Category: News

If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

This famous quote by John Quincy Adams, an American statesman, diplomat, Senator, member of the House of Representatives and the sixth president of the United States from 1825 to 1829 aptly describes Okunrin Jeje Abiodun Oni

Abiodun Oni had a humble beginning that lacked any silver spoon instrumentality. He’s brave at heart and large in vision, he braced the odds and confronted the enormous challenges of conquering his environment and making the best of his grassy backgrounds that have amazingly metamorphosed.

Okunrin Jeje is a workaholic. His days are typically packed with meetings and activities, leaving one wondering how he copes. He has the vigour to go through the tough day then awake to do it all over again. His pace and agility is often confounding. He would move from granting audience to one dignitary to another, from one meeting to another and from one brainstorming session to another, and yet another. As he meets the diplomats and prominent leaders from far and near, so too does he grant audience to the lowly-placed, solving their problems and attending to their needs, almost always skipping his meals and forgetting to attend to his own needs.

Okunrin Jeje has written his name in the guniess book of record, whenever the history of this political era in Igbeti is written, it will be said that there was one man, Okunrin Jeje Abiodun Oni, who stood firm in the commitment and courage to make his dream a reality. He stands alone when he makes the tough, necessary decisions, not minding how he will be perceived.

To cap it all, he’s one of the few leader who have met in recent time who valued loyalty and reciprocate loyalty. Abiodun Oni did everything within his reach to position and empower his boys, today his boys are doing well in government.

Today, as you celebrate your 55th birthday, I celebrate you as a great man of many colors: vibrant, excellent and steadfast. May glad tidings besot your very endeavours.

Official Statement from Fresh FM Nigeria on the recent exit of some presenters.

December 31, 2023

WE APPRECIATE OUR FORMER PRESENTERS

It is no longer news that some notable staff presenters of Fresh FM Nigeria have taken their exits from the esteemed group of radio communication outfits. Indeed, they have left for other businesses and professional endeavours.

In this regard, Babatunde Saheed (Mr. Sport), Oyetayo Oladimeji (Mc Handsome), Adesina Jagunmade (Paj 1) and Akinwale Fasasi (Wiseman), have all left our platform.

The Board and Management consider this, a natural reality any organization could go through in the usually competitive corporate journey.

It is not in the character of Fresh FM Nigeria to hold down or hold back anyone who desires to leave the company, after all, no one is expected to work with a company forever, not even the Founder.

It is, however, heartwarming to note that none of the presenters who recently left Fresh FM Nigeria did so with any form of acrimony or chaos.

The Chairman/CEO, Dr. Yinka Ayefele (MON), views such exits as a necessary phenomenon and a natural cause of action for the peace and progress of a worker/professional, especially for those who left the company and for the Fresh FM Brand itself.

Even as it could be said that noone is indispensable, we can categorically say that those who just left the company would be missed in their areas of expertise and influence, because of their positive contributions to the meteoric rise of the Fresh FM brand since inception in 2015. That is why the company is extending the best of wishes to them as they journey into new business and professional environments.

Dr. Ayefele, therefore, expresses his heartfelt appreciation to them for heartily believing and energetically keying into his vision of making Fresh FM, the King of the Southwest among the multitude of radio stations.

It is also Dr. Ayefele’s wish that those who left would find peace, progress, good fortunes and contentment. He further urges them to maintain their core values of diligence, loyalty and focus.

Moving forward, Dr. Ayefele is pleased to inform esteemed lovers of the Fresh FM brand and the general public that their darling stations; Fresh FM Ibadan, Abeokuta, Ado Ekiti, Osogbo, Lagos and Akure, as well as Blast FM and Tiwa-n-tiwa FM in Ibadan, shall continue to wax stronger with irresistible contents from professionally – endowed producers and presenters, through pleasing programming. It’s in our DNA to be the best among equals.

He adds that Fresh FM listeners should look forward to a 2024 that will usher in unequalled growth, enviable expansion and all round prosperity for Fresh FM Nigeria and Yinka Ayefele Limited.

Dr. Ayefele wishes lovers of the Fresh FM brand a happy, prosperous new year.

E-signed:

Samson Akindele
Group Head of Corporate Affairs, Fresh FM Nigeria and Yinka Ayefele Limited.

President Bola Tinubu on Monday told Nigerians that the time might be rough and tough, but assured that the tough times will not last.

The president, in his 2024 New Year broadcast said Nigerians were made for this period, never to flinch or falter.

In his words: “Dear Compatriots, take this from me: the time may be rough and tough, however, our spirit must remain unbowed because tough times never last. We are made for this period, never to flinch, never to falter.

“The socio-economic challenges of today should energize and rekindle our love and faith in the promise of Nigeria. Our current circumstances should make us resolve to work better for the good of our beloved nation. Our situation should make us resolve that this New Year 2024, each and every one of us will commit to be better citizens.”

Tinubu stated that his government, silently, had worked to free captives from abductors, saying that while “while we can’t beat our chest yet that we had solved all the security problems, we are working hard to ensure that we all have peace of mind in our homes, places of work and on the roads.”

According to the president, having laid the groundwork of economic recovery plans within the last seven months of 2023, his administration was now poised to accelerate the pace of service delivery across sectors.

Tinubu said in December during COP28 in Dubai, the German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, and him agreed and committed to a new deal to speed up the delivery of the Siemens Energy power project that would ultimately deliver a reliable supply of electricity to homes and businesses under the Presidential Power Initiative which began in 2018.

He added that other power installation projects to strengthen the reliability of the nation’s transmission lines and optimise the integrity of the National grid were ongoing across the country.

Tinubu said his administration recognised that no meaningful economic transformation could happen without a steady electricity supply, stressing that in 2024, his government is moving a step further in its quest to restart local refining of petroleum products with Port Harcourt Refinery, and the Dangote Refinery which shall fully come on stream.

The president stated that to ensure constant food supply, security and affordability, his administration would step up its plan to cultivate 500,000 hectares of farmlands across the country to grow maize, rice, wheat, millet and other staple crops.

“We launched the dry season farming with 120,000 hectares of land in Jigawa State last November under our National Wheat Development Programme,” he said.

Musiliu MC Oluomo and Mustapha Sego have reconciled. The reconciliation between these two prominent figures in the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) brings relief to members and stakeholders alike.

The announcement came during a well-attended event where Musiliu MC Oluomo, popularly known as MC Oluomo, officially endorsed Mustapha Sego as the next chairman of the Lagos State chapter of NURTW. In addition to this, MC Oluomo declared his intention to progress to the federal level and run for the position of President of the National Union of Road Transport Workers.

The reconciliation between MC Oluomo and Mustapha Sego is seen as a significant step towards unity and stability within the NURTW. It is a testament to the leadership and conflict resolution skills of both individuals, as well as their commitment to the welfare and progress of the union.

In his speech during the event, MC Oluomo expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government for their intervention and efforts in settling the long-standing dispute between him and Mustapha Sego. He acknowledged the role played by the government in fostering an environment of peace and harmony within the NURTW.

Electricity Distribution Companies (DisCos) in Nigeria will hike their tariffs with effect from January 1, 2024.

A source from one of the electricity distribution companies who confirmed the development said a virtual emergency meeting was held in that regard.

“All has been perfected for the new tariff to take effect from the first of January, 2024,” the source said on the condition of anonymity.

“It is now left for various electricity distribution companies to enlighten their customers on new developments,” he added.

The source noted that the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) had already invited distribution companies for a meeting on the development.

He expressed fear that while it is mandatory for electricity distribution companies to regularly evaluate tariffs every six months, the recent increase would meet customers’ dissatisfaction.

“In fact, we were perturbed by the short notice and how we would reach out to our customers about the increase,” he said.

Asked how much the increase would be, he said, “No idea so far, but the uncertainty has put us in a difficult situation.”

The Southwest Governors’ Forum has promised to set up a committee for the burial of the late governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu in order to give him a befitting burial.

This was stated by Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun who spoke on behalf of the South-West Governors when he led his colleagues to the residence of the former Ondo State Governor in Ibadan, to commiserate with the Akeredolu Family.

Governor Dapo Abiodun who said that the sudden death of the late governor came to him as a shock and disbelief, described the late governor as a courageous, fearless and successful second-term governor who served his people passionately.

Oduduwa News reports that the Southwest Governors present at the late governor’s residence are; Oyo state governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde represented by the deputy governor, Barrister, Adebayo Lawal, Osun state governor, Ademola Adeleke and Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has said that the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N703.028bn signed into law will further enhance the development of the state and make it Nigeria’s infrastructure capital.

The governor stated this while signing the Bill into law after it was presented to him by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, supported by principal officers of the House at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan Abeokuta.

It will be recalled that the Budget tagged “Budget of Sustain Growth and Development,” was submitted to the House on November 30th, 2024, by Governor Abiodun.

Speaking after signing the Budget, the governor said that the state has continued to grow in leap and bounds in the last five years, noting that the budget is a testament of his administration’s commitment to irrevocable implementation its vision.

He said: “When we assumed office on the 29 of May, 2019, we were committed to a vision to ensure that we create an enabling environment for investments and investors to strive in Ogun State, believing that that is very fundamental to the economic development of our state and the individual prosperity of our people.

“Today, we have a budget that has become law, that is more than twice our budget when we assumed office. Year after year, we have successfully implemented our budget to the tune of a minimum of 70 per cent.

“The economy of our state had continue to grow; we have been accorded the rightful place as the state with the most improved economy in Nigeria, fastest growing economy in the country, one of the two most viable states in Nigeria, one of the two states whose Internally Generated Revenue exceed Federal Allocation. These have been made possible by the collective hard work and commitment of all of you. This hard work, I, as the captain of the ship, remain very grateful.”

He said his government would continue to build on the solid foundation which had been laid, just as he promised to be fair and equitable to all sections of the state in project implementation and execution.

“My promise to the people of the state is that we will continue to build on the solid foundation that we have established. We will remain just, fair and equitable. We will continue to ensure that we do not develop any part of this state at the expense of another.

“We will ensure that we are inclusive and participatory, we are accountable and obey the rule of law and ensure that everybody continue to have a say on how we govern them,” the governor assured.

Governor Abiodun thanked members of the Assembly for working very hard and ensuring that the budget passed through thorough scrutiny before passage, commending their sense of patriotism to the state.

“Today is a day short of 30 days after we submitted this proposal and in between then, there had been public holidays and weekends. The House has denied itself any of these breaks. They worked very hard and tirelessly. They irrevocably and resolutely committed to ensuring that this budget was indeed subjected to thorough examination. They went on budget retreat immediately.

“This gesture and commitment to the oath that you swore to, the commitment to continue the representation of your different constituencies, could not be forgotten in a hurry,” Abiodun promised.

Speaking earlier, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Oluomo, who led other principal officers of the assembly to the Governor’s Office, said the lawmakers passed the budget after almost a month of rigorous exercise.

“Recall that the budget was presented to the house on November 30 this year after almost one month of rigorous exercise in the house which includes budget retreat, budget defense and committee work that we did in the last 30 days including working on a public holiday,” he said.

He explained that the quick passage of the budget was to meet up with the January 1 date in line with international best practice.

President Bola Tinubu says his administration will not stop working tirelessly to revamp the nation’s economy and create viable opportunities for young people to meaningfully participate in an inclusive, labour-intensive economy where businesses can thrive.

President Tinubu made the declaration at the State House in Marina, Lagos State, on Wednesday, during a town-hall meeting with traditional rulers, chairpersons of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) and other political-office holders in the state.

The President said Nigeria, under his Renewed Hope Administration, is undergoing a process of financial re-engineering and appealed to citizens to be patient and supportive of the ongoing reforms which are bound to transform the economy for the better.

”The financial re-engineering of our country is ongoing. We are determined to deliver Nigeria safely through the tunnel of hope, stability, and economic prosperity.

”Nigeria is in good hands. The team is working, and we will work hard to give you the best economy and the best opportunities that you can imagine,” the President stated.

Acknowledging the concerns raised at the meeting, the President explained that the complexities of state matters have limited his opportunities to frequently interact with some of his long-time friends and constituents in Lagos.

”For those having difficulty seeing me, kindly note that this job is monumental. It is not a one-man job. It is a collective task, and you have to be able to listen, decipher, tolerate, and sometimes what you do not expect will happen.

”As I was getting ready this morning to come here, news of the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredeolu of Ondo came in, as well as the passing of former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’Abba.

”Power is transient. Only Almighty Allah gives power, and only him will take it. There is the value of life and the goodness in what we do. The salt of goodness is a multiplier of other good things that we must cherish. Not necessarily for us, but for our children and grandchildren,” the President affirmed.

Reflecting on his tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State, President Tinubu recounted the challenges faced and the successes achieved at the time.

‘‘To turn the ship around from cascading into turbulence and making it work was not easy. But we went through it, and today, Lagos still remains the most viable state in the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and it will continue on the path of glory. I thank you all,’’ he concluded.

The Executive Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, thanked President Tinubu for his leadership and for being the pathfinder of “the modern Lagos State”.

”The legacy and blueprint that you created more than 20 years ago and bequeathed to us is still a working and living document that will continue to guide us in delivering quality service to the people,” the Governor said.

In his remarks, Oba Kabiru Adewale Shotobi, the Ayangburen of Ikorodu Kingdom, called for a constitutional amendment that recognizes the role of traditional rulers.

”We have come to reiterate our loyalty to the President. We have absolute confidence in your capacity. Under your leadership, we expect Nigeria to attain the most enviable economic status in the comity of nations,” he said.

The Governor of Ondo State, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Thursday said the name of the late Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu will never be forgotten because his legacies and impacts can be seen and felt across the State and the country.

Governor Aiyedatiwa stated this when he led members of the State Executive Council on a condolence visit to the residence of the former Ondo State Governor in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, to commiserate with the Akeredolu Family.

Ogun State Government through the state’s internal revenue services, has warned employers and employees in the state to file their Pay As You Earn tax returns for the year 2023 on or before January 31, 2024.

In a statement in Abeokuta on Wednesday, the Executive Chairman of the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Olugbenga Olaleye, said that failure to comply with the directive would attract payment of penalty.

He said that employers of labour and employees residing in the state were obliged to file their 2023 PAYE tax returns on or before the 31st day of January, adding that failure to do so would attract a penalty of N5,000.

“In line with the provision of section 81(1-3) of Personal Income Tax Act, 2011 as amended and paragraph 10 of 2002 PAYE Regulations, all employers of labour with employees resident in Ogun State both corporate and private organisations are statutorily obliged to file their PAYE Tax Returns for 2023 on or before 31st January 2024. Failure to do so would attract a penalty upon conviction,” he said.

Olaleye urged them to do the needful by logging in with their login credentials as existing tax agents on the agency’s website, “While tax agents who are yet to register are expected to register on the website by supplying required information to obtain login details in their registered email.”