Forum 68 holds get-together, media talk, drum support for Local Government autonomy, says it’s fundamental necessity to grassroots development

Former ALGON executive in Oyo State, otherwise known as Forum 68, comprising of 68 ex-LG Chairmen, 68 ex- Vice Chairmen and 610 Councillors under the late Gov. Abiola Ajimobi administration on Thursday, 17th October 2024 holds a get-together and media parley to assess their journey so far.

The program which held at ALGON secretariat, Ringroad Ibadan featured prayers from both Muslim & Christian clerics.

The gathering disclosed that it had lost about 27 former Local Government Chairmen, Vice chairmen, as well as councillors since 2019.

This was made known by the former state chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, Ayodeji Abass-Alesinloye, who’s also the Chair of Forum 68 during a get-together of Forum 68 (former Executive Chairmen of Local Government in the state).

He said, “Out of 746 past chairmen, vice chairmen and councillors during the late former Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the party has lost some of its most committed party members in the state. We have lost four former chairmen, four vice chairmen and 19 councillors”

The gathering also specially offered prayers to the soul of the former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi and to the souls of other departed party men and women in the State.

Alesinloye stated that the Forum was a child of necessity, a product of their political ingenuity to continue the struggle for grassroots development, defence of constitutional democracy, and rule of law, after the State Governor, Seyi Makinde, illegally dissolved elected chairmen in the state.

He said, “A spontaneous, unconstitutional action of the governor carried out on the first hour of his swearing-in to office.This action of Governor Makinde was eventually declared illegal, unconstitutional, null and void by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on May 7, 2021, with a cost attached and full payment of our salaries and entitlements ordered to be paid.”

He therefore dedicated the unique victory to the late Ajimobi and prayed to God to repose his soul.

On local government autonomy, the former ALGON chairman said the party was fully in support of a fundamental necessity to grassroots and national developments.

“But our people should not see the recently granted autonomy by the Supreme Court in the case of the FGN vs State Governments as a mere government-to-government affair.“

It’s a call to duty for more popular participation by the people to guarantee free and fair elections, allocations and budget monitoring, project choice, and implementation monitoring. This is to make sure that transparency, integrity and accountability are not compromised,” he added.

Responding, the state Acting APC chairman, Olayide Abas, called for unity of purpose among the party chieftains and followers so as to return the lost glory of the party in the next elections.

Among the dignitaries were Senator Ayoade Adeseun, former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Asimiyu Alarape, the Public Relations Officer of the party, Adewale Sadare, party bigwigs, past political office holders and many others.

Birthday Tribute: Oyo Market leader, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje felicitates Baba Egbe Onisowo of Oyo State, Chief Jubril Dotun

Sanusi Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, the foremost Oyo Market Leader in Oyo State, join countless others in celebrating a remarkable leader, father, and elder statesman, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, Baba Egbe Onisowo of Oyo State, as he adds another glorious year to his illustrious life.

According to a statement made available by Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje media office, it described Chief Sanusi as not just an ordinary leader but a pillar of support and hope in our community.

“On behalf of all Marker women in Oyo State, I extend our felicitation to our Baba Egbe Onisowo of Oyo State, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi on the occasion of his birthday. His tireless efforts to elevate the status of traders across Oyo State have been a testament to his vision, dedication, and love for the people. His leadership within the Egbe Onisowo is defined by integrity, transparency, and a deep commitment to the progress of all traders, both big and small. Under his stewardship, we have seen remarkable improvements in the welfare of market traders, a more organized structure in the operation of our markets, and an unprecedented level of unity among members of the trade community. He has successfully bridged gaps, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie that has helped advance the economic fortunes of Oyo State’s trading sector”

Alhaja Saratu further stated that Chief Sanusi’s contributions extend beyond the markets. “he is a man of the people. His philanthropic gestures, his open-door policy, and his commitment to mentoring the younger generation of traders have earned him the respect and admiration of many”

“He is a man who has continually prioritized the well-being of his people, demonstrating in action and deeds that leadership is about service. His life has been one of relentless service to humanity, with his heart firmly rooted in uplifting those around him” the statement add.

Alhaja Abegbo Lawal Celebrates Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi on birthday, describes him as a purposeful leader

Alhaja Abegbo Lawal on behalf of the no woman no nation renewed hope has congratulated Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi on the occasion of his birth anniversary.

Alhaja Lawal while speaking with journalists emphasized that Chief Dotun Sanusi in the last couple of years has been providing examplary for all and sundry in the State.

“As the world celebrate the birth anniversary of Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi, it’s important that we at the No Woman No Nation Renewed hope join hands to celebrate one of our pillars of support, who has contributed immensely to the advancement of humanity”

“We recognise all that he’s doing for humanity, he’s a purposeful leader who’s passionate about his people and the development of his community, we pray that God Almighty will grant him all his heart desires, aamin”

Agbele Sporting Chairman greets Oloye Kunle Soname’s CEO Value Jet mother at 95.    

Agbele Sporting Chairman Hon. Omidiji Ponmile has felicitated Deacons Rachael Abisola Soname, a woman who has made a significant impact in improving the lives of the less fortunate, on her 95th birthday. 

Hon. Omidiji Ponmile said, “It is gratifying to note that Mama Deacons Rachael Abisola Soname is not only a philanthropist but a quintessential woman of great virtues who has diligently impacted others, as exemplified in her son, Oloye Kunle Soname, the Chairman Remo Stars, and CEO ValueJet.”

Agbele Sporting Chairman congratulates the family of Soname for this rare privilege God has given them to see their mother clock the ripe age of 95. It is indeed worth celebrating.  

The Chairman prayed for Mama and her family that Almighty God, whom she has always faithfully served, will grant her many more years in good health.

Renaissance Group Lauds Hon. Mayowa Oladejo’s Appointment, Expresses Confidence in His Astuteness

The Renaissance Group, a socio-political organization domiciled in Egbeda Local Government area of Oyo state on Tuesday issued an official communiqué congratulating Hon. Mayowa Oladejo on his appointment as the Assistant Secretary of the local government.

In a remark by Akinloluwa Akinbode, one of the conveners during a gathering of advocates of rural and community development, which was made public by the group’s Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy; Olukunle Molomo Yar’Adua, the group lauded the appointment and termed it as a true reflection of Oladejo’s steadfast commitment to the ideals he has always upheld and a testament of his unwavering loyalty and eventual reward.

The Renaissance Group emphasized that it is a well-deserved reward for Hon. Oladejo’s astuteness, resilience and dedication to the People’s Democratic Party PDP under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, his leader, his immediate community and environs which by extension hosts the Ajorosun LCDA.

In the message, the Director of Media, Publicity and Strategy; Olukunle Molomo Yar’Adua also expressed his belief and confidence that Oladejo’s input will further strengthen the local government to reach new heights with this call to service.

Oyo Assembly Passes Bill To Rename Okeogun Polytechnic, Saki After Late Chief Michael Koleoso

The Oyo State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a Bill to rename Okeogun Polytechnic, Saki to Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso Polytechnic, Saki in Honor of the late Elderstateman, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso

The Bill was passed after the presentation of the report of the Oyo State House of Assembly Committee on Education (Tertiary Institutions, Science and Technology) which considered the Bill.

The report was read by the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oluwafemi Oluwafowokanmi

Tagged “Okeogun Polytechnic Saki Amendment Bill, 2024, the Bill was passed after Clause by Clause consideration of the report.

Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso died on September 2, 2024 at the age of 86. He served as the Secretary to the State Government, SSG between 1999 and 2003 during the administration of Former Governor Lamidi Adesina.

He was elected into the Oyo state house of assembly in 1979 before Bola Ige, a former governor of the state, appointed him commissioner same year.

Until his death, Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso was the Babalaje of Saki land.

The Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin said the Bill was to honor and recognise Chief Michael Koleoso’s significant contributions to Okeogun and indeed Oyo State

Oyo Market leader, Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje commiserates with Oba Ladoja over loss of wife

Alhaja Saratu Aduke Konibaje, Oyo foremost leader has described the death of one of the wives of Oba Rasheed Ladoja, the Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland as a rude shock and devastating.

According to a statement made available by her media office in the early hours of Tuesday, Alhaja Saratu prayed to God to give the family of Rasheed Ladoja and friends of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.

“I received as a rude shock the death news of Tinuade Ladoja, a respected wife of our baba up till her death. She was a woman of virtue and value, who lived an examplary life in service to God and Humanity, and I pray that may God comfort the family she left behind”

“This is a trying time for my Baba, Oba Rasheed Ladoja, the market women identify with your loss and pray to God to give you the fortitude to bear the loss”

Breaking: Abiodun Approves N77,000 As Minimum Wage In Ogun, Takes Effect Immediately

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has approved the sum of N77,000 as the minimum wage for the lowest worker in the state, and the payment takes immediate effect.

This decision was revealed after a meeting of the State Government led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, and the leadership of the Organized Labour in Ogun State, comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), to discuss the implementation of the new minimum wage.

Talabi said the meeting was at the instance of Governor Abiodun, who he stated has directed that no worker in the state should earn less than N77,000 starting from the month of October.

He stated that Prince Abiodun means well for the people of the state and has proactively taken steps to further ameliorate the suffering of the people, adding that the Governor has also advised the organized private sector to take a cue from the policy, as their workers are not exempt from the economic realities in the country, to improve the living standards of people in the state holistically.

The SSG also noted that the Governor has therefore advised that the private sector should dialogue with their relevant stakeholders to arrive at a commensurate minimum wage for the sector while he will set up a monitoring team to see how it is implemented by the private sector to ensure no one is short-changed.

On his part, the State NLC Chairman, Comrade Hameed Benco, said the organized labour in the state is very pleased with the Governor having approved the N77,000 in consultation with labour leaders, which today is the highest in the country.

Benco noted that some states that have implemented the new minimum wage are paying N70,000, while some pay N70,250 or less, adding that the other sectorial salaries will be affected accordingly.

He also mentioned that the government has graciously approved the submission of labour that the new basic salary should not be taxed.

In the same vein, Comrade Akeem Lasisi of the TUC and his counterpart, Comrade Isa Olude of the JNC, commended the government for being worker-friendly, while they noted that consequential adjustments for pensioners and other matters will be announced after due consultation with the relevant stakeholders.

In his reaction, Ogun State Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya, said the approval of the generous minimum wage for workers underscores the responsiveness and sensitivity of the Governor and the government to the plight of the workers and the general populace of the state.

Onasanya expressed optimism that the gestures by the government will further boost the morale of the workers in committing themselves to the implementation of the government’s policies.

2024 International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction: Amusat-Gbenla calls for establishment of Local Emergency Management Committees across the 774 Local governments, among others


2024 INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR DISASTER RISK REDUCTION CELEBRATION


Today, as the World celebrates this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, with the theme “Empowering the next generation for a resilient future”, it calls for a global efforts and local actions towards raising awareness to series of threats children, youth and other vulnerable faced in disaster situations.

Every 13 October has been set aside by the United Nations General Assembly to create awareness across countries to identify major challenges hindering successful resilience building to impacts of disaster risks and climate threats, and for every governments and citizens to take concerted efforts towards providing solution to such challenges to build more disaster-resilient communities and nations.
The focus for this year’s celebration is on the role of education in protecting and empowering youth for a disaster-free future which is very apt and timely. It is indeed very relevant as a resilient future requires the use of education as a tool for resilience building in schools, and capacity building that will make the youth disaster risk reduction champions are not prioritize by many countries especially in Africa, with no exception to Nigeria.


Over the years, it has been observed that educational system in Nigeria does not give adequate attention to issues of disaster risk reduction, as the curricular at all levels lack subjects and courses that can equip students to be active DRR agents. Also, activities such as capacity building on disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness and response as well as core understanding of early warning early action for common hazards as it were in other climes are conspicuously absent, making our youth not to be risk reduction inclined.
Although, the role of various stakeholders both State and Non- State Actors such as NEMA, SEMAs, GNDR, CSDevNet, WANEP, KOI Foundation, IDC to mention but a few; making efforts to ensure disaster risks and climate threats are reduced to the barest minimum in our communities are recognized and appreciated.

However, for Nigeria to be in the League of Nations, and among countries that can boast of more resilient communities and nations in the future, governments and other stakeholders should prioritize:
i. disaster risk reduction curricula that will provide basic DRR education in schools at all levels – primary to tertiary;
ii. adequate budgetary allocation for resilience activities in schools and for youth groups in communities;
iii. investment in safe and resilient schools that will ensure learning and learners are safe secure at all times;
iv. strengthening collaboration with tertiary institutions across all the geo-political zones to develop innovative programmes that will promote culture of disaster risk reduction among their students
v. establishment of Local Emergency Management Committees across the statutory 774 Local governments and empower them to be able to promote disaster risk reduction in various communities.


As we celebrate this year’s International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, we sympathize with all survivors of past disasters across the country, and call on governments and all relevant stakeholders to prioritize investment in disaster risk reduction activities that will ensure resilient communities now and in the future.
Happy Celebration!
Signed
Kolawole AMUSAT-GBENLA
Disaster Risk Reduction Lead and
Zonal Coordinator (South West Zone),
Climate and Sustainable Development Network

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