Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin has just been re-elected for second term as the Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly.
The nomination was declared today at the inauguration Plenary by Hon. Dele Adeola, member representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency after he was recognized by the Clerk of the House of Assembly.
The motion to nominate Rt. Hon. Debo Ogundoyin was seconded by Hon. Gabriel Babajide of Ibadan North.
The Speaker re-elected unopposed after the whole House unanimously gave voice votes.
The inauguration which started today at exactly 11am had several guests in attendance which include the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Bayo Lawal, the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima, traditional rulers among several others.
Ekiti State chef, Damilola Adeparusi, famously called Chef Dammy has finally reached the 120-hour landmark in the ongoing cook-a-thon.
This is coming barely a few hours after record holder for the longest hours in cooking (individual category), Chef Hilda Baci, who cooked on a stretch for 100 hours, was certified by the Guinness World Records.
It was earlier reported that 26-year-old Dammy, who is passionate about her ambition had cooked up to 111 hours on Tuesday, in Oye Local Government Area in Ekiti.
Meanwhile, she had been visited by the Vice Chancellor and management of the Federal University Oye-Ekiti.
As it stands, if confirmed by the GWR, Chef Dammy will become the new world record holder.
Chef Hilda Baci broke down in tears after receiving the news of her certification as the new record holder for the longest cooking by an individual.
The GWR, in a statement on its website on Tuesday, said, “Following a thorough review of all the evidence, Guinness World Records can now confirm that Hilda Effiong Bassey, better known as Hilda Baci, has officially broken the record for the longest cooking marathon (individual), with a time of 93 hours 11 minutes.”
In a video on her Instagram Story, Baci was seen in tears as she received the news about her new achievement.
Hilda attempted to set a record of 100 hours, however, almost seven hours were deducted from her final total because she mistakenly took extra minutes for one of her rest breaks early on in the attempt.
ODUDUWA NEWS can confirm that Senator Godswill Akpabio has won the Senate Presidential election, polling ver 56 votes to defeat his rival, Sen. Abdul Azeez Yari.
The Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde will on Wednesday, 14th June, 2023 issue a proclamation for the inauguration of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly.
The proclamation will be done at the inaugural sitting of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Parliament Building, Secrétariat Ibadan.
The sitting is to be graced by the Governor and other distinguished guests and friends of the lawmakers
This is in line with the powers conferred on Governor Seyi Makinde under Section 105, sub-section (3) of the 1999 Constitution of the federal republic of Nigeria to proclaim the inauguration of the new House of Assembly.
The Governor had on Friday last week issued a letter to proclaim the dissolution of the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly.
This is equally in line with Section 105, sub-section (1) of the 1999 Constitution.
Recall that the 9th Oyo State House of Assembly was inaugurated on June 10, 2019.
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, CON, has emphasised the need to reassess the current socio-political structure in the country to ensure progress and development.
Governor Akeredolu asserted that undertaking a comprehensive restructuring of the nation is crucial for deepening democratic gains.
Acknowledging that June 12 represents more than just a milestone in the pursuit of justice, the Governor said that Democracy Day serves as a reminder of the importance of upholding principles of equity and fairness.
He called on the people to reflect on the significance of June 12 and honour the sacrifices made by the heroes of Nigeria’s democracy.
“Today is a commemoration of sacrifices, patriotism, and peaceful struggle. June 12 marks a significant moment in our country’s democratic history, symbolising a profound renewal of hope and ambition.
“It serves as a powerful reminder of our unwavering optimism and determination in the face of formidable obstacles,” the Governor said.
Governor Akeredolu stressed that the welfare of the people should be the primary focus, urging Nigerians to unite for the collective betterment of the country.
He called on the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure a comprehensive revalidation of the hope of Nigerians.
“The need for restructuring has become undeniable. The federal government must relinquish its excessive control over the sub-national entities. It is imperative that security is decentralised to the states. There is no better time than now for the establishment of state police.
“The symbol of the June 12 struggle made the ultimate sacrifice. We must not allow our people to continue paying the price in vain. It is devastating. By devolving power to the sub-national entities, we can deepen our democratic values, strengthen governance, and make our nation more resilient,” the Governor stated.
Governor Akeredolu further appealed for national unity, underscoring that the solution to Nigeria’s multifaceted challenges lies in the cohesion of all ethnic groups within the country.
He commended the extraordinary sacrifices made by both departed and living individuals in birthing democracy, urging Nigerians not to overlook the lessons taught by past political experiences.
While acknowledging the arduous nature of nation-building, the Governor expressed optimism that the challenges can be overcome.
He expressed confidence in the administration of President Tinubu, stating that the new President will restore the people’s confidence and work diligently for the betterment of the country.
The Governor said his administration firmly believes that any developmental aspirations must prioritise the well-being of the people.
He noted that despite financial limitations, his administration has made significant strides in bridging the infrastructural gap.
It is exactly three decades today that Nigerians went to the polls to exercise their inalienable right to elect a President of their choice to lead the transition from military dictatorship to a representative government of the people.
The abortion, by military fiat, of the decisive victory of Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the June 12, 1993, presidential election, up to that time, the fairest and freest election in the country’s political evolution, turned out, ironically, to be the seed that germinated into the prolonged struggle that gave birth to the democracy we currently enjoy since 1999.
In rising to strongly oppose the arbitrary annulment of the will of the majority of Nigerians as expressed in that historic election, the substantial number of our people who participated in the struggle to de-annul the election signified their fierce commitment to enthroning democracy as a form of government that best ennobles the liberty, the dignity of the individual and the integrity as well as the stability of the polity. The fierce opposition to the annulment of the June 12, 1993, presidential election and the unrelenting pro-democracy onslaught it unleashed was the equivalent of the battle against colonial rule by our founding fathers that resulted in the gaining of Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
Just like the anti-colonial movement, the pro-June 12 vanguard demonstrated, once again, the enduring validity of the 19th century historian, Arnold Toynbee’s eternal postulation, that civilization and societies experience progress as they are forced to respond to challenges posed by the environment. The unjust annulment of a widely acknowledged free and fair election was a challenge that elicited resistance by a resurgent civil society, leading ultimately to the attainment of our ‘second independence’ as exemplified by the return of democratic governance in 1999.
Fellow compatriots, we celebrate a day that has remained a watershed in our nation’s history, not just today, but for every June 12, for the endless future that our beloved country shall exist and wax stronger and stronger, generations of Nigerians will always remind themselves that the democracy that is steadily growing to become the defining essence of our polity was not gifted to us on a silver platter.
We can easily recall the sacrifice and martyrdom of Chief MKO Abiola, the custodian of the sacred mandate that was so cruelly annulled. He sacrificed his life in unyielding, patriotic defense of the ideals of democracy as symbolized in his choice, by his fellow countrymen and women, as their duly-elected President. There was an easier choice for him. It was to forgo the justice of his cause and opt for the path of ease and capitulation in the face of the tyranny of power.
To his eternal credit and immortal glory, Abiola said no. He demonstrated the time-tested eternal truth that there are certain ideals and principles that are far more valuable than life itself.
Everyday, on this day, down the ages we will recall the several other heroes of democracy such as Kudirat Abiola, wife of Chief Abiola, who was brutally murdered while in the trenches fighting on the side of the people. We remember Pa Alfred Rewane, one of the heroes of our independence struggle and Major General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua (rtd) who were silenced by the military junta while in pursuit of democracy. They gave their yesterday for the liberty that is ours today. The point is that we must never take this democracy for granted. We must forever jealously guard and protect it like a precious jewel. For, a people can never truly appreciate the freedoms and rights democracy guarantees them until they lose it.
We have traversed the dark, thorny path of dictatorship before and those who experienced it can readily testify to the unbridgeable gap between the dignity of freedom and the humiliation and degradation of tyranny. True, rancorous debates, interminable wrangling, ceaseless quarrels, bitter electoral contestations may be perceived by some as unattractive features of democracy. But they also testify to its merit and value.
This year, we held the seventh in the cycle of elections that have become sacred rituals of our democratic practice in this dispensation since 1999.
That the polls were intensely contested is in itself positive evidence that democracy is well and alive in our land. It is only natural that even as those who won and experienced victory in the various elections are elated and fulfilled, those who lost are disenchanted and disappointed. But the beauty of democracy is that those who win today can lose tomorrow and those who lose today will have an opportunity to compete and win in the next round of elections.
Those who cannot endure and accept the pain of defeat in elections do not deserve the joy of victory when it is their turn to triumph. Above all, those who disagree with the outcome of the elections are taking full advantage of the constitutional provisions to seek redress in court and that is one of the reasons why democracy is still the best form of government invented by man.
For Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of this day, in whose memory June 12 became a national holiday, democracy is eternal.
It is about rule of law and vibrant judiciary that can be trusted to deliver justice and strengthen institutions. It has become imperative to state here that the unnecessary illegal orders used to truncate or abridge democracy will no longer be tolerated.
The recent harmonization of the retirement age for judicial officers is meant to strengthen the rule of law, which is a critical pillar of democracy. The reform has just started.
The democracy that will yield right dividends to the people who are the shareholders means more than just freedom of choice and right to get people into elective offices. It means social and economic justice for our people. To the winner of June 12, democracy offers the best chance to fight and eliminate poverty. Thirty years ago, he christened his campaign manifesto, ‘Farewell to Poverty’ because he was convinced that there is nothing divine about poverty. It is a man-made problem that can be eliminated with clearly thought out social and economic policies.
It is for this reason that, in my inauguration address on May 29, I gave effect to the decision taken by my predecessor-in-office to remove the fuel subsidy albatross and free up for collective use the much-needed resources, which had hitherto being pocketed by a few rich. I admit that the decision will impose extra burden on the masses of our people. I feel your pain. This is one decision we must bear to save our country from going under and take our resources away from the stranglehold of a few unpatriotic elements.
Painfully, I have asked you, my compatriots, to sacrifice a little more for the survival of our country. For your trust and belief in us, I assure you that your sacrifice shall not be in vain. The government I lead will repay you through massive investment in transportation infrastructure, education, regular power supply, healthcare and other public utilities that will improve the quality of lives.
The democracy MKO Abiola died for is one that promotes the welfare of the people over personal interests of the ruling class and one where the governed can find personal fulfillment and happiness. That is the hope MKO Abiola ignited throughout our country in 1993.
On this year’s Democracy Day, I enjoin us all to rededicate ourselves to strengthening this form of government of free peoples that has been our guiding light these past 24 years. In particular, those of us who have been privileged to be elected into public offices at various levels in both the executive and legislative arms of government must recommit ourselves to offering selfless service to the people, and delivering concrete democracy dividends in accordance with our electoral promises.
On my part and that of my administration, I pledge anew our commitment to diligently fulfilling every component of our electoral pact with the people – the ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
We shall be faithful to truth. Faithful to equity. And faithful to justice. We shall exercise our authority and mandate to govern with fairness, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to always uphold the dignity of all our people.
On this note, I wish us all a happy Democracy Day celebration and pray that the light of liberty shall never be extinguished in our land.
Thank you all and may God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has demanded immediate transfer of Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Ogun and Nasarawa Election Tribunals to Abuja for safety and guarantee of justice.
The party made the demand at a news conference addressed by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Debo Ologunagba in Abuja on Thursday.
Ologunagba condemned attacks on PDP members at Governorship election petition Tribunal premises in Ogun, Nasarawa, Kaduna. He alleged that there were plots to sustain the attacks with the intention to instill fear in judiciary so as to derail the cause of justice.
“This justifies PDP’s demand for live coverage of the tribunal proceeding as party members would have been watching at home instead of going to the premises,” Ologunagba said.
He added that the PDP was not taking its eyes off the fact that the process of the 2023 Presidential election is still on-going at the Presidential Election Petition Court and other Election Petition Tribunals across the country.
He accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of plots to derail the cause of justice in the various Election Petition Tribunals across the country.
“INEC’s objection to its evidence in court is to frustrate the court and derail the cause of justice,” adding that any document certified by INEC could be tendered at the bar.
On the inauguration of the 10th Assembly slated for June 13, Ologunagba said that the party would deploy its number maximally to elect the leaders of the National Assembly.
Ologunagba said that opposition parties are the majority and they would unite to elect the speaker of the House of Representatives and President of the Senate from among themselves.
“It is instructive to note that the opposition parties put together to form a strong majority in the National Assembly and we are very mindful of that.
“The PDP leadership is working together with our members-elect and opposition Parties in the two chambers.
“Irrespective of the ongoing claims in the media, I want to inform you that the PDP has a clear direction which we hold close to our chest.
“Our members are united in that direction and it will show on the floor of both Houses of the National Assembly on Tuesday.
“In all, we do not discountenance the fact that put the opposition parties have the majority in the National Assembly which we are ready to deploy maximally,” he said.
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has congratulated HRM Oba Adesola Munirudeen Lawal, Laminisa I, the Timi of Ede Land on the 15th anniversary of his ascension to the ancient throne, hailing him as “an extraordinary leader with deep appetite for progress”
Governor Adeleke, who acknowledged Oba Adesola’s spirited efforts in fostering peace and stability in Edeland, described the monarch in a congratulatory message he personally signed on Saturday as a unique feature of patriotism and selflessness.
The Governor saluted Oba Adesola for his unyielding dedication to the growth of Edeland and its people, attributing the impressive turnaround experienced in the ancient town in recent times to the traditional ruler’s outstanding leadership.
“I warmly celebrate HRM Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa I, on the occasion of his 15 years on the throne of his forebears. This moment is a reminder of your remarkable leadership and the celebration of your steadfast devotion to the interest of the people of Edeland,” Governor Adeleke noted in the congratulatory message.
The Governor who joined every sons and daughters of Edeland to rejoice with Kabiyesi on this milestone, noted that the monarch “remains not only a shining example of a patriot”, but also “a leader whose passion and interest in the growth of his subjects, remain invaluable and enduring”
Governor Adeleke prayed to God Almighty to give Oba Adesola the grace and sound health to effect his impactful leadership on Edeland for a long time for the benefit of the people and humanity as a whole.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has suspended the Central Bank Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, from office with immediate effect.
The office of the Secretary to Federation announced his suspension.
“This is sequel to the ongoing investigation of his office and the planned reforms in the financial sector of the economy”, stated from suspension note.
“Mr Emefiele has been directed to immediately hand over the affairs of his office to the Deputy Governor (Operations Directorate), who will act as the Central Bank Governor pending the conclusion of the investigation and the reforms.”
