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.
The Chairman of the Association of Professional Retired Nurses and Midwives of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Balogun Gaphar Babatunde Ojetola in his Chairman’s address at the just celebrated 2023 Christmas and End of the Year event which was held at the Asiwaju Bode Amao Hall, Ibadan House Oke Àrèmo Yemetu Ibadan on the 28th December, 2023 appealed to all Nigerians to welcome the new year with love, peace and positive energy.
He encourage the members of the association to live in the fantasy world of the children -a world where everything was just simple and beautiful. A life that knew no negativity, a lifetime where we believed in Santa and the good tidings of Christmas, a world of peace, the world of children.
“It is again, that time of the year when everyone old and young, rich and poor, elite and not, healthy and not so healthy; despite their numerous challenges spare a few moments/ days to reflect on the goodness of God in their lives and remember to be thankful despite all their odds.”
“This is one magical time of the year when people, no matter the hardships and difficult hand life have dealt with them, still look up to the heavens, smile and say ‘aaye ope yo’.” “A day to spread cheer and positive vibes only; hopefully with enough positive energy to charge us all into the new approaching year and perhaps, keep us powered throughout 2024.” He continued, “Let me say importantly, that I consider it a big honor to stand before you today, as your friend, your Chairman , and brother in faith, to celebrate this jolly season”.
“Obviously, we no longer live in the fantasy world we all did as children- where everything was just simple and beautiful. A life that knew no negativity, a lifetime where we believed in Santa and the good tidings of Christmas”. “Permit me to plead with you however, that once in a while, recline into this world of fantasy, a world of peace, the world of children. There are many things that should prevent us from being thankful or even happy in this season…se ti economy ni k’a wi, abi Owó ti ko si ni banki?” “However, despite the full understanding of all the problems that surround us, we also need to be conscious of the things we cannot change, and how that affects our mental health which is key at this point in life”.
So, live as a child every once in a while. “What does it take to live as a child? Be carefree sometimes, see the good in everything sometimes, laugh, smile for no reason, spread cheer for no reason…LOVE even when there is no reason to do so.” “May I point out again, as I have done severally, that love should transcend all, inclusive of religion…and it is for the love of love, that we put aside all differences today, to come together under one roof and jolly together.” “It is my utmost wish that if there be dispute amongst us or in the hearts of anyone here, let us remember love this day, and let go of any grudges.” “May I use this great opportunity, being my first official engagement as your newly elected Chairman to commend you all for your believing and trusting in my executive and for supporting each and every activities of this administration. We solicit for your continuous support aimed at fostering a formidable association and delivering on all our promises. We will not disappoint you.” He eulogised the Chairman of the occasion , an Emeritus Professor Mrs Funmilayo Ojo, a Professor of Nursing and Dean of Faculty at the Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti whom he described as a great mother and beacon of light for nurses in Nigeria and beyond.
Balogun Ojetola commended the Special Guest of Honour of the ocassion who is also the President General Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes Chief, Barrister Sulaiman Ajeniyi Ajewole whom God has used to resuscitate the long abandoned New Olubadan Palace project which is near completion , a great achievement made within six months of assuming office. He said to Ajewole, “Ile Ibadan ko ni gbagbe Re laelae”. Balogun Ojetola eulogised the Chairman, Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State who was represented at the ocassion by the Director of Research, Statistics and Training, Mrs Adebowale and the BCOS technical crews for the coverage and television reporting. The ministration and exhortation at the event was conducted by Venerable Oyewusi, Archdeacon, LUKAN ARCHDEACONERY, Ibadan South Diocess after the first Bible reading was taken by Pastor Gabriel Kola Ajeigbe. The Oyo State Director of Nursing Services, Dr. Mrs Oyebode commended the association while delivering her goodwill message. The DNS urged the government to expedite actions on clamping down on quack nurses being trained by some unscrupulous doctors and nurses. She submitted that quack nurses have claimed many lives and will continue to cause damages to the ignorant population. Dr. Mrs Gbonjubola Owolabi , the Provost Oyo State College of Nursing , Eleyele supported the DNS in the campaign against auxiliary nursing in the state and in Nigeria generally. She condemned medical doctors and some unscrupulous professional nurses who engaged themselves in training quack nurses. She challenged the practice as illegal, unprofessional and detrimental to the wellness of the entire population. President General Ajeniyi Ajewole in his goodwill message felicitates with the association for the beautiful End of the Year Celebration which was jointly celebrated by both Muslim and Christian members. He expressed satisfaction on the conduct of the program giving credit to Balogun Ojetola whom he appraised very highly of immense capacity. He congratulated the association for having Balogun Gaphar Ojetola as their Chairman who at the same time is the Chairman , 2024 Ibadan Cultural Festival Planning Committee and the National President of the Ibadan Grammar School Old Students Association world wide. He prayed that Allah will continue to empower Ojetola in all his huge assignments. Other numerous dignitaries at the event took turns in delivering their good will messages. The ceremony experienced a Christmas Bonanza where cash gifts, packs of rice and detergents were won by more than two hundred participants. All the kind donors were highly appreciated for making this first of its kind event in the history of the association an unprecedented success which credit was duly given to the highly dedicated and hardworking members of the planning committee members. The 2023 Christmas and End of the Year Celebration Planning Committee members are Mrs Olufunke Janet Fatunmbi who is the Chairman Planning Committee and the association Secretary General, Chief Mrs Bolanle Ajuwon, the association Social Secretary, Mrs Sarah Adisa, the Welfare Secretary, Chief Oyedeji Akintunde, Evangelist Mrs Kayode, Mrs Funke Ladapo, Mrs Florence Baba, Chief Mrs Okediran who is also the association Vice Chairman and Balogun Gaphar Ojetola. Apex Nurses from the Adeoyo Maternity and Specialist Hospital, Ring Road State Hospital and Jericho Hospitals were at the occasion and donated generously. All the Executive members of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes and members of staff of Ibadan Grammar School participated actively at this ocassion. Bola Sunshine and her musical group was on stage with praise and worship music throughout the program while members, friends and families danced to their satisfaction. The event was covered freely by the crews from the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State , courtesy of the corporation Chairman while photography was covered by Mrs Mary Olufunke Akinade. Mrs Margaret Olubunmi Akinsola was the Director of Programs at this occasion. Wishing all the donors and members generally abundant blessings and compliments of the season.
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.
Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has declared three days of mourning for Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, the late Governor of Ondo State who passed on December 27th.
Arakunrin Akeredolu was until his death the Chairman of the Southern Governors Forum and South West Governors Forum.
Governor Oyebanji, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Yinka Oyebode on Friday, declared the three- day state mourning.
All flags at public buildings across the state are to be flown half- mast for the three days of mourning, which commenced on Friday.
Meanwhile, Governor Oyebanji, who had earlier conveyed his condolences to the Government and people of Ondo State, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late Akeredolu at their Ibadan residence on Friday.
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.
No fewer than three inmates of the Ijebu Ode Correctional Home in Ogun State have escaped from the facility.
Oduduwa News reports that the Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service, in the state, Victor Oyeleke, confirmed the jailbreak in a statement on Tuesday.
Oyeleke disclosed that the incident happened early Saturday morning, around 3 am, stressing that the command would liaise with other sister agencies to find the inmates.
He said: “Yes, it is confirmed, it happened in the early hours of Saturday morning around 3 am. A search party to bring the three of them back has been raised. We have their biometrics and we have contacts of their families.
“We are working together with other sister agencies, and in good time, they will be brought back.”
Meanwhile, another statement from Ijebu Imushin Area Command of So-Safe Corps, which had since gone viral, also confirmed the jailbreak.
The statement reads: “The report reaching us now is that three prisoners escaped from the Ijebu-Ode Correctional Center whose names are, Hammed Adeboyejo who was convicted of Murder/Armed Robbery; Fatai Taiwo Akande from Ijebu-Igbo was sentenced on Murder Casez while the third man, Oguntona Aliu was convicted of Sexual Offence, should in case you see any of them, quickly contact the office of So-Safe Corps Command closer to you, The Nigerian Police and any other Security Agency.”
