja will deliver beyond our expectation, considering his wealth of experience in administration and leadership”

    The chairman encourages the people not to give up yet on the National, as the Party is ready to re-build the collapsed economy on their return to power at the Federal in 2023

    “This is a charge to our people, there’s still hope, and PDP is the hope, we are coming back to power to re-build Nigeria” he added.

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      PDP National Convention: Amb. Arapaja Emerges National Deputy Chairman, South.

      The Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Taofeek Arapaja on Sunday morning was declared the the Deputy National Chairman Elect (South) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

      Mr Arapaja who was the candidate of the of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, garnered 2,004 votes to defeat his only opponent, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a Former Governor of Osun State, who polled 705 votes.

      A total of 165 votes were declared invalid.

      The result of the election was announced by the electoral officers at 3:32 am after about two hours of sorting and counting.

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      PDP National Convention; Part to True Democracy Says Hon. Akeem Raheem.

      …. Wishes Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja Success

      The Executive Chairman of Oorelope Local Government, Hon. Akeem Raheem on Saturday commended the leadership of the ongoing People’s Democratic Party National Convention holding at Abuja for holding up to the tenet of True Democracy.

      The Chairman, in a statement while reacting to the manner and conduct in which the Convention is going said that People’s Democratic Party is the only party in Nigeria who abides with the principle of democracy.

      “I must commend the leadership of PDP National Convention under the leadership of Gov. Fintiri as Chairman, and my own boss and leader, Gov. Seyi Makinde as secretary, for the good job they are doing in ensuring that they give Nigerians the best. It should be on note, that our Party is the only Party holding the principle of True Democracy and this is evident in the peaceful and we’ll coordinated manner the Convention is going, with this conduct, I’m convinced that our Party will take back the leadership of Nigeria come 2023, and rescue the Nation collapsing”

      The Chairman also wishes Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja well, and pray that he succeed as the National Deputy Chairman (South) of the party.

      “My prayers, and thought, including those of the good people of Oorelope are we with our leader, Amb. Taofeek Arapaja, and we pray that he comes out in victory, we believe in his leadership, and know that he will perform excellently well as the Deputy National Chairman of our Party”

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