Tribute to a man of faith, courage and wisdom: Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello ~ Tunji Oladejo

TRIBUTE TO A MAN OF FAITH, COURAGE AND WISDOM : SHEIKH MUHYIDEEN AJANI BELLO (1940-2024)

The death of Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello on Friday, December 6, 2024, has caused shockwaves throughout Nigeria and beyond. Sheikh Bello, a renowned Islamic scholar, educator, and community leader, made an indelible impact on the lives of innumerable people and communities. Sheikh Bello’s life exemplified his unshakeable faith, courage, and wisdom. His lectures, dedication to education and community development motivated a new generation of Nigerians to strive for success and make a good difference in their communities.

My last contact with him was in April, this year, at the Ramadan Lecture of the Alasatu Irorun Oluwa Loni, Akobo, Ibadan, at the invitation of the wife of the former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Her Excellency, Prof. Amdalat Bolanle Olaniyan, where Sheikh Bello eulogised her wonderful virtues as well as those of a brother and friend, Senator Sarafadeen Abiodun Alli, who represents Oyo South Senatorial District in the National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.One of the most remarkable aspects of Sheikh Bello’s life was his acceptance of the divine will.

A day to his passing, which was Thursday, 5 December, 2024, Sheikh Bello delivered a lecture, where he spoke about the inevitability of death. Later that day, he fell ill and was hospitalised.

Despite his condition, he was lucid and conscious, engaging friends and relatives until 10:00 pm.According to the account, the following morning, Sheikh Bello requested assistance from his daughter in changing his attire. He proclaimed the Kalimah, a profession of faith that had served as the foundation of his life, just before taking his last breath, This moving moment serves as a striking reminder of Sheikh Bello’s unshakable devotion to his faith and acceptance of divine will.He was a true giant whose wisdom, compassion, and leadership inspired countless individuals and communities.As we mourn the loss of this extraordinary Ibadan indigene and Nigerian, we also celebrate his life, legacy, and impact.

I pray that Allah (SWT) expands the grave of this remarkable Muslim and reserves a place for him in Jannat Firdaus. May his legacy continue to inspire us to live a life of purpose, faith, and wisdom. May Allah grant Sheikh Muhyideen Ajani Bello eternal peace and blessings. Aamin.

Tunji Oladejo Director, Ibadan University Press (Publishing House)University of Ibadan.Sunday, 8 December, 2024.

The Ojetolas felicitates new Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland

Balogun Gaphar Ojetola, Chairman of the 2022 and 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee, and his dear wife, have extended their heartfelt congratulations to Barrister Sulaimon Ajeniyi Ajewole and his wife on this monumental recognition as the Aare Atunluse and Yeye Aare Atunluse of Ibadanland.

“Your remarkable leadership as the President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) has been a beacon of inspiration for us all. The honor bestowed upon you by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Owolabi Akinloye Olakulehin, is an acknowledgement of your unparalleled dedication, values, and commitment to the progress and preservation of Ibadanland”

“Your tenure has been a season of transformation and achievement. From the completion and commissioning of the Ibadan Modern Palace to your consistent efforts in uniting and uplifting the community, your impact will forever be etched in the annals of Ibadan’s history”

“As you and your beautiful wife receive this prestigious chieftaincy title, may Allah’s mercy and divine blessings continue to shine upon you both. May you enjoy this honor in good health, happiness, and prosperity as you continue to serve Ibadanland with grace and distinction”Balogun Gaphar Ojetola Chairman, Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee (2022 & 2024) & Asaaju Iyalode, Alhaja Ramat Kikelomo Ojetola.

You Brought Makinde To Commission Uncompleted Road Project In Osun, APC Slams Adeleke

The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has accused the state Governor Ademola Adeleke of fraudulently taking undeserved credit for the road projects done by the combined administrations of Mr Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola in order to deceive the people of the state and beyond.

It would be recalled that Governor Adeleke rolled out the drum yesterday by bringing in the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde to commission the Stadium-Testing Ground-Oke-Baale-Ilesa-Garage Road along the Osogbo Ring Road without alluding to the fact that his administration had only 20 per cent intervention on the said road project while his predecessors had effected the 80 per cent of the commissioned phase of the road contract.

Based on his unenviable antecedents, we are not surprised that Governor Adeleke could go to the despicable length of fraudulently claiming the executor of the projects of his predecessors which could be likened to a brazen ignominious act of stealing dirty during the daylight.

Our surprise as a party at the untoward development on the dubious road commissioning saga, was the complicity of Governor Makinde who is a qualified Electrical Engineer, blessed with the administration of a populous state like Oyo for six years running not to have discovered that his Osun State counterpart invited him to commission an uncompleted project.

The original design of the road was to be in two layers but surprisingly, only binder course was done on the commissioned road while there is nothing to show that the wearing course of it has been done as contained in the road design which automatically qualified it for an uncompleted project .

It is important for Governor Makinde to investigate the nature and history of any project he is invited to commission especially by Governor Adeleke in future so that his plight would not be like that of former President Olusegun Obasanjo who was brought to Osun State last week for the commissioning of about two kilometres of Lameco-Old Garage Road which several portions of it are already in the state of disrepair.

We challenge the Osun State Governor Adeleke to prove to the whole world that his administration did 250 kilometres of light-up within the two years of his government contrary to what he told Makinde as the information available to us showed that what the government under Adeleke had done is within the range of only 20 kilometres of light-up.

We sympathize with Governor Makinde over his pledge to assist his counterpart return to the Bola Ige House in 2026 as Governor Adeleke knows where the shoe pinches and he is supposedly endowed to differentiate from an impossible Utopia and reality of the mere political statement credited to the Oyo State governor which is as good as Dead On Delivery.

We may excuse Governor Adeleke on his allegation that his immediate-past predecessor abandoned the said project in the sense that it might not be possible for him to know that the former Governor Oyetola did 5.3km single carriageway with median, two numbers of roundabout and slips road of the said road from Stadium Roundabout to Ilesa-Garage Roundabout as the period coincided with the time that it was expedient for Senator Adeleke to run away to America.

Inspite of paucity of funds during his administration, will it be proper and correct to believe by the discerning members of the society that the Oyetola administration that fully funded the single carriageway with median, two numbers of roundabout and slips road from Ilesa-Garage to Stadium Roundabout to complete the loop of the entire Osogbo East Bypass project to binder level as having abandoned the project?

Governor Adeleke undoubtedly needs tutorial to be in the know of the fact that a cumulative amount of over N15 billion was paid by both the Aregbesola and Oyetola administrations for the project, leaving a balance of about N3billion for total completion of the road which included complete overlaying to wearing course

It is so sad that the road that was stopped at a binder level without overlaying was lane marked by the laid-back and inept administration of Governor Adeleke.

The attempt of Governor Adeleke to obliterate the eventful four-year administration of former Governor Oyetola now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, will be an effort in futility as the history of the state cannot be whole without giving the workaholic and financial engineer his proper place. Recall that Oyetola administration paid N97billion of Osun debt without borrowing.

The earlier Governor Adeleke desists from incubating another fellow’s egg, the better it would be for his wobbled and rudderless administration which is largely being run by impulse rather than diligent planning.

OYOSUBEB: Job Seeker Arrested Over Alleged Result Falsification  

The Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, OYOSUBEB, on Thursday evening nabbed one Abosede Ojo, a middle aged job seeker who allegedly falsified her job portal result.

Dr. Nureni Adeniran, OYOSUBEB’s Chairman, said the suspect has been handed over to the police for further investigation.

Adeniran said that the suspect, who sat for the recruitment cbt examination scored 36, but decided to connive with an examination syndicate who allegedly produced a fake congratulatory message for her.

He explained that the suspect was apprehended during a verification exercise put in place by the Board, for qualified candidates.

Adeniran further explained that the suspect confessed that she did not come for the interview, but liaised with her husband to get herself a congratulatory message.

According to him, the police is on a trail of transactions between the suspect and the cyber-cafe where she got the printout.

He said “the suspect has be handed over to the police, and the board, would track and also apprehend others involved in the illicit act.”

”My advice to others is that they should stop such illicit acts”, Adeniran advised.

One Dead, Two Others Injured As Truck Collides With Micra Car In Ibadan

An head on collision between a heavy laden truck and a commercial Micra taxi has claimed four lives while two persons were seriously injured in Ibadan, Oyo state capital.

According to report by the Deputy state commander, rescue and recovery, OYRTMA, Mr. Adisa Oluwakayode the accident happened around General Gas Express way, along Iwo Road to Ojoo axis of Ibadan on Thursday 5th December, 2024 at about 11:45 pm.

It was gathered that the trailer drove against traffic through one way, colliding with a commercial Micra Taxi with registration number BDG680HL

Newsarena.ng also learnt that the dead bodies have been deposited in a mortuary while the injured victims were rushed to an undisclosed hospital by the Oyo state Road Transport Management Agency, OYRTMA’s rescue and recovery team in collaboration with Amotekun and Nigeria police personnel who were at the scene for quick intervention.

Oyo State Library Board Undertakes Construction of E-Learning Centre

In a bid to strengthen education and digitalize educational learning in Oyo State, The State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde will be commissioning 200-capacity Computer Based Centre at the State Library located at Dugbe on January 15th, 2024.

The 200-capacity computer centre is a public private partnership between Oyo State Government and BINATECH Engineering Services Limited.

The computer centre when inaugurated will be equipped with modern facilities and will address the desires of Oyo State Students to access modern learning materials as well as a hub for JAMB CBT and other computer based exams.

While speaking, the Director of the engineering firm handling the construction of the Computer Centre, BINATECH, Engr O. A. Abiodun said the construction of the Computer Centre was borne out of the desire and vision of the State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde towards the development of educational sector having invested heavily in human capacity development as a result of massive recruitment of qualified personnels in our public schools in recent time.

The Library which has not been given desired attention in the past has been brought back to life by the present administration with the ongoing construction of Computer Centre.

CILGPAN REITERATES COMMITMENTS TO PROFESSIONALISM, INDUCTS AMUSAT-GBENLA AND OTHERS AS FELLOWS OF THE INSTITUTE


The December 2024 induction ceremony of the Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (CILGPAN) held at the ICAN Building, The Polytechnic, Ibadan was colourful and enriching with the conferment of Fellows, Members and Associates of the Institutes on seasoned administrators, academics and graduate students who passed the Institute’s qualifying examinations.


In his address, the Registrar\CEO of the Institute Dr. Uche Okereke (FCPA) congratulated all the candidates noting that the institute found them worthy and encouraged them to do more as professionals using their expertise to promote local government administration and sustainable national development. According to the Registrar, the Institute since inception in 1996 has been committed to ensuring members discharged their administrative duties professionally, and promotes the ideals of the Institute.

Dr. Okereke added that the Institute which finally got legislated officially by an Act of Parliament through The Chartered Institute of Local Government and Public Administration of Nigeria (CILGPAN) Act No 1. of 2017 and gazette via Government Notice No 7, No 19, Vol. 105 of the Official Gazette of the Federal Republic of Nigeria issued on the 29 January, 2018 will continue to play vital roles in the development and training of highly qualified manpower for Local Government and Public Sector.


Also at the event, the heads, Department of Local Government and Development Studies; and Department of Public Administration both of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Barrister Kazeem Oladepo (FCPA) and Dr. Oyekunle Oyewo (FCPA) respectively joined the Registrar Dr. Okereke to congratulate the newly conferred Fellows, Members and Associates of the Institute. They advocated professionalism, discipline and urged them to be good ambassadors of the Institute.


Some of the personalities who benefitted from the Institute’s fellowships are Mr. Kolawole Amusat-Gbenla, Mr. Caleb Arulogun, Mr. Kayode Sanni and Mrs Bushro Adeleke. In his response to this new feat, Mr. Amusat-Gbenla, a disaster risk management expert, extend his profound appreciation to the Institute for founding him and others worthy of the highest certification of the institute, he noted that for him, it is a call to do more by promoting localization of disaster risk management in all vulnerable communities in Nigeria. He added that ‘as a Fellow of CILGPAN, I will liaise with the council to localize disaster risk reduction trainings across all Local Governments in Nigeria, and also agitate for the establishment of Local Emergency Management Committees in all our Local Governments.
Other dignitaries at the event includes Dr. Bukola Akinola (FCPA) who is the Director of the Continue Education Centre, Poly Ibadan, Mr. Akeem Ganiyu(FCPA), Mr. Serif Ajao(FCPA), Alhaji Moruf Oyetunji and host of others.

Oba of Lagos Urges Tinubu to Reconcile with Aregbesola as Former Minister Rallies for Unity

The Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu, has called on President Bola Tinubu to reconcile with former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, fostering unity within the political fold. The monarch made the appeal during a visit by the Minister of State for Works, Bello Goronyo, and the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of FERMA, Chukwuemeka Agbasi, to his palace in Lagos.

Goronyo and Agbasi were in Lagos for a two-day working tour, inspecting facilities and commissioning key infrastructure projects in the state. Speaking during their visit, Oba Akiolu highlighted the need for unity among political leaders, stressing that forgiveness and collaboration are essential for national progress.

Meanwhile, Rauf Aregbesola, who served as Minister of Interior and a former Governor of Osun State, continues to mobilize support for the Omoluabi Progressives Caucus, a splinter group within the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

During a stakeholders’ meeting in Ilesa, Aregbesola reaffirmed the group’s commitment to reclaiming both the state and national leadership for unity and development. Addressing members, he emphasized the need for resilience, dedication, and adherence to the caucus’ core values of discipline, courage, and competence.

In a post on his verified X handle, Aregbesola expressed satisfaction with the growing membership of the Omoluabi Progressives Caucus. “The ongoing membership registration exercise has recorded remarkable growth. I encourage everyone to continue inviting more people to join our ranks and strengthen our collective resolve,” he said.

As the APC navigates internal divisions in Osun and other states, the Oba of Lagos’ call for reconciliation between Tinubu and Aregbesola is seen as a significant step towards fostering unity within the party. Both leaders, with a shared political history, are influential figures whose alignment could have far-reaching implications for the APC’s cohesion and success at both state and national levels.

Observers are keenly watching how these developments wil

Celebrating a Visionary Leader: Professor Soji Adejumo at 68

I join other Nigerians to celebrate a remarkable individual, Professor David Olusoji Adejumo, as he marks his 68th birthday. A distinguished academic, seasoned administrator, and dedicated public servant, Professor Adejumo has left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Nigeria.Born on December 3, 1956, in Ibadan, Professor Adejumo’s academic journey began at the Ibadan Grammar School, where he laid the foundation for his future success. He proceeded to the University of Ibadan, earning his BSc, MSc, and PhD in Animal Science, all within a span of eight years.

Professor Adejumo’s contributions to education and public service are numerous. As the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) from 2007 to 2011, he implemented innovative programmes, such as the “Adopt a School” initiative, which promoted private sector involvement in public education. His tenure also saw the mass recruitment of teachers and the establishment of school marshals to maintain discipline.

Throughout his career, Professor Adejumo has held various positions, including Chairman of the Governing Council of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Special Adviser to the Oyo State Government on Agriculture and Food Production, and Member of the Federal Government panel on the review of the Joint Admissions Matriculation Board (JAMB).In his native Ìbàdàn, Prof. Adejumo is the first Ajírọ́ba of Ìbàdànland and Ẹ̀kẹrin of Omí-Àdìó, positioning him as 4th in line to the throne of the Ọlọ́mí of Ọ̀mi-Adio.As we celebrate Professor Adejumo’s 68th birthday, I honour his dedication to education, his commitment to public service, and his tireless efforts to improve the lives of Nigerians. I wish him many more years of good health, happiness, and continued service to humanity.

Happy birthday, Sir!!!Cheers!!!

Tunji Oladejo, JP, MNIPR, MANUPADirector Ibadan University Press (Publishing House)University of Ibadan.

You cannot copy content of this page