Category: Politics

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, has expressed confidence in polytechnic education, describing it as a major contributor to the economic and technological development of the country.

Oba Adeyeye stated this on Friday while receiving the authorities of The Polytechnic, Ibadan (TPI) who paid him a courtesy call in his palace.

Oonirisa noted that the tutoring he received at The Polytechnic, Ibadan in his days as a student adequately prepared him for his future challenges in life.

The royal father who accepted the Home Coming programme being designed by the authorities of the institution to celebrate him on a date to be agreed upon expressed happiness and willingness to return to the institution that taught him that hard work is the panacea to poverty (Ise ni Oogun Ise).

Earlier, the Rector of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, Professor Kazeem Adekunle Adebiyi had observed that the story of the institution will not be complete without a portion for Oba Enitan Ogunwusi.

Oba Adeyeye said The Polytechnic Ibadan that produced the royal father and other distinguished Nigerians including governors, senators, business icons, industrialists among others also produced him as he cut his teeth at the mechanical engineering department of the institution where he bagged a National Diploma before proceeding to the university for further academic laurels.

Adebiyi said the homecoming programme planned to celebrate the monarch will also ginger the current students of the institution to work hard and excel as the world is at their feet.

The chairman of the governing council of TPI, Professor Kunle Akinyemi who was unavoidably absent was represented by Ayaba (Barrister) Moji Adeyemi (the wife of His Imperial Majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi) who is also a member.

Also present were Mrs Module Theresa Fawale (Registrar), Mr Olawole Adebayo Ojetola (Bursar), Dr Ismaeel Oyefemi Oyetunji (Dean, Faculty of Financial Management Studies and Chairman Committee of Deans).

The Governor of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, has on Sunday, said that we have come too far as a nation and people for Nigeria to break up, or for anyone or group to agitate for the breakup of the country, Page 36 learnt.

Governor Oyetola said this while featuring on the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, Forum, stressing that, it is our togetherness that would lead us to become a great country.

His exact words: “What I believe in is that for us to live together as a people, every unit of the enclave should have rights and responsibilities clearly defined.

“To me, restructuring does not mean that people should separate. Whoever is thinking along that line is not serious.

“We have come a long way, and it is togetherness that can make us get to where we are supposed to be within the space in the world.

“I believe in devolution of power to the States, let the States have more power to do most of the things they have been doing.

“Give the States more support, and I believe we should look at the issue of revenue allocation. We should allow the States to have more funds to develop some of the things they have.”

Following the judgment of Federal High Court in Port Harcourt empowering states to collect Value Added Tax (VAT) and not the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the governments of Lagos and Rivers states have expressed their readiness to begin #VAT collection.

However, the Federal Government and some states in the Northern part of the country are already mounting a stiff opposition to the plan by Lagos and Rivers states to collect VAT on the ground that it would greatly shrink their revenue and adversely affect their economy.

Details later.

Supporters of Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State affirmed a 27-man executive committee to run the affairs of the party in each of the local government areas of the state with the governor commending leaders and members of the party for a job well done.

Addressing party faithful at the St. Saviour Anglican Primary, Ikenne, venue of the congress in Ikenne Local Government Area, Abiodun said the peaceful manner in which the party conducted the exercise was a strong indication that APC remains the party to beat, not only in Ogun but in Nigeria.

He said the consensus approach in electing the executive committee in each of the local government areas in the state would further entrench internal democracy in the party.

He thanked the Wale Ohu-led Local Government Congress Committee for ensuring a rancour free exercise in the state, saying the party would continue to welcome members from other parties.

The seven-man committee last night declared that any congress conducted in the state outside the one it conducted was dead on arrival, null, void and of no effect.

The chairman of the committee, Wale Ohu, spoke at the APC state Secretariat Abeokuta while fielding questions from newsmen following reports that loyalists of former governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, conducted parallel congresses in parts of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the Amosun’s faction, Tajudeen Lamboye, the SouthWest Legal Adviser of APC, insisted that the Amosun faction remained the authentic executive body of the party in Abeokuta South LG.

Lemboye said: “We have successfully elected our officers for Abeokuta South Local Government Area of the party. I’m a supporter of Senator Ibikunle Amosun and I’m one of his loyalists, and we all here are his loyalists and we believe in his leadership. That is why we are here.”

The local government congress of the All Progressives Congress in Ondo State was relatively peaceful across the 18 local government areas.

Leaders of the Ondo APC had earlier agreed to use the consensus method to select local government leaders of the party.

In Akure South, Akure North, Ifedore and Idanre monitored by our reporter, the Ondo APC affirmed the consensus list after the names were read out.

Acting State Chairman of the party, Engr. Ade Adetimehin, applauded party members for improving on the ward congresses.

Engr. Adetimehin said the LG congress was peaceful because party members were well organised.

He said: “The local government congress is going on peacefully in Ondo State and we are doing it as required by the law.

“Ondo State is a state to be proud of under APC. Ondo APC members are well organised. They comport themselves to the rules and regulations.

“We held a stakeholders meeting and it was unanimously agreed that we were going to select our executive through consensus.

“Our Ward congress was the best across the country and we are going to build on it. All the leaders agreed on consensus.

The Ondo State Local Government Congress Committee Chairman, Gbenga Isiaka, who spoke after monitoring the exercise, described the process as wonderful.

He said issues arising from the Ward Congresses had been resolved, adding that all necessary materials had been distributed.

The governor stated this at the inauguration ceremony of 2021/2023 Executive Council of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), led by its President General, (Prince) Oluyemisi Adeaga, at an event held at Ibadan House, Oke-Aremo, Ibadan.

The governor explained that the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes is an influential association in the whole of Oyo state, saying that he believes in the ideals of the association.

A statement by the Chief Press Secratary to the governor, Mr.Taiwo Adisa, qouted the governor as saying that most of the projects embarked upon by his administration in Ibadan will transform the city to a 21st Century city.

He said: “We all know where CCII started and know where it is today. We all know the influence CCII exerts not only on Ibadan issues. If one can solve the issues in Ibadan, that means one can solve issues in the whole of Oyo State. And for me, I personally believe 101 per cent in the ideals of CCII.

“The position of CCII on most germane issues concerning our state has always turned out to be the right one because our best, be it intellectual, be it spiritual, or social, are in CCII. So, I want to beg you, if you have any idea and you want us to provide access on it, come and tell us. We will do it.

“We have roughly two years to re-image Ibadan and we are already on that path. Few of the projects we are doing in Ibadan are projects that can lead Ibadan to a city of 21th century. We have commissioned the remodeled Lekan Salami Stadium when majority of states in Nigeria are talking about insecurity, kidnapping, banditry and insurgency; we were still at Adamasingba at 10 p.m. A foreign club was with us and we were not afraid.

“In terms of infrastructure, the Circular Road is one project that would change the landmark in Ibadan. It is 110kms but before our tenure ends in 2023, 75kms of it will be delivered.

“If we can vividly reflect, there used to be bus terminal in Ogunpa in those days. So, we also want to recreate the same with the bus terminals we are putting up at Challenge, Iwo Road and Ojoo. Many people have said they like the light up project we have done already. The ones we have done in Ibadanland alone is not up to 30 per cent of what we planned to do. We are actually supposed to light up 156kms of road in Ibadan. And all they have done is less than 50kms.

“Finally, before I became the governor, I have been contributing my own quota to the growth of CCII. I want to assure you that we will fix the road that leads to this place. Another thing that would be done is, I will donate a bus for CCII.”
The governor also told the gathering that the government and CCII members needed to be involved in the concerns of Olubadan of Ibadanland, adding that he would dust up the files and do something about the issues before the end of the tenure of the current government.
He said: “I do give Ibadan Indigenes scholarship and I want to contribute 10million Naira for that again.”

Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of the State of Osun has felicitated the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Boss Mustapha, on the occasion of his 65th birthday, describing him as a patriotic Nigerian and a dedicated public servant.

Oyetola in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Ismail Omipidan, said he was delighted to join family members, associates, the All Progressives Congress, APC and rest of the nation to celebrate the SGF.

The Governor, who applauded Mustapha’s long years of sacrifice and selfess service to the nation, described him as “a patriotic Nigerian, dedicated public servant and an exceptional leader whose commitment to nation-building is phenomenal.”

He added that the SGF has been a loyal and dependable ally of President Muhammadu Buhari, noting that his contributions to the successes recorded by the APC-led administration are remarkable.

Oyetola also lauded Boss Mustapha for his contributions to the management of the Coronavirus pandemic in the country as Chairman of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19.

The Governor prayed God Almighty to grant the SGF longer life and to continue to strengthen him for greater service to the nation and humanity.

The Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, HIM Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi, has disclosed his plan to dedicate a day in celebrating the greatness of God tagged “Odun Olorun” meaning God Festival.

Oluwo expressed his readiness for the festival in a press statement through his press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, saying the festive session will be dedicated mainly to praising God.

It should be reiterated that Oluwo has severally distinguished himself to be liberal monarch without affiliation to any secret society or confraternity.

He said the festival is a neutral gathering of people irrespective of religious and ethnic attachments purposely to acknowledge God for His guidance, protection, mercy, provisions, safety, stability, preservation and strengthen individual despite all challenges confronting the world.

“The Christians celebrate Christmas,.Muslims are known for Eid El Kabir and Eid El Fitri. As a mark of honour to God, and as a father to all cutting across ethnic and religious affiliations, and a monarch belonging to no secret society, I’ve dedicated a day to be tagged “Olodumare Festival, designed primarily to praise God for His protection, mercy, provisions, safety, stability, preservation and guidance over us. He alone has the exclusive power that spare our lives till now. He does the impossible. He created us from sand and gave us the power to rule over other creatures”

“I will continously promote God and never associate partner with HIM. I promote Him above everything. Idols and deities are making o men. I’m a commandant over deities”

“We have scheduled November 9th, 2021 for the pioneer edition of the annual event. Christians, Muslims and people of other attachment believing in only one God are invited to participate in the praise session”

“I want to praise the God I serve, the God you serve. HE is marvelous, awesome, amazing and a perfect master. As a monarch, I’m nothing. Only God is king. I’m just a physical representation of his name. I bow only to HIM and forbid his rival, deities. Only God deserves to be praised most especially by monarchs. Associating partner with the God we represent is a monumental insult to the Creator. I must acknowledge HIM. And it will be an annual event henceforth”

“The day is for praises alone. No asking for nothing and it’s also good to praise and acknowledge the maker and Creator of my exalted position. The one who counts me worthy and chooses me over others”

The signing of the Anti-open grazing law by Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo State has been rejected by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria (MACBAN).

Recall that the governor had on Tuesday signed the anti-open grazing bill into law to prohibit the open grazing of cattle in the state and to curb insecurity in the state.

Akeredolu said he assented to the bill in line with the resolution of the Southern Governors’ Forum at its last meeting in Lagos where the governors set September 1st as the deadline for signing of the Anti-Open Grazing Bill into law.

But in an interview on Thursday on Arise News, MACBAN Secretary-General, Usman Baba-Ngelzerma, accused the Ondo State House of Assembly of not following due processes in making the anti-open grazing law.

He stated that none of the MACBAN members was invited for a public hearing and to make inputs to the law before it was signed by the governor.

“In most of the states, none of our members has been invited for a public hearing and makes inputs to the law and this law is done to affect us 100%, to affect our members 100%. We are part of the critical stakeholders that are supposed to be invited to hear our views and protect our positions and that of the government of the states where we exist.

“So, we will wait and see how this law is going to be implemented but I will like to draw the attention of Ondo to Benue where a law has been put in place. Go and appraise the Benue law, has it succeeded in bringing peace to Benue? It has never succeeded in bringing peace to Benue. Rather, it has further aggravated the situation to become worse, day in day out.

“Laws are supposed to bring harmony and understanding in a community.”

As part of activities lined up to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the creation of Osun State, the government has unveiled plans to honour 28 distinguished and prominent citizens of the State.

This was disclosed by the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola, while addressing journalists at a press conference on Wednesday, on the imperatives of the anniversary celebration.

According to Akinola, the celebration, which began last week with the Governor featuring on special TV and Radio interview sessions, will on Thursday, September 9, feature an anniversary colloquium fielding high-profile resource persons like Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State), Sultan Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar (Sultan of Sokoto), Dr. Reuben Abati (former Special Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and Publicity), Dr Yemi Farounbi (former Nigerian Ambassador to the Phillipines), among others.

According to Akinola, the anniversary colloquium will be a hybrid event, organised both in the physical and virtual spheres, adding that the decision was necessary because of the peculiarity of the season.

“This is an anniversary worth celebrating because of the illustrious struggles and successes the state has recorded in its journey, and also an opportunity to catalogue milestones recorded in the journey so far.

“The objective of the colloquium, among others, is to discuss the developmental strides in the State of Osun since creation, the roles played by actors till date, key lessons and suggestions for attaining greater heights”, he said.

Akinola added that the anniversary colloquium will be followed by a State Banquet and Award ceremony at a date to be determined, for some distinguished citizens in recognition of exceptional productivity and significant contributions to the social and economic development of the State and humanity in general.

The awardee, totalling 28 distinguished citizens under four broad categories, were selected by a Jury, on the basis of their service to Osun and contribution to the global and local society.

“Both indigenes and non-indigenes who have contributed to the development of Osun were meticulously selected, and there is no restriction to age, gender, religion, ethnicity or tribe.

“It is our conviction that this will serve as inspiration to others to contribute to the progress of the State”, Akinola said.

The honourees, under the Osun Lifetime Achievement Award, include: Chief Bisi Akande (former Governor, Osun State), Pastor Enoch Adeboye (General Overseer, RCCG worldwide), Sheikh Abdur’rasheed Hadiyatulla (President, Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria), and General Ipoola Alani Akinrinnade, rtd. (former Chief of Army Staff, Nigeria from October 1979 to April 1980, and then Chief of Defence Staff until 1981 during the Nigerian Second Republic).

Others in the lifetime achievement category are: Asiwaju Hammed Omidiran, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, Prince Tunde Ponle, Professor Olu Aina, Chief Akinwande Akinola, Engr. Joanah Olu Maduka, and Chief Dr. Benjamin Adigun.

The state, under the Legacy Award category, also recognised Dr. (Mrs) Folorunsho Alakija (Chancellor, Osun State University and dynamic philanthropist), and Madam Susan Wenger (a culture and tourism icon).

The Osun Merit Award honourees include: Emeritus Prof. Ademola Oyejide, Chief Nike Okundaye, Professor Oye Gureje, Professor Isaac Adewole, and Mallam Yusuf Ali, SAN.

The Osun Distinguished Citizens Award honourees include: Pastor Matthew Asimolowo, Alagba Yemi Elebuibon, Brigadier General Leo Segun Ajiborisha (retired), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, Asiwaju Khamis Olatunde Badmus, Prince Lawal Obelawo, Chief Moses Inaolaji Aboaba, Mr. Adewale Adeyemo, Mr. Kola Adeniji, and Mr. Mike Awoyinfa.