The Governor-Elect of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke has constituted a 37-member Transition Committee to facilitate a smooth transition between the incumbent and the newly elected administration in the state.
A statement issued by the Media office of the Governor-elect disclosed that the Transition Committee is made up of seasoned technocrats, present and former public office holders and experts from a diverse field of endeavour including the Academics, Finance, Law, Engineering, Labour, Local Government administration and the Media.
The Committee is to be Chaired by a Doctor of Nuclear Medicine and a Fellow of the Euro Institute of Reticulo-endothelial Biology & Medicare, Dr Muyiwa Oladimeji while the Director-General of Ademola Adeleke Campaign Organisation Hon. Sunday Bisi will serve as Deputy Chairman.
The Secretary of the Transition committee is a serving member of the House of Representatives who is also a legal practitioner, Representative Bamidele Salam and will be assisted by a Project management expert, Sir Adekunle Adepoju.
The Transition Committee will be inaugurated by the Governor-elect on Thursday.
The Palace of Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunmade II, has stated that the piece of news alleging ‘concern over the health’ of the monarch is nothing but a mere fabrication to suit whatever may be the sinister purpose of the author.
Waterfield Luxury Hotel Akobo, Ibadan
A statement issued and signed by Personal Assistant (Media) Olubadan of Ibadanland Oladele Ogunsola, indicated that the evil wish of the author became more manifest with the claim that Olubadan has been moving in and out of hospitals in the past few weeks, a claim that was nothing but a concocted and wicked, baseless and unfounded lie.
“Before anybody could be reasonably said to be moving in and out of any place, it means such a person, at least must be found in such a place once or twice in a week and I don’t know of any hospital where such a record exists for the current Olubadan.
“For the avoidance of doubt, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun has been performing all his expected traditional and social roles since his ascension to the throne in March this year and where he could not be due to crowdy engagements, his members of Council (Olubadan-in-Council) have always been taking up such on his behalf.
“Though, the author claimed ‘Palace sources’, but, it amounts to recklessness and lack of respect for the ethics of journalism profession which enjoins the practitioner to investigate and ascertain the truth before rushing to the press and the ethics even says, when you are in doubt, you leave out.
“For a journalist that worths being called one, I wonder what other credible source could be outside of the palace spokesperson who readily obliges colleagues necessary information. What’s more, Kabiyesi himself has been a friend of the media for decades and his becoming Olubadan has not changed him a bit as far as his relationship with the media is concerned.
“So, except for mischief and undue sensationalism, the author has no basis to hid under ubiquitous ‘palace source’ to do his job except for a purpose- hatchetry job. Just last Friday, the about 80 -year old man was in his Majesty at his ancestral ancient Aliiwo palace to promote the Chiefs in Iyalode line of the Olubadan traditional system.
“One cannot claim to be oblivious of the current trend of everybody becoming journalists without any form of training whatsoever and what they can only claim is just a possession of an handset. There is need for caution and mind what they dish out to earn people’s respect and commendation. In this instance, the author goofed and whatever might have been his imagination to come up with such wicked piece was not in good faith,” the statement said.
The Speaker of House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has apologized to the general public following the tweet he made yesterday about him resuming at the Kennedy School, Harvard University, to undertake a leadership course during an ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike which has left students and lecturers out of the academic environment for months.
According to him, as the Speaker of HoR, he has made multiple interventions within the powers of the legislature to avert the ongoing strike.
He also stated that while he had direct engagements with ASUU and relevant government agencies, the House of Representatives is still keenly involved in seeking a resolution to the issues so that students can return to school. He reiterated that he has long been a champion of public education in Nigeria, and he has consistently advocated programs, policies, and investments to improve the quality of public education in the country.
The full tweets read thus, “Yesterday I posted a picture of myself at the @Harvard @Kennedy_School, undergoing a course. That post was not sensitive to the present feelings of fellow citizens, especially parents and students who are presently bearing the brunt of the ongoing closure of public universities owing to the unresolved issues between the Academic Staff Union of Universities and the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“I apologize for the post at this time, and I hope you will understand that it was not my intention to cause disaffection. As Speaker of @HouseNGR, I have made multiple interventions within the powers of the legislature to avert the ongoing strike.I had direct engagements with ASUU relevant government agencies. The House of Representatives is still keenly involved in seeking a resolution to the issues so our students can return to school. We all await the outcome of the 2-week ultimatum given for the conclusion of negotiations with ASUU.
“I have long been a champion of public education in Nigeria, and I have consistently advocated programs, policies and investments to improve the quality of public education in the country. In my constituency and beyond, I have attracted a new international students hostel in UNILAG facilitated access to free internet WiFi in ALL public tertiary institutions in Lagos State; provision of modern ICT centres in 24 secondary schools across the state, provision of scholarships and grants to indigent students in selected tertiary institutions, provision of laptops to ALL secondary school teachers in my constituency and hundreds of students, facilitated the renovation of over 15 public schools in Lagos, facilitated the ongoing construction of the Open University Campus and JAMB CBT Centre in my constituency, facilitated the ongoing construction of School Auditoriums in both LASU and School of Legal Studies, Katsina; facilitated the construction of a public library in Ondo; facilitated the ongoing construction of an emergency care centre for the University of Lagos Teaching Hospital amongst other numerous interventions.
“In keeping with my passion for education, I regularly take time to teach in some public secondary schools across the country will continue to work within the remit of the legislature to provide our young people with access to quality education.”
Femi Falana SAN, a constitutional attorney, has urged President Major General Muhammadu Buhari (ret.) to collect money from thieves in order to fulfill his commitment to the Academic Staff Union of Universities, which is currently on strike.
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Falana made this statement on Tuesday while participating in a solidarity demonstration in Lagos with the Nigeria Labour Congress.
“Let them stop telling our people there is no money,” he stated. A small number of them—400 in total—took out toxic loans from our banks, with an outstanding balance of N5.4 trillion.
“To remedy this issue, President Buhari should collect money from 10 of your people, 10 looters. On Friday, one of them was charged. One person, N1.9 billion, was stolen by the man.
The man has stolen N1.9 billion, one person. There are those who have stolen more, there are those who are stealing more.”
He also condemned increasing cost of living and asked that urgent steps need to be taken to remedy the situation.
Operatives of the Lagos Command of EFCC have arrested two self-acclaimed spiritualists, one Alfa Abiodun Ibrahim and Wale Adifala, who along with one Ifawole Ajibola (aka Baba Kalifa currently on the run), allegedly conspired to defraud an aspiring House of Representatives member in Ekiti State, of the total sum of N24,071,000 which they claimed was to be used to secure spiritual help for the political ambition.
They were arrested on July 7, 2022 in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, following a petition against them, alleging that after collecting the said sum, the whole efforts came to a dead end.
Under interrogation by operatives, Adifala, admitted to collecting the sums of money from their victim, including N2.9 million, which he claimed was used to buy black, brown and white cows, rams, lavender perfume, rings among other items, to carry out sacrifices at different times.
“I also linked up on the matter with Ifawole Ajibola, and we continued with the sacrifices together, until we were arrested by EFCC,” he said.
Ibrahim, who was the one who had prior contact with the victim, , admitted collecting money at different times.
“Our own is just to pray and do the necessary sacrifices, which we did, and to leave the rest to God, however, along the line, the zoning for the Reps seat was taken away from Oye-Ekiti to Ikole-Ekiti,” he said.
They were arrested along with some of their instruments of trade.
The Lagos State Government has declared four work-free days to different categories of public servants to encourage state workers to register or collect their Permanent Voters Card ahead of the 2023 general elections.
In a statement signed by the state’s Head of Service, Hakeem Muri-Okunola, he said this move by the state government is to ensure that workers are encouraged to perform their civil rights.
Recall that the Independent National Electoral Commission recently disclosed that only seven million of the over fifteen million Lagos residents have registered for PVC.
Staff in grade levels 01, 03, 07 and 15 will take off Tuesday, 26th July while grade level 02, 04, 08 and 13 will register on Wednesday 27th July.
Thursday 28th July is reserved for staff in grade level 05, 09, 12 and 17 while staff in level 06, 10, 14 and 16 will register on Friday, July 29th.
“Consequently, it is notified for general information that all public servants who are yet to register or collect their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) from designated INEC Centers are advised to do so before the deadline date of 30th July, 2022.
“To this end, Mr. Governor has graciously approved a work-free day for public servants to enable them process/collect their PVC from their respective Local Governments/Local Council Development Areas. Officers are expected to return to work with their Voters Card after this exercise,” the statement reads.
As the deadline for registration of voters for 2023 General Elections comes to a close on Sunday, 31st of July, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, MFR has declared Tuesday, 26th July, 2022 as a work-free day in the State.
In a Statement issued in Abeokuta on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, the Governor said the “one-day public holiday is to provide a window for all workers in the state, who have either lost their cards, not registered or who might need to travel to their wards, local government areas and constituencies to perfect their Permanent Voters Registration or transfer their cards, where necessary, to enable them participate in the next general elections”.
“As an inclusive, participatory and accountable government, the role of PVCs to the citizens cannot be overemphasised,” the statement added.
The Governor, therefore, urged all eligible adults to seize the opportunity of the holiday to go home to their different wards and constituencies to search for their Registered Voter Cards (PVCs), fill the claims and objections forms and transfer the PVCs where necessary, the statement concluded.
Seyi Makinde, governor of Oyo State, on Sunday, described the death of the Aseyin of Iseyin, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Abdulganiyu Adekunle Salau, Ajinese Ologunebi I, as shocking and painful.
The governor maintained that the death of Oba Salau is a huge loss to the state, as the late monarch was an exemplary leader and a true believer in the progress and development of Oyo State.
A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, indicated that the Governor commiserated with the Aseyin-in-Council and the entire Iseyin community as well as the traditional council in the state.
Makinde, who described the late Aseyin as a great royal achiever, said he went about the business of developing Iseyin with the positive aggression of a change agent, who would stop at nothing to achieve his vision.
“I have been informed of the passage of the Aseyin of Iseyinland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Abdulganiyu Adekunle Salau.
“His death is another great loss among the ranks of leading traditional rulers in our dear state. This death is painful and shocking, but we can only submit to the will of the Almighty God, who alone has the power over life and death.
“Again, Oyo State has lost an exemplary royal father and a true believer in the progress and development of Oyo State.
“Oba Salau worked with the vigour and aggression of a change agent, who would stop at nothing to achieve a positive turnaround of his society. He made the business of developing and repositioning Iseyin his passionate goal and he achieved same in his close to two decades of royal leadership.
“I express heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the late Aseyin of Iseyinland, the Aseyin-in-Council and the sons and daughters of Iseyinland.
“I equally commiserate with the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs and pray to God to spare the lives of all its members.”
Chairman of the Southern Nigeria Governors’ Forum and Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, has decried the spate of abandoned projects in Nigeria.
Governor Akeredolu said abandoning projects at this critical period in the economic life of the country is not cost-effective.
The Governor, who identified corruption, resource control, project goals, contractor selection and supervision as some of the major challenges behind abandoned projects, noted that a reasonable government must work towards achieving a successful completion of projects in its state.
Governor Akeredolu spoke on Saturday at the First Business Doctorate Degree of the University of Cambridge Graduation Ceremony held at the University’s Arms Hotel, United Kingdom.
The Governor, who was a guest speaker, described Megaproject as an excellent accelerator if properly planned and executed.
Governor Akeredolu spoke on the topic: ”The Paradox Of Abandoned Megaprojects In Nigeria.”
He said: ”The Ondo State Government, under our leadership, has completed several megaprojects. These projects exacted considerable pressure on the severely lean resources of the State. These megaprojects have gobbled billions of Naira.
“While some have been completed and delivered, several others, some of which are complex, may take over five years or so to be completed. Our administration has continued to construct roads, bridges, among other infrastructures.
“We made a solemn pledge on assumption of office that we would complete all projects abandoned by our predecessors in office. We are not unaware of the acute paucity of funds for the execution of projects.
“We are, however, poised to fulfill our promise as best as the financial situation permits. We intend to complete all projects in the lifetime of our government. We do not intend to handover any abandoned project to our successor.
“Megaprojects, such as the Ore Bridge, provide the necessary support for government deliverables and economic transformation, which is readily discernible in our GDP. So, where it is properly planned and executed, megaproject is an excellent development accelerator.
“Given the resources such a project can take, abandoning projects at this critical period of our economic lives is not cost effective. The challenges are not only limited to developing countries as over £30 billion (British pounds) has been spent on the Cross-rail Project in England without completion. This is a terrible example of a project going bad in developed countries.
“Specific to Nigeria and as pointed out in the thesis, just three abandoned projects equal 60% of our national debt. The Lagos-Badagry Express Road, the Ajaokuta Steel Project, and the Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) Project. At all times, the Federal Government abandoned 60% of every project and the Nigeria National Library, where over N200 billion has been spent, is abandoned. The project is on the 5th floor of a 13-floor building project.
“The Federal Government has been on site for over 25 years without meaningful progress. Again, the megaproject takes around 10% of global GDP and over $9 trillion yearly. It is the case that Universities globally should rise to the challenges of acquiring and engaging new knowledge on megaprojects.”
The Governor also congratulated the Billionaire businessman, Jimoh Ibrahim, who obtained the Doctor of Business Degree of the University.
“I am told it is the first time the University of Cambridge will be awarding her first Doctor of Business Degree in the last over 800 years.” Governor Akeredolu said.
He noted that the incredible performance of Dr. Jimoh at the University of Cambridge comes with hard work and commitment to primary goals, adding that the business mogul has invested time in the institution.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar has challenged his All Progressives Congress (APC) counterpart, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to grant at least one hour television interview before speaking against his comments on Arise TV.
Lagos Reporters reports that Atiku, former vice-president, while appearing on Arise TV programme, berated Tinubu for selecting a fellow Muslim, former Borno State governor, Kashim Shettima as running mate.
According to Atiku, the same faith ticket separated them when Tinubu lobbied to be his running mate in 2007.
But Tinubu’s Campaign Organisation in a statement on Saturday, said the PDP presidential candidate lied and was unprepared for the job of presidency.
Tinubu, in the statement, analyzed six areas Atiku lied in his interview, as he argued that contrary to Atiku’s claim, it was the PDP candidate that wanted him to be his running mate.
Reacting to Tinubu’s outburst, Atiku in a statement by its Media Adviser, Paul Ibe, Saturday, said he was amused to read the knee-jerk response from the Tinubu Campaign Organisation, challenging the APC candidate to grant the same interview.
The former Vice President said he was not surprised at Tinubu’s response because he has not sat down to do any prolonged interview for obvious reasons.
The statement reads partly, “We would like to challenge Bola Tinubu to subject himself to an hour long interview, like the Waziri did, and if he is able to be as articulate and mentally present as our candidate, then he can talk.
“Until then, we will only want to remind him and his yes men that they are not in a position to point fingers when they have not sat on the hot seat.”
