FMC Abeokuta denies alleged illegal promotion, recruitment


Authorities of the Federal Medical Centre (FMC) at Idi-Aba in Abeokuta, Ogun State has debunked a newspaper report, alleging that the management of illegal promotion and recruitment of workforce.

The medium had alleged that the centre committed an infraction in its December 2021/January, 2022 promotion exercise and illegal recruitment of personnel.

But in a statement by the centre's Public Relations Officer, Mr. Segun Orisajo, the board explained that contrary to the newspaper report on illegal promotion, the centre only conducted a placement exercise in line with a directive from the IPPIS, where staff salaries are being paid.

Similarly, the board absolved the centre of complicity in any recruitment exercise, explaining that what the centre did was migration and not employment.

The migration exercise, which the board stated was successfully carried out in the centre by IPPIS, was an exercise of necessity to sustain health care delivery services in the Centre.

According to the board, as at the time the migration exercise was conducted, a good number of members of staff had contracted COVID-19 and had to self isolate.

In the face of depletion of the workforce and in adherence to a directive by the Federal Ministry of Health not to turn back any patient, the most reasonable option left for the centre was to migrate personnel, an action which the Board said must not be misconstrued for employment.

The board observed with regret that the concerned staffs of the centre, who were alleged to have been behind the petition, were fictitious and none-existing.

The board said it sounded illogical and irreconcilable to have argued that those who had benefited from a promotion exercise could still be the ones who would later turn round to be the concerned staff, who authored the petition against themselves.

The board noted that a similar petition was issued out last year, which was said to have been written by one Sunday Anisere, who purportedly claimed to be a concerned staff of the centre.

But according investigations, he was not a staff in the centre as there was no name in the hospital nominal roll.

The oard, therefore, considered the latest report as a sponsored publication and the handiwork of disgruntled elements, who are desperate in their mischievous agenda to fan the embers of disharmony, disaffection and discord in the centre.

The board assured the users of the entre of qualitative, transparent and timely delivery of medical and health care services.

Osun APC feud: NANS seeks recall of Gbajabiamila, sack of Aregbesola





The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has sought for the recall of the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila as well as the sack of the Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola over the roles in the lingering crisis rocking the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC).


While describing the development as an embarrassment, the students urged the constituents of Surulere I Federal Constituency in Lagos to recall Gbajabiamila for allegedly fanning the ember of discord among members of the ruling party in the state.


They also urged President Muhammadu Buhari to immediately relieve Aregbesola of his ministerial position for leading a faction in the APC as against the party’s virtues and ethos.


The APC is set to conduct its primary on Saturday ahead of its governorship election but factions loyal to Governor Gboyega Oyetola and Aregbesola have been at loggerheads over the control of the party’s structure in the state.


The students made their position knwown In a statement on Friday by the Coordinator, NANS Southwest (Zone D), Comrade Adegboyega Emmanuel Olatunji.


He warned that the democracy, which was jointly fought for by well-meaning Nigeria including members of NANS, is at risk should this type of trend is allowed to dominate its landscape.


According to him, “The organisation has observed the embarrassing feud between Mr Rauf Aregbesola and Mr Bola Tinubu in their political tussle in Osun state. The embarrassment becomes a concern for us only because the supposed Minister of Interior who should be busy with managing the internal security of the country in the face of tense insecurity is busy mobilising the security agencies under his ministry for selfish political interests.


“The shameful manner in which the minister has continued to mobilise the security agencies in a gangster style to advance his political interest in Osun state has called for national concern and deserve a tough sanction.


“Unfortunately, the National Assembly which ought to play a monitoring role and ensure service delivery from all ministries is filled up of politicians with backward reasoning and prebendal politics. It would occur to us as a shock that the Federal House of Representatives under Gbajabiamila has reduced the green chamber to a political tools in the service of his godfather, Mr Tinubu.


“Suffice to say that the recent launch of 165billion naira stolen fund probe of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS) which is under the Ministry headed by Aregbesola is motivated by Gbajabiamila to fight back Aregbesola for standing in the way of his godfather. If there is any fact Nigerians must come to term with, it is that the Federal House of Representative under the leadership of Gbajabiamila is an accomplice in the fraud.


“It reveals to us that the Green Chamber leadership was aware of this stolen fund but decided to keep quiet. And this has raised our suspicion that there are possible other fraudulent activities which is known to the House of Representatives but intentionally overlooked or covered up.


“This is therefore a robbery of the Nigerian people and the nation. And we consider it necessary that all parties involved in the cover up and the eventual whistleblowing are culprits in the probe they want to carry out and deserved to be liable for same under the law. This therefore means that the House Of Representative under Gbajabiamila lacks the credibility to probe Ministry of Interior but should be probed along.


“It is important for the Nigerian people to understand the politics being played and carefully choose the side to belong. Nigerians are enjoined to avoid getting involved in the intra caucus war as none of the party means well for the nation apparently.


“We do not build fallacy that the House of Representatives will come out with any pro people report from the probe since it is politically motivated against the people to the service of their sponsor.

"It is expected that the President would relieve Mr Aregbesola of his ministerial position since he has prioritised his political interest in Osun above service to the Nigerian people.


“And in response, Mr Gbajabiamila and all other stooges in the green chamber involved in this selfishly motivated probe be called back by their constituents for conspiracy against the country”.

NANS berates Aregbesola, NSCDC over Osun shootings




The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has berated the shootings allegedly carried out by security operatives attached to the Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, in Osogbo on Monday.

The shootings, which was said to have been orchestrated by officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), occurred due to an alleged attack on the convoy of the minister, who is a former governor of the state.

In a statement on Wednesday by the Coordinator, NANS Southwest (Zone D),
Comrade Emmanuel Olatunji Adegboye, the students argued that the wanton and brazen show of force is a lucid display of the political rot, abuse of power, misuse of office and superabundant arrogation of power that is endemic in our political landscape.

The statement read in parts, "earlier this week, Osun State, Nigeria witnessed one of the most primitive display of power by the Minister of Interior, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola and his convoy.

"In broad daylight, Rauf Aregbesola, men of the uncivilised civil defence Corps and other members of his convoy, without provocation unleashed mayhem on the state's residents by shooting sporadically.


"This wanton and brazen show of force is a lucid display of the political rot, abuse of power, misuse of office and superabundant arrogation of power that is endemic in our political landscape.

"It also goes to show the acute unprofessionalism of some officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

"When the international communities adopt a condescending approach in relating with us sometimes, there is usually a public outcry.

"However, it is the actions of our public office holders who like to play god that keep making Nigeria look stupid among the comity of nations.

"In this dispensation, this is no longer acceptable".

The students, however, called for proper investigation of the occurrence and urged the national headquarters of the NSCDC to sanction all their officers involved in the shootout.

"Needless to remind them that the commonwealth of the good people of Nigeria invested in the agency, is not to cause unrest, fear or terror among the citizenry but to promote security and safety on the country.

"Rauf Aregbesola and his security aides should refrain from violating the peace and serenity of Osun State but rather commit themselves to maximum performance in their statutory duties", the statement added.

Stakeholders worry over increased ritual killers in Ogun


Stakeholders in Ogun state have raised concerns over increased instances of ritual killings being reported in the state.

It will be recalled that about three sets of alleged ritual killers, including a couple, have since been arrested by the state police command in less than one month.

At a day sensitisation/reorientation workshop on security and peace building for Ogun state students, the stakeholders expressed worry over the development, warning that the government must urgently tame the monster.

The event was organised by the Special Assistant to Governor Dapo Abiodun on Students' Affairs, Comrade Azeez Amoo Adeyemi.

It was attended by pupils of secondary schools as well as students drawn from various tertiary institutions in the state.

In his keynote address, the state Chairman of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Dr. Samson Popoola, warned the students against get-rich-quick syndrome.

"The rising waves of ritual killings and the get rich quick syndrome that has held our youths and young adults hostage is the erroneous believe that rich and wealth are the same.

"Unfortunately it is not so that is why we have so many rich people around us but very few wealthy people."

Also in his lecture, the Provost, Tai Solarin College of Education, Omu-Ijebu, Ogun State, Dr. Lukman Kiadese, suggested that such workshop must be sustained to foster continuous conversation about the subject matter.

"All stakeholders must ensure that this conversation is taken to different functional spaces like schools, students' groups, community arenas, village squares, voluntary societies, e.t.c.

Speaking earlier at the event, Adeyemi assured that the state government would continue to reorientate students and engage them in more productive activities that will take their minds off criminality.

He disclosed that efforts is being put in place to take the campaign against money rituals to all tertiary institutions in the state.

Ogun traditional ruler admonishes parents on proper upbringing of children


The Asiwaju of Orile Imo, Chief Olakunle Olalekan has urged parents to ensure proper upbringing of their children and ensure that they are good ambassadors of their families.

He noted that most youths engaging in social vices do so because of lack of parental care and improper moral trainings.

The community leader who spoke in Abeokuta harped on the need to expose the future generations to the consequences of indicipline and immoral acts.



The patron of PCRC while posting that the quest to get rich by all means now rampant among the young ones required urgent attention, the PCRC patron saw the need for stakeholders to put up structures that will expose the youth to the importance of moral values, respect for elders , as well as the fear of God.

Chief Olalekan also saw the need for positive mentorship.

He charged religious leaders and every parent to be more responsible in the discharge of their God given roles.

According to him, the time has come for parents and guardians to be more vigilant.

Chief Olalekan noted that most youths join bad group because of peer group pressure and parental neglect.

Inaugural Ogun SWAN/Security, safety cup kicks off February 15




The inaugural Ogun state Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) Security and Safety Cup will kick off on Tuesday, February 15th at the Training Pitch MKO Abiola Stadium.

This was revealed at the Press Conference to herald the competition at the SWAN Secretariat MKO Abiola Stadium on Tuesday.

The competition will see nine security outfits in the gateway state battle for the laurel.

The teams include Ogun State Social Community Orientation And Safety Corps,(So Safe Corps), Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), the State Fire Service, Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), National Community Ethics and Value Environmental Corps (NCEVEC) and Park Management Scheme.

The opening fixture is between Fire service and Amotekun while Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE) will lock horn against Nigeria police force, day two will see Ogun state Park Management Scheme play host to National Community Ethics and Value Environmental Corps.

The Final is scheduled for February 25th at the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto.

Ogun State Social Community Orientation And Safety Corps,(So Safe Corps), Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Corps (TRACE), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Amotekun Corps, Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN), the State Fire Service, Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) and Park Management Scheme.






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Management denies alleged crisis at FMC Abeokuta




The Management of the Federal Medical Centre in Idi-Aba, Abeokuta, Ogun State, has debunked a news item making the rounds that the centre is engulfed in tension and crisis.

The said news item, according to the management, was purportedly published by an on line news medium, Salient Times, where the reporter allegedly threw caution to the winds and flagrantly distorted facts in order to create an atmosphere of chaos, tension and disaffection in the centre.

In a statement by the centre's Head of Public Relations and information, Mr. Segun Orisajo, the hospital's management bemoaned what it tagged as the unprofessional conduct of the reporter, who for the reasons best known to him, turned his back against balanced reporting, an ethical standard in journalism but instead took a one way reporting line.

The statement read in parts, "for the avoidance of doubts, the Management wishes to state that there was nothing unusual about the supposed invitation of some individuals by an organ of the law enforcement agents and the Federal Ministry of Health as published in the said news report.

"Such invitations are the routine steps commonly adopted by competent government agencies in the assignment of fact finding and should therefore not be misconstrued as breakdown of law and order in the Centre nor does it translates into that.

"It is expedient to put on record that within the past two months, five sub- specialty departments in the Centre got full accreditation for a period of five years each by the accrediting medical bodies for the purposes of training resident doctors.

"The departments are;. Radiology, Family Medicine, Paediatrics, Anaesthesia and Obsbstetrics & Gynaecology.

"Definitely, such remarkable achievements could not have been recorded in an atmosphere of tension and crisis as the Salient Times reporter would want the public to believe.

"As a further show of unity, brotheliness and togetherness, the hospital Union executives , members of the Hospital Management Committee and friends of the Centre were among the well wishers who graced the conferment of PhD in Anatomy on the Medical Director, Prof Adewale Musa-Olomu by the Olabisi Onabanjo University at Ago- Iwoye last Monday.

"Similarly, a thanksgiving get- together in appreciation of the latest Medical Director's academic feat in PhD held just last Saturday was well attended by
members of the Planning and Implementation Committee for the establishment of the Proposed University of Medicine and Medical Sciences, academic guru, the entire members of the Hospital Management, Union Executives and Media Practitioners.

"Therefore, contrary to the make- belief report of the Salient Times, there is unity, love , peace and industrial harmony among the ranks and file of the Federal Medical Centre Idi-Aba Abeokuta.

The hospital urged members of the public to disregard the Salient Times report which the management views as a figment of the reporter's imagination and desperate attempt to drag the reputable name of the foremost health institution and its staff into the mud.

It also enjoined the writer to exercise restraint in his reports, cross check facts and desist from publications aimed at creating ill feelings, disaffection, disharmony and tension where none exists.

Students accuse three Ogun senators of underrepresentation, poor performance

Students in Ogun state, under the aegis of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), have accused the three members representing the state at the Senate of underrepresentation and poor performance.

The students argued that the federal lawmakers have also not done enough to collaborate with the state government in tackling many of the myriads of challenges confronting residents of the state.

They made their position known in a joint press statement issued by NANS Chairman, Damilola kehinde Simeon and NAOSS National President, Ogunrombi Oluwagbemileke, in Abeokuta on Monday.

A former governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun currently represents Ogun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly while Ogun East and Ogun West have Senators Lekan Mustapha and Tolu Odebiyi as their representatives, respectively.

According to the students, there is nothing significant that can be traced to the names of these senators as social intervention in the entire state.

The statement read in parts, “One of the fundamental concerns of our constituency is how the representatives of the state, at the federal level, have continuously justified the public opinion that indeed the senate is just a retirement house for all politicians to continue to enjoy public resources without giving adequate representation to their constituents.

“But as concerned and affected constituents in the state, we are obliged to pass our fair critics and expect a responsible accountability from the senators representing the three senatorial districts of Ogun state at the National Assembly.

“The issue of insecurity has become a major problem in the country today and we do feel it is only a collective effort that can help minimise the crises.

“Ogun state is not entirely excluded even though the state may not be among the top spots in the nation.

“Yet we cannot overlook the issue of insecurity in the western and eastern districts of the state. It is rather surprising that we have not seen any tangible effort nor responsive statement from the senators in these axis to address the crises.

“For instance, we have continuously emphasised in the past that only mass education, provision of empowerment program can help reduce the participation of boarder areas residents of Ogun West in smuggling.

"Smuggling of course is a major cause of insecurity and of economic sabotage in the area. Unfortunately, there is no proud impact by the senator representing the district to solve this problem.

“We are also concerned about the end results of the constituency allowances and funds given to them for constituency projects. In the real sense, no significant project can be identified as an achievement of the three senators”.

The students challenged the three lawmakers to come out open with the provable list of their developmental projects in their respective constituencies.

Akintunde rejoices With Gov Abiodun over Yemi Sanusi's inauguration, Ogun @ 46




The Chief Executive Officer of Aerofield Homes, Lagos and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr Armstrong 'Tope Akintunde has sent his felicitations to the governor of the state, Prince Dapo Abiodun over the eventual inauguration of Chief Yemi Sanusi as the Chairman of the ruling party in Abuja earlier today.

Armstrong declared that the inauguration of the soft-spoken politician and administrator par excellence at Abuja today as Ogun APC Chairman which also coincided with the 46 birthday of the state was indeed a thing of joy that calls for double celebration as well as indication of greater things for the state in 2022

The property merchant disclosed that "I am one of the happiest persons today over the cheering news of the inauguration of our duly elected Chairman of our party, Chief Yemi Sanusi today in Abuja.

"As God will have it, the inauguration is also happening today, 46 years ago when our dear state was created, so it is jubilation for us all and this is also pointing to the fact that Ogun is set for greater exploits under Gov Abiodun this year 2022.

"I hereby use this medium to call on other members of our great party close ranks and remain one big, united family.

I congratulate our hardworking governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun on the occasion of these double celebrations and the governor should be rest assured that many well meaning indigines of the state are already mobilising for his second term come 2023".

2023: Kenny Bello declares interest for House of Reps seat


Hon Kehinde Ayodeji Bello fondly called Kenny Bello, a business merchant from Ijebu-Imusin and chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday, declared his interest to contest for the seat of Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside federal constituency at the House of Representatives come 2023.

The event which was held at Itamarun Ijebu Imusin witnessed the presence of notable leaders of PDP from the three local governments of Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ijebu Waterside.

The Director of mobilisation to Hon Ladi Adebutu, Hon. Lukman Ajomale in his key note address declared that everyone has the right to contest for any office as long as it is for service of the people.

Hon Ajomale said "this is Ijebu East, we shouldn't be deliberating on zoning this time, what is important is the capacity of this aspirant, some of our elders have nominated delegates to witness today's event and I am highly impressed with the turn-out of our people here.

"Ogun PDP has gathered over 30,000 new members while some members are still joining us; people are very interested in the PDP of today, I am appealing to our aspirants to move their campaign trains with their leaders in their respective local government areas of the state.

"I want to appeal to our members for maximum cooperation by bringing in new members into our fold, I pray for victory within our party, Nigerians are suffering, it's time for our party to come back to power and be in charge from federal to local government. PDP is the only party that can wipe away the tears from the faces of Nigerians", he said.

In the same vein, Mrs Omisande in her message appealed to the members to extend their tentacles across the three local government areas of the state, urging them to go all out and get registered for their voter's card as that is the only instrument they could use to bring back PDP to power in 2023.

Speaking at the event, Hon Kenny Bello as he is popularly called declared that he was very hopeful that Ijebu East Local Government will be producing the next federal lawmaker representing the federal constituency of Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside come 2023 at House of Representatives, Abuja.

Kenny Bello, who said his 2023 House of Representatives aspiration would undoubtedly be a breath of fresh air disclosed that "In Ijebu-East, we have been aspiring for this position since years back and I am convinced that this is the time that God has ordained.

"I therefore want to appeal to our leaders within the party, our dear members and supporters too, that we must join hands to make this happen. This time around, we shouldn't leave the slot of Ijebu-East for another region, we have waited enough".

Kanny Bello added that his aspiration would bring about a lot of turning around in terms of unimaginable development and other programmes that would make life much more comfortable for residents of the federal constituency.

The business tycoon said "I really don't want to exchange issues with anyone but what I know and which all of you can also bear me witness is that I will not let you down if given the chance, it's our time to succeed together, Ijebu East is my priority, let's join hands together to achieve this divine assignment".

2023: Ogun House of Reps hopeful lauds police efforts to secure Nigerians


A stalwart of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State and 2023 House of Representatives hopeful for Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside federal constituency, Hon Kehinde Ayodeji Bello has lauded the The Nigeria Police for the daily sacrifice of its officers in their bid to ensure law and order while also protecting the lives and properties of Nigerians.

Hon Kehinde Ayodeji Bello gave this commendation during his visit to the Anti-cultism/Anti-kidnapping Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikorodu

Kenny Bello, as the versatile politician is fondly called said that despite the challenges of poor remuneration and other welfare concerns, the police have remained dedicated to protecting lives and properties in the country.

He declared that "I am happy that Nigeria Police, despite all odds are giving good account of themselves all over the country. I personally appreciate what you are doing in Lagos to ensure that we all sleep with our two eyes closed and you surely deserve further support so that you can do more. I will ensure I do my bit to make job easier for you.

"I will help with refurbishing of your patrol vehicle, this will be among other support that will enhance your effectiveness. I will equally seize this opportunity to call on other Nigerians and organisations to support the police in this onerous job of providing security for all of us".

Kenny Bello urged the police officers to keep up the good job while also promising to always support them from time to fight crime to standstill in the country.

AATSG affirms Northeast's readiness to elect Tinubu



The newly inaugurated executives of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group, AATSG, North East zone at the prime Event center maiduguri after there inauguration have declared that the people of the area are ready and willing to vote Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu the former governor of Lagos State who is also the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as the next president of Nigeria come 2023.

This declaration was made by the national chairman of the group, Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo at the official inauguration of the North east Zone and all the state executives in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital.

Odunowo, a former governorship aspirant of the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, in his remarks at the occasion charged the new executives to double their efforts at mobilization and creating awareness so that every nook and cranny of the zone would be aware of their activities at ensuring Tinubu gets voted at the next general elections.

In attendance at the inauguration were high profile National Officers of AATSG, the Delegation was led by the National Chairman, Otunba Abdulfalil Abayomi Odunowo, the National Secretary Abayomi Siwoniku, Hakeem Onitiri the National Treasurer, princess Madina SANUSI National woman leader, National organizing Sceretary Habu Dauda MoiSoro, National legal adviser Chinwe Okpala, the National Youth Leader Adedayo Adeyemi, South East Vice Chairman nze Osondo Oforchebe, high Chief Oxford wabara S.E Zonal Secretary. Otuba Adedayo Alatishe, Olugbenga Ogunnuga, dolapo Adegebsan and Adegoke Adeyemi were all part of the national team that attended the inauguration and swearing in.

The chairman warned against complacency of the candidacy of Tinubu saying "though Asiwaju is the best candidate not only for the APC, but in the whole of the country, we should not be overconfident because Nigeria is a country where political dynamics change with little or no warnings."

Odunowo, who also served as Senior Special Assistant to Senator Ibikunle Amosun as governor said Maiduguri was chosen for the inauguration in solidarity with the people and government of Borno state in the face of current security challenges.

"Our choice of Maiduguri is to stand in solidarity with the people and government of Borno who are doing everything possible to stem the tide of the current security challenges," Odunowo said.

In his submission, the AATSG north east chairman, Ahmed Baba DIkwa said the zone is more than ready to ensure Tinubu is voted in as president. He further stated that of all the aspirants jostling for presidential tickets of all the political parties, Tinubu stands shoulder high above all of them in terms of performance in public office and leadership skills.

Dignitaries from Borno State at the event includes Hon Ali Bukar Dalori , State chairman of the APC and his secretary Hon Bello Ayuba. Hon Sugun Mai Mele - Hon Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy affairs also graced the occasion.

Others are Alh Babakura Habib - Zonal Vice chairman Central, Alh Kalla Mongono - Zonal Chairman North. Hon Makinta Zarami - State publicity Secretary. Hon Alh Ali Kotoko - Member House of Borno House of Assembly.

Also at the inauguration were Hon Abubakar Tijjani - Commissioner for Transport , Hon Kester C. Ogualili - Special Adviser on Community Relations. Hon Hassan Alao Yusuf - Special Adviser on Community Relations and the Oba of Yoruba Community of Borno .

Hon Lanre Obadiah the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the governor and the Waziri of the Yoruba Community of Borno was also in attendance.

Amongst the VIP present was Hajiya Kakanna Alkali - State Women Leader for the organisation.

Overall the event was very successful, the Organization was top notch With attendance of top government functionaries of Borno state

NBM's Malaysia chapter holds medical outreach in Nigerian community


of Africa (NBM), Malaysia Zone, has provided free medical checkups and medicines to indigenes and non-indigenes of Ogbe-Udu in Udu community of Delta State, Nigeria.

The event, the first of its kind in the area, which took place at Ogbe Udu community hall on January 21, 2022 is part of its implementation of the zonal blueprint.

About 400 elderly people and other indigenes benefited from the exercise and were all smiles at the end of the day. Many of the beneficiaries, who spoke with our correspondent, commended NBM of Africa for the gesture. They noted that the organisation braved the odds to reach out to the poor and needy in Udu community.

The medical outreach was the organization’s (NBM's) Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), a way of giving back to society and a lifeline to the less privileged. It expressed profound gratitude to Delta Zone, for its immense logistical assistance. It urged the people to work and cooperate for the benefit of the local community and in making the medical outreach programme a success.

Speaking after the event, the president of NBM's Malaysia chapter, Mr. Lugard Okoye, extolled Edirin Goru's selfless disposition through the instrumentality of the organisation.

Other dignitaries present were Delta Chapter president, Mr. Timothy Oyibo; Delta Chapter Council Leader, Mr. Preye Niger; National Legal Adviser, Chief Barrister Kelvin Agbroko; National Council member, Mr. Ochuko Oyoroko; and Ughelli Chapter Secretary, Mr. Ukre Oris.

Others were Ogbe-Udu community executive and Delta Chapter working executive among others.

A statement by NBM's national spokesman, Mr. Oluwatosin Dixon, said: "The Renaissance regime is centred on love and humanity, adding: Thank you Malaysia Zone for this outstanding achievement."

Ogun lawmaker, Ajibola, empowers followers without constituency allowance



Hon. Sikirat Ajibola, Ogun State House of Assembly member, representing Ipokia/Idiroko constituency, said she has carried out a lot of empowerment programmes to support her constituents without constituency allowance.



Ajibola, while speaking with newsmen at Ipokia on Tuesday, explained that she embarked on the empowerment programmes with personal fund.


She noted that there was no constituency allowance from the executive arm of government since the inception of the 9th legislature.



The lawmaker stated that in 2021, she was able to distribute 80 pieces of hospital bed, over 150 farm tools, 100 dryers and 50 clippers for both hairdressers and barbers.


" We also distributed over 100 cooking gas, chairs and tables for butchers , 150 standing fans, 100 generators and 60 Grinding machines. The second phase of the empowerment also came in monetary form.


"We encouraged some entrepreneurs with a reasonable amount of money to support their small scale businesses. All these empowerment are done with my hard earned money.


"I can't wait for constituency allowance before I give back to my constituents," she said.



Ajibola, however, refuted a report on social media claiming that she kept furniture meant for primary and secondary schools in Ipokia/Idiroko in her office.


The lawmaker expressed sadness over the report, saying that the report was completely false.


" It saddens my heart when I saw the write up. Truth must be told , I did 1,500 chairs but it is in batches.


"The first batch the cabinet maker brought in 2021 were not up to standard and I told him to come and pack them to do the needful.


"If I had shared bad chairs to both secondary and primary school students the story would have been worst," she said.



She noted that these projects were executed from her personal money, adding that all the members of the 9th legislature had been doing projects without constituency allowance.


Ajibola, who also claimed that she was alleged to have threatened the writer of the false information, said she had never threatened anyone in her life, saying that people should play politics with the fear of God.

Students caution security agencies against repeat of #EndSARS


The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), on Sunday, cautioned the operatives of the newly-constituted joint security outfit in Ogun state, code-named OP-MESA from engaging in undue harassment and oppression of citizens, especially students in the discharge of their duty.

The students' body said this became imperative to avoid the repeat of the nationwide #EndSARS protest as a result of alleged police brutality on youths.

Governor Dapo Abiodun, had on Friday, launched the security outfit to combat armed robbery, cultism, kidnapping, banditry, killer herdsmen, highway robbery and other criminal activities in the state.

Speaking to journalists at a press conference in Abeokuta, the state capital, Comrade Damilola Simeon, the Chairman of NANS, Ogun Joint Campus Committee, warned that the creation of the security outfit should not be a license for security operatives to unleash terror on law abiding citizens.

Simeon, who commended the governor for setting up the security outfit, said the leadership of NANS will work with Student Union Governments of tertiary institutions across the state to provide intelligence and support for security operatives.

He urged security operatives to consult the leadership of the association and managements of tertiary institutions before carrying out arrest of suspects on campuses and students' residential areas.

This, the student said would prevent any form of confrontation of students with security operatives whenever arrests of suspects are being made.

"We are ready to provide the state government with volunteers from the student constituency who will serve as whittle blowers on our campuses. These volunteers will assist in giving first-hand intelligence to security agencies as regards activities on suspected internet fraudsters on our campuses.

"To this end, the leadership of NANS in conjunction with Students' Union Government (SUG) of all tertiary institutions in the state will be setting a security committee, tagged: "Student Campus Security Committee" to flush out criminally minded students from our schools.

"The committee will work with the newly created OP-MESA and other security agencies in the area of intelligence gathering to rid the state of cultism, kidnapping, banditry, internet fraud and other criminal activities.

"We shall provide the needed support to these security agencies for them to carry out their duties.

"The setting up of the committee also became imperative to serve as one of the machineries to checkmate and curtail the excesses of the OP-MESA and security agencies.

"Like the saying goes: "Absolute power corrupt absolutely", the experience of the nationwide #EndSARS protest is still fresh in the minds of Nigerians and the scars left by police brutality are yet to heal, therefore, we will like to urge operatives of the OP-MESA to discharge their duty by not harassing and extorting law abiding citizens, especially students.

"Students will resist any attempt by operatives of the OP-MESA and any security agency for that matter to unduly harass, extort, punish, intimidate and oppress innocent and law abiding students.

"We want to sound a note of warning that, the setting of OP-MESA or financial crimes commission by the state is not a license for security operatives to unleash terror on law abiding citizens. We won't want a repeat of the ugly #EndSARS experience.

"We will not also tolerate undue invasion of our campuses and students' residential areas by security operatives in the name of arresting criminals.

"Inasmuch as we will not condole criminals nor harbour them, we urge security operatives to also liaise with the leadership of NANS and school managements whenever they are going to carry out arrest of criminals on campuses and students' residential, this we believe will help in preventing altercation between students and security agencies."

Students shut down MAPOLY over non-composition of Governing Council, others

...protest is politically-sponsored, says management





Students of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta, Ogun State yesterday barricaded the main entrance of the school in protest of poor infrastructure, exorbitant fees and insecurity of students.

They also protested the non-composition of the institution's governing council and alleged refusal of the State government to appoint a substantiative rector for over two years.

The students, who stormed the polytechnic as early as 8 am, were led by the Chairman, Nations Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Ogun JCC, Comrade Damilola Simeon Kehinde.

The agrrieved students accused the Acting Rector of the polytechnic, Dr. Adeoye Odedeji of mismanaging the resources of the institution.

Simeon, while addressing journalists and students during the protest, called for the investigation of the acting rector for alleged financial mismanagement.

He lamented that the failure of the state government to appoint a substantiative rector and also constitute the governing council had been responsible for the backwardness of the school.

The students, therefore, gave the State government a 72-hour ultimatum to attend to all the 11-point demands they raised at the protest.

"We want the anti-graft agencies to investigate the Rectors claim that The state government has refused to fund the school and that the school has nothing more than 10 million naira in her treasury".

"We demand the immediate establishment of Governing Council and appointment of Substantive Rector in MAPOLY.

"Total fee of final year clearance has always been N11,000 but now it it N55,000. We demand that this be reversed.

"The mode of payment of school fees use to be ratio 60/40 which can be paid twice in two semesters, but the management had resorted to 100% one time payment. We demand that this be reviewed at once.

"MAPOLY road from Iyana Oloke, Olorunsogo and Agbena took more lives than what could be imagined due to its deplorable state. We demand a lasting solution once and for all

"Maximum security on and off campus. Eradication of extortion from police force within the school environment is obviously rampant and we have complained to the Management but all had turned on deaf ears.

"We demand immediate reduction of acceptance fee and medical fee. We demand Addition of Marcopolo buses for students welfarism.

"We say no to the unreasonable extortion by the transport Union on Our Campus and demand that the price be returned to the normal 50naira per trip that was on ground.

"That The school management should reverse their decision of killing the social life and activities on Our Campus.

"We say no to the management ban of Students bringing cars into the campus during and beyond exam periods".

But reacting to the students' demands, the institution's Public Relations Officer (PRO), Yemi Ajibola accused the students of been sponsored by politicians to discredit the State government.

Ajibola said, "The demands made by the students as at Friday have been met. We discussed and ironed things out, but to my surprise, I saw the NANS laying siege at the gate of the polytechnic and I was wondering what is the problem?

"The way it is, I want to believe that there is more to what we are seeing. It is like a sponsored protest and I'm seeing it as a target against the government because if you are doing that in the State capital.

"What they (requested), the school authority cannot do it. They wanted good road, they wanted more buses to ease transportation, they wanted students' union election and we said the process has started but we will have to put some things in place before we can do the election, they said want 60 - 40 mode of payment and we said, it has become a government policy and if we have to reverse it, then we have to get back to the government.

"We have done all these and yet they are not budging, so I want to believe that there is more to what they are asking for. Some people are behind the scene wanting to discredit the government. The protest is political, the 2023 election is around the corner and people will want to use the students, the youths, NANS for that matter to get at the government."

My people need modern hospitals, other amenities - Bello, Ogun Reps Aspirant



Sure-footed, Kehinde Ayodeji Bello has thrown his hat into the ring to contest as lawmaker representing Ijebu East, Ijebu North and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, come 2023.

In this interview, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain unfolds his agenda of socio-economic transformation through adequate and responsive representation, if voted in. Excerpts:


* Kindly offer us your background information


I am Kehinde Ayodeji Bello, I am from Itamarun, Ijebu Imusin in Ijebu East LG Area of Ogun State. I attended Moslem Primary School, Ijebu Imusin. I later proceeded to St Anthony's Grammar, Esure, Ijebu Imusin and thereafter gained admission to study Mass Communication at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State. I had my Masters Degree in a university in California and I am currently at the tail end of my Doctorate degree in the same university in California, United States of America (USA). I have many businesses in Nigeria like I have in USA and other countries. I am the CEO of Bellverno Autos Incorporation Nigeria and California, USA, Bellz Hotel, Bar and Club in Lagos, Bell Globa Nigeria Ltd etc. I am a very blunt person, I don't deceive people. Those who are very close to me can testify to this act. I listen to advice when the case arises and I don't have the "Mr-know-all" attitude.


* Why did you resolve to go into politics?


I have been a politician for a long time. I love politics, and I have been in politics before leaving Nigeria for America. Because I see the situation of things in Nigeria and we need to make our country Nigeria great. That is the reason why I venture into politics. I remain an eagle that sees the distance from afar, I have discovered myself and the purpose for living is to assist mankind. The question we should be asking now is the will for politics as it concerns the governance and leadership of the people in my federal constituency, namely Ijebu East, North and Ogun Waterside and the nation at large. It is the way towards positioning governance and leadership, managing the strategies in essence, and the opportunity that politics gives. It's however good to note that there is a will and there is a way, the past and present experiences are always for me to see that things are not going on well in my federal constituency which prompted my interest to recontest in the coming 2023 elections.


* What is your political philosophy?


My political philosophy is to see that equal rights are given to citizens and no one should be discriminated against, irrespective of gender, age, religion or tribe.


* Obviously, 2023 general elections is around the corner; what is your mission to your federal constituency if given the opportunity to serve?


I am contesting for the 2023 House of Representatives election, and I am going to emerge as the PDP candidate and subsequently win in the general election by the special grace of God Almighty. We shall campaign vigorously and win the general elections. If everybody is running away from the contest, I don't think it is a good idea. I believe we have to prove ourselves that we are ready to contest and win the election to represent the good people of Ijebu East, North and Ogun Waterside federal constituency. When I get elected, I will give my constituents the quality representation needed at the green chamber of the National Assembly come 2023.

Additionally, I will also make sure that I develop Ijebu North/Ijebu East/Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency with federal amenities; though I have not been opportune to actively serve, but I have been supporting by my good people who are my real followers; driven by the desire of trusting and supporting a candidate to win an election but disappointed by the fact that when they eventually get to power, they go there to do their wish, rather than the wishes of the people in the society, I Kehinde Ayodeji Bello am telling the whole world today that mine shall be different in styles, I am a man of every soul. I know where the shoe pitches within my three local government areas of the state. I believe I possess the sufficient moral capacity to contest for a political post and win and thereafter, give the people who I govern a credible and worthy representation which they can be proud of any time, any day. I want to actively balance the system in my federal constituency and put things right.



* Before you joined active politics, you must have done some crucial things to your people. Can you let us know your contributions to your Federal Constituency?


As an individual, I have done a lot of things to touch the lives of my people in Ijebu North, Ijebu East and Ogun Waterside local government areas respectively. These are the local government areas that make up the federal constituency in which I am going to represent at Abuja. I founded KAB Foundation (a non-governmental organisation) almost a decade ago, which is also the platform I am using to reach out to my people at the grassroots, to touch their lives positively. The foundation every year offers scholarship to brilliant but indigent students of the federal constituency in the university and other tertiary institutions. Annual free GCE/JAMB-UTME forms for prospective candidates, youth empowerment/capacity building, care for the aged and widows, cash assistance to market women and petty traders, sinking of boreholes and renovation of dilapidated ones etc are part of our programmes. All these are what I have been doing with my personal money to touch lives, and if I eventually get to office as a member of House of Representatives (MHR), I will do more of these with public funds. I will also prove myself to be a good representative and worthy ambassador of my federal constituency as well. When I get into office as House of Representatives member, it is my plan to facilitate modern hospitals with state of art equipment like those ones in America, to Ijebu East LG and others. I am really promising my people that if they vote for me and I eventually win the House of Representatives' seat, I will do more.



* APC is a ruling party in Ogun State and Nigeria by extension; are you not scared of the APC using the advantage of the incumbent over you?



I don't think that one can happen in Nigeria again under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari. He is a good leader that will like to leave good legacy behind after his right years' tenure of office. Free and fair general elections will be conducted as done in the last gubernatorial election in Edo State in which Gov Obaseki of PDP defeated APC in a free and fair election conducted by the electoral umpire, INEC. PDP will win massively in the 2023 general elections and APC will also find it difficult to rig and influence the election results. In politics, it is a general belief that you can only rig elections where you are popular. APC is not popular again in most states in the country.



* Your advice to your people in Ijebu East, North and Ogun Waterside Federal Constituency?


I want them to see me as their messiah; the current legislator has done his best. I must commend him for what what he has done tremendously and I am assuring my people that this time, necessary things need to be added. It's my goodwill to the my people of in Ijebu East, North and Ogun Waterside, which I vividly direct, that it is time they come resolute and take the bull by the horn. They should not just be on the social media or sit by the roadside arguing. They should put their action into practice to elect me as their next House of Representatives member.

Note to President Buhari as you visit Ogun State today, 13/1/2022.

Mr President welcome to Ogun state, a land you are aware of from your years as a young military officer in Alamala. Over the years, I am happy that you have kept a good relationship with the people of Ogun. In the name of all sons and daughters of the gateway state, I welcome you and your entourage!

However, Sir, there are few issues I wish to bring to your notice, as they represent some of the things we would like you to help our state with.

1. Mr President, as a gateway state, we have too many federal government roads that are in a calamitous state. The Lagos-Abeokuta road passing through Ota which is a National industrial hub is really bad. I believe that if the federal government cannot help with this all important road, please use your authority to get it handed over to the dual states of Lagos and Ogun for us to take it over and fix it. The Ota-Agbara road linking Badagry is in a very sorry state, and this is a road that connects us to Benin Republic. Mr President that road is not befitting of our status. The Sagamu-Ogijo-Ikorodu road is another road I wish to bring to the attention of the federal government. Mr President, please instruct your Minister of Works to give you a full and comprehensive briefing on the state of the federal roads in Ogun and you will agree with me that our state needs special consideration when it come to federal roads.
2. Mr President, the next issue on my list for your attention is the attitude of custom officers around our border town in the Ogun West Axis of Idiroko, Imeko-Afon, and Ipokia corridor. They kill and maim my people with reckless abandon under the guise of chasing smugglers, and looking for smuggled goods. Meanwhile, in connivance they allow known smugglers escape and get into the country while they run riots in our town and villages chasing shadows at the expense of my people. Mr President please read them the riot act that their responsibilities must be carried out with regard to human lives and peace of the citizens of the country.
3. Mr President, we are in need of support in terms of ecological reclamation and re-stabilization of our soil as a result of both erosion and mining. Both of which naturally demand that help should come from the federal government. I will be grateful if you send down a team to do impact assessment with a view remedial activities.
4. Mr President, do not forget your promise to land in our airport. Please help us make this promise a reality. There is enough justification for its viability and like you are aware you have given approval and funding for this airport. Mr President, it will remove a lot of pressure from the lagos-ibadan express way and further open up our state economy especially with our proximity to Africa as an international gateway.
5. I must thank you for the Lagos-Ibadan Rail which passes through Abeokuta, for not to do so will be most ungrateful, as it is not part of our Omoluabi culture, I say thank you sir.
6. Finally, Mr President, Abeokuta is your home and you can be rest assured you are always welcome. Have a lovely day and safe journey back to your base in Abuja.

Yours Sincerely
Segun Showunmi
Keesi Abeokuta.

Why I stopped aspirants from dragging Governor Abiodun, Ogun APC to Supreme Court - Armstrong



One-time senatorial candidate and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, Mr Armstrong 'Tope Akintunde, speaks in this interview on topical issues bordering on the state's politics, insisting that Governor Dapo Abiodun has undoubtedly done well to deserve another term in 2023. Excerpts:


* The APC National Reconciliation Committee was in Ogun State last week to settle differences among warring parties. What is your take on this visit?


I must confess that it was a great move by the national leadership of APC to resolve all the differences tearing the party apart and strengthen it towards making the party more formidable ahead of 2023 general elections. I specifically commend the Senator Abdullahi Adam-led committee for the wisdom and depth of political knowledge with which it has used to handle the assignment. The general opinion is that Governor Dapo Abiodun is doing a wonderful job and should therefore be supported beyond 2023. We should all see ourselves as one indivisible family, we should close ranks and work for the betterment of Ogun State and the country at large. We should be careful of being unnecessarily selfish and a clog in the wheel of progress.


* Opposition elements have always claimed that Prince Dapo Abiodun has not lived up to expectations as governor and consequently does not deserve to pilot the affairs of Ogun State beyond May 2023. How would you react to this?


Talk, they say, is cheap and that was exactly what the opposition recently exhibited in the state. I said this because the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun has been fantastic with governance since he came on board on May 29, 2019. The governor has been focused and quite strategic about his approach to issues of governance. He came in as a successful entrepreneur in the oil and gas industry with wide range experience in administration and management of resources. He has demonstrated so much competence and intelligence in governance touching every sector. He is an apostle of continuity in governance with how he has picked up some of the uncompleted road projects by his predecessor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, and completed them. These included the Kuto dual carriageway, the ongoing Adigbe road, among others. The governor has just reconstructed Abeokuta-Siun-Sagamu expressway, the Epe-Ijebu Ode is also waiting to be commissioned by President Muhammadu Buhari. The governor has equally done feeder roads such as the Elite road, Abeokuta, Vespa road, Ifo, Navy-AIT road, Sango; Oba Erinwole road, Sagamu; those at Ijebu-Ode among at least 200 roads either fixed or ongoing across the state. He is doing so much in the area of education with construction of about 1000 classrooms, the yellow roofs school buildings are all over the state.

The health, housing and agriculture sectors are also receiving adequate attention. Look at the the just completed low cost housing estate at Kobape via Abeokuta and this is being replicated in Ijebu-Ode, Ikenne and Agbara, among others. This is not to say that the governor has done all, but within the time spent and the challenges of this cash crunched economy aggravated by Covid-19, the governor has proved to be a good manager of scarce resources. He has done so much to make the people of the state happy and that's why many are already rooting for his second term come 2023. We must give him another term because of his commitment to make sure the state is more prosperous. The governor is currently working to ensure that there is stability of power supply in our major towns, Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Agbara and other industrial hubs. This will definitely trigger industrial revolution and all the economic advantages that come with it. In a nutshell, I can confidently say that the opposition is only bellyaching, because Dapo Abiodun is doing the job given to him by the people of the state. In local parlance, we say it is "bad belle" that is worrying the opposition and nothing more.



* Two Councilorship aspirants from Ward 3 and Ward 5 Iperu-Remo, in Ikenne local government area of Ogun State reportedly dragged the party to court over the last local government elections. There are speculations that you are the brain behind this litigation, yet you seem to be advocating reconciliation in the party?


Being the brain behind the matter is not true. We are all aware that whenever there is a contest, someone must emerge as the winner. What actually happened was that, when the local government primaries for the Councillorship were conducted, two Councillorship aspirants from Ward 3 and Ward 5 Iperu felt that they were unduly robbed and became aggrieved. I felt they had a genuine complaint too but, the Governor who is the leader and our father in the party called me to his house and intervened and pleaded that the matter should be dropped for the continued unity and progress of the party. As a result, I decided to hands off and allow reason to prevail. I also urged the aggrieved Councilorship aspirants to desist from pursuing the case in the law courts. I have since hands off from the matter and whatever has become of it is not in any way connected to me. I have several times urged the aspirants too to bow to the wishes of the party and move on. After all, there will always be another day.

When I was home on weekend, I heard the information that some individuals are sponsoring and dragging the matter to the Supreme Court. I immediately invited them for personal advice and appealed that the resources they intend to deploy to Supreme Court are supposed to be channelled to empower our people in the state as a way of promoting Governor Abiodun's second term in office. I, therefore, have the belief that as one of the party members, they would heed my admonition.


* What do you think should be the focus of the APC led government in the new year 2022?


President Buhari should intensify efforts to combat insecurity. He must be a bit more hard on those disturbing the peace of the country. The rate at which these bandits, terrorists, kidnappers and all sorts send many to their early grave is alarming. Insecurity is now a problem across the country The President has really tried but he can do more to ensure that everyone is safe in the country. I appreciate the President for agreeing to label these bandits terrorists for that is who they really are. Peace and tranquility are quite necessary to attract foreign investors into the country. The general election is next year, there is definitely going to be a lot of political activities this year and so, there should be adequate security for all. Another area I equally expect this government to also work on this new year is our economy. It needs a lot of rejuvenation. The inflationary trend is worrisome and must be arrested. I welcome the appointment of Dr Doyin Salami as the Chief Economic Adviser to Mr President. President Buhari should please get more experts if need be to address our challenges in the economy.


* Several politicians are already jostling for one position or another as 2023 approaches. What are your own plans?


Yes, I am a politician, but I keep saying that I am first a technocrat before becoming a politician. I have always supported the government of the day, I am never ambitious. For now, my priority is to support Governor Dapo Abiodun to continue his good works beyond 2023. And as someone who believes so much in leadership, if the governor now says that go for the Senate or House of Representatives, I will be willing to serve my people in any capacity.


* What is your charge to the people of Ogun State?

They should please be patient and support the government of Prince Dapo Abiodun to record more successes in its determined bid to leave the state far better than he met it. Here's a man who by the special grace of God already made his money before coming into power. So, he is very passionate about improving the lots of the people in the state, he thinks, talks and works on these every second. Our people should therefore shun destructive criticism and rather support our governor to do much more than he had done in the past.

The Issues Magazine publisher, Oduneye, mourns Alao-Akala's passage


The Publisher of The Issues Magazine, Mr. Seun Oduneye, has joined eminent Nigerians to mourn the passage of a former Governor of Oyo State, Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala.

In a statement on Wednesday, Oduneye said the former governor was no doubt charismatic and was gifted with vision to improve the lot of the masses through the execution of people-oriented projects, spanning all facets of life.

According to the Publisher, Alao-Akala loved the poor, the downtrodden in the society and sincerely showed them affection

The statement read in parts, "to us at The Issues Magazine, Otunba Alao Adebayo-Akala demonstrated an amazing eloquence, and was completely removed from the negative energy of anger, bitterness and all that pertain to such.

"In its stead, he was imbued with positive energy, and this is revealing in his smiles, rebabartive of his days of meritorious and dedicated leadership during his tenure as Governor of State

"Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala was no doubt charismatic and was gifted with vision to improve the lot of the masses through the execution of people-oriented projects, spanning all facets of life.

"Chief Alao-Akala loved the poor, the downtrodden in the society and sincerely showed them affection. In this wise, he demonstrates a warmth, all through. He was never disconnected from his people once.

"Otunba Adebayo Alao-Akala, we can vividly remember our business transactions with you during your days in the 2019 general elections being the flagbearer of the ADP before crossing to the All Progressives Congress.

"May God grant the soul of a leader with a large heart, eternal rest and give the family, friends fortitude to bear the irreplaceable loss of an Ogbomoso Icon".

Ogun guber hopeful, Adegbola, mourns Shonekan's passage



A governorship aspirant in Ogun State, Prince John Adegbola, has joined eminent Nigerians to mourn the death of the former Interim National Government (ING) Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Adegbola, who is aspiring under the platform of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in his condolence message said the elder statesman has done his part and contributed immensely to our nationhood.

The message read in parts, "it is my prayer that God grants his family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

"Ernest Shonekan was known to be a charming individual with a peerless approach to the game of politics.

"Nigeria will miss him especially at this crucial period that his wealth of experience in politics is needed most".

Shonekan was the ING between August 26 and November 17, 1993, died in Lagos Tuesday at the age of 85

He will be sorely missed, Adegbola mourned.

Ogun Assembly hopeful, Adewale, hails Abiodun on Buhari's visit to Ogun

........mourns Shonekan's passage



An aspirant to the Ogun State House of Assembly in Ijebu North Constituency II, Prince Adeshina Adewale has felicitated with Governor Dapo Abiodun as he welcome President Muhammadu Buhari on a one day working visit to the state on Thursday.

Prince Adewale, popularly known as Feelingcool stated this in a press statement issued by his Media Consultant, Hakeem Adegbenro in Abeokuta on Wednesday.

Feelingcool maintained that the President’s visit is a further testament to the developmental strides of Governor Dapo Abiodun, saying that it will spur the governor to do more.

During the visit, President Buhari is expected to commission some landmark projects, which includes Gateway City Gate Monument Park at Sagamu Interchange.

The President is also expected to inaugurate the Ijebu-Ode Mojoda-Epe expressway and two housing estates: the 527-unit low & medium Kobape Housing scheme Kobape and the highbrow, 83 duplexes at Kings Court Estate at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

In another development, Prince Adewale has also commiserated with the people and government of Ogun State over the demise of former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan

Shonekan, who headed the Interim National Government (ING) between August 26 and November 17 1993, breathed his last in Lagos, early Tuesday at the age of 85.

He expressed grief that Chief Shonekan, passed on at a period the country needed his experience most as a technocrat and elder-stateman.

He however pray for the repose of the former leader soul, while praying God to comfort his immediate family.

All eyes on Kobape as President Buhari visits Ogun - Dr. Adeyemo, Pelican-Valley CEO




Dr. Babatunde Adeyemo is the Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of Pelican Valley Estate and Pelican - Brief located in Kobape axis of Ogun State. Dr. Adeyemo spoke with real estate and property crew of The Daily Crucible on how Kobape is the furure Dubai in Ogun State.




Que: President Muhammadu Buhari is warmly expected in Ogun State on official visit to inaugurate many landmark projects of governor Dapo Abiodun. What does the planned visit portend from the eye of a private sector operator?


And: It's a very good, auspicious and a sign that the present administration is doing what they are suppose to do to attract the President to inaugurate some projects in Ogun State. There are some governors that are not opportune to invite the President to visit them during their tenure in Office and I think it is a very big achievement, a great achievement for the present administration and this presents huge opportunity as well as huge advantage towards bringing prospective investors to the state. Now that the President is coming here, all eyes will be on Ogun state and people would want to take advantage of it to explore the investment opportunities in the state, especially in the real estate sector.The only way they can leverage on that advantage in Ogun state is on lands and industrialisation based on the state's proximity to and strategic location towards Lagos. Ogun state and Lagos is just like New Jersey and New york. Average investor will want to take advantage of the development in Ogun state and from here stretch hand to tap into the economy of Lagos.





Que: What prospect does it hold for real estate and property industry since the President will be in Kobape axis?


And: Development has always been moving to Kobape axis, it is not by magic at all, it is because landmark projects in the masterplan of Ogun State are mostly domiciled on Kobape axis. The major projects in Ogun state are situated in Siun-Kobape axis, that is what's make kobape the investors destination and also the best emerging location in Ogun state.The last administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosun invited the President Muhammadu Buhari to inaugurate some projects and you will realize that the President was in Kobape - Siun -Abeokuta axis, where he commissioned so many projects on the axis.
Now, this present administration of Prince, Dr. Dapo Abiodun is inviting the President to the same state and out of the five landmark projects that the government is going to inaugurate, about three are going to be from Kobape-Abeokuta axis. Perhaps till eternity, that's how it's going to be. If you are privy to the master plan of Ogun State , you will see that the presently renovated Government House was built long time ago by the Colonial masters, where the Permanent government house in the masterplan will still be on the stretch of the same 47 kilometers Abeokuta -kobape axis, which is even one of the roads the President is coming to commision. Perharps, when the next President will be coming might be to commission the new Ogun Government House or other Multinational industries on the same axis. The new judiciary complex, the Tech hub, federal government in conjunction with the NCC are also having an elephant projects, almost completed on the same axis. All these developments are clear indications that the axis is just the future of Ogun State. That is why you see that over 85 to 90 percent of the lands in that axis are on government acquisition.





Que: Why is everybody attention seemingly focusing on Kobape area?


And: The Government knows what is in its masterplan and the importance of the kobape siun-Abeokuta lands. You might be passing through and see plenty bushes but 90 percent of those bushy lands are on committed governments acquisition. About 1.5kilometres on both left and right sides of that stretch are on government acquisition which the government will make available to genuine investors in accordance with the states masterplan. According to information available to me, The Ogun State Government wants to turn that place to the Dubai of Nigeria.Those land are sold to industries withing the ranges of 50 to 100 million Naira per hectare on that axis. If you see those bushes, they are not bushes to government, they are wealth, it's Ogun state wealth. It's Ogun state Oil and inheritance, now Imagine what the place will look like after those industries would have been fully established? I took my time to study the Ogun state master plan and I realized that in terms of proximity to Lagos, Kobape is less than 45minutes drive to Lagos by road. In terms of proximity to the train station it is very close to the train station, you can leave Ebute Meta in Lagos and get to Wole Soyinka train station Abeokuta within an hour. And from Kobape to Wole Soyinka train station is less than eight minutes drive, which means you can live in Abeokuta and work in Lagos. That is where dynamics of events point to today.





Que: How does Pelican Valley Estate fit into this arrangement?


And: Kobape and Lagos -Siun - Abeokuta expressway is highly strategic to the government, what Pelican estate has done is that, it's the closest estate to the Ogun State seat of power, the government House and the train station, that is also free from government acquisition. We researched for the aquisition boundaries where the government land ends before we acquire our lands, we got the necessary documentions. It took us two years to discover that place, any real estate company that will be coming to Kobape might find it extremely difficult to get a land that is closer to the seat of power and the train station than us, except government allocation land or government acquisition land. It has to be after us, they can't come before us, they can only have their locations far behind Pelican-Brief. We are able to strategically position pelican group appropriately for all the advantages in Kobape. Kobape area is the future of Ogun State. Investors should take advantage of it, come to Pelican Valley Estate and Pelican - Brief to acquire land. Ogun state Commissioner for Urban and Physical Planning has stated that Pelican-Brief is the only estate that has full government approved layout in the last three years in Ogun State. We have full government lay-out approval. The importance of it is that on that axis, when you buy land from us there is a clear indication you get your building plan approval in seven days.





Que: Aside those salient issues you mentioned earlier, What other factors that make Pelican-Brief estate so attractive to investors ?


And: The topography is very stable, and it is not a waterlogged area.It's a very flat terrain, not hilly. The proximity to major land mass and the rail and key projects in Ogun state. Where it situated, I mean the axis, connects to Ibadan through the rail and by road, it is very close to Lagos, it's the gateway to the Nation.





Que: What do you envisage about Kobape in the next 10 years


Ans: With the rate industry are springing up in Kobape, it is going to be the Dubai of Nigeria.The last time the President came during the last administration of Governor Ibikunle Amosu, He commissioned 3 giant projects in which 2 bridges were parts.The President is coming now to commision The city gate, kobape ultra modern housing scheme, two housing estate, the 37 kilometers Siun-Kobape expressway, etc. It shows that kobape axis is the best emerging location in Ogun state. If you can get a land on that axis, it means you have taken wise decision because that axis is the future of Ogun state.





Que: What further innovations are you bringing to the table for investors in Pelican Valley Estate and Pelican - Brief ?

Ans: The edge that Pelican View Estate has gotten in Kobape is our capacity to explore the opportunity in that axis by getting all the necessary documents. We have really made our project a top notch in Ogun state real estate sector. We have over 500 Nigerians in the diaspora who have invested in Pelican Estate. The Nigerians have seen Kobape as one of the best emerging place in Ogun State in particular and in Nigeria in general, so they are investing heavily and that has motivated us to propose development of the Pelican ecostay apartments in Pelican-Brief Estate, kobape. The Pelican Ecostay is going be an eco - free environment, where nature meets luxury. Since we have gotten the Government lay-out approval, the next thing is to start adding value to what we have. If you are refining your product like oil, you will have more margin but if you are selling just the crude like Nigeria is doing, the margin will be low or nothing at all. So, we don't want to keep selling lands but we want to start developing it. We want to do something that is very unusual and one of that is to develop an 100% eco - friendly environment. We are planning to launch the project In February God's willing.
We want to build for people to come and buy into the eco - friendly environment. Apart from.from stepping down the 33KVA power line in the area to supply electricity to our estate, we are also going to be having the solar power energy, what that implies is that there is no going to be anything like generator in that estate. When power supply from disco goes off, the solar power immediayely comes on. We would getting source of power from Solar and 33kva power supply as backup.
We will invest massively in tree planting, we want to make it a service apartment .we will develop an application where our potential guests would be tracked, picked up at strategic locations and delivered safely for hospitality, all the facilities you need will be there. It would be like an hospitality business, like a resort. 90percent of our clients are Nigerians in diaspora. So, when they are in Nigeria, they need a place they can breathe in fresh air, eat fresh foods and be comfortable, relax, catch fun and when they are done they will hand over the houses to the Estate management and we can let it out to tourists. It's going to eco friendly environment and fully serviced. It will be launched by 1st quarter of this year God's willing.

2023: Group vows to actualise Tinubu's presidential ambition



A political mobilization group calling itself Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group, AATSG, has assured the presidential frontrunner, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu that it is ready to do everything possible to ensure realization of his presidential dream's.

This was contained in a release signed by the national chairman of the group Otunba Abayomi Odunowo after the former Lagos State governor made his aspiration known to President Muhammadu Buhari in Aso Rock.

According to him, Tinubu towers above every other aspirant in all political parties as the nation inches towards 2023 general elections. He said given the track record of the national leader of the All Progressives Congress, APC, both in and out of office, he is the best man for the job.

He said, "This declaration marks a watershed in Nigeria's political evolution as we march towards the next general elections. For those in doubt about the seriousness and readiness of Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu's presidential ambition, you heard him loud and clear. And what other venue best suited such momentous occasion other than the seat of power itself, Aso Rock.

Asiwaju, as a faithful party man as ever, has officially informed Mr President that he wants to succeed him come 2023 and that he is in consultations with political stakeholders before announcing to Nigerians.

The news did not come as a surprise to the leadership of the Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu Support Group, AATSG. We have anticipated this for a long time and finally Asiwaju has given the marching orders by this declaration."

He however called on all members of AATSG and all lovers of Tinubu all over the country and beyond to be prepared to make the ambition a reality by giving their everything. He reminded Nigerians of Tinubu's capacity having weathered many political storms during the nation's struggle for return to democracy during the dark days of the military and his sterling achievement as governor of Lagos State.

He said, 'As a group, I would like to enjoin all of us, across the country, to fasten our loincloth because our time has come.

We all know and believe that Tinubu towers above every other aspirant both in political resume and public service experience. He has struggled for democracy all his adult life at great peril to his personal safety. As governor of Lagos, he designed the development blueprint for Lagos State since 1999 and successive administrations after him continue to build on his foundation.

This is what is lacking at the centre and this is what Tinubu's presidency will do. He has the mental capacity to make things happen by appointing the right people for the right positions. He is a builder of men."

Odunowo submitted that Tinubu does not "care where you come from or what God you pray to. What he is after is what can you offer to better the lives of Nigerians."

He further stated that "as a Group, AATSG is ready to make this presidential ambition a reality. This is not about political parties, it's about supporting the best man for the job to take Nigeria out of the abyss that continually threatens to swallow the nation.

"Our job is well cut out. We must map out strategies of mobilization to ensure his candidacy is bought by the majority strong enough to defeat any opposition.

"We must travel the length and breadth of this nation, knock on millions of doors to make sure this dream becomes a reality."

"Odunowo assured members of the support of its grand patron Iyaloja Folasade Tinubu - Ojo's eadiness to support the group saying, "good enough, our Grand Patron Iyaloja Folasade Tinubu- Ojo, is more than ready to support us in this quest.

"I want to assure you that we all will not regret our efforts. Tinubu rewards efforts. His record in this respect speaks volumes of his large heart.

"I, therefore, congratulate every member of this flagship organization dedicated and Nigerians in general for being on the side of the winning team. I pray when the elections are over next year, we all will be singing victory songs."

Ogun NextLevel Forum Coordinator, Segun Kaka, pledges qualitative leadership in 2023




The newly inaugurated Coordinator of Next Level Consolidation Forum (NLCF) Ogun State, Engr Segun Kaka has promised to leave no stone unturned in the quest to ensure that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidential aspiration becomes a reality in 2023 while Gov Dapo Abiodun is equally returned for another term of four years.

Engr Segun Kaka reiterated this commitment during the inauguration of this political support group rallying support for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidential bid and the return of Gov Dapo Abiodun come 2023.

Prof Adegbenga Onabamiro, representative of National Coordinator of the group, Hon Oladipo Oladosu speaking at the event

In attendance at the inauguration held at the Secretariat of the group within GRA, Ibara, Abeokuta were the Southwest Coordinator of the group, Hon Adesina Popoola, Hon Kayode Lawal, Southwest Youth Leader, Prof Adegbenga Onabamiro who represented Hon Oladosu Oladipo, the National Coordinator of the group among other leaders of the ruling party.

The Ago Iwoye born politician also eyeing seat of Ijebu North constituency 2 at Ogun State House of Assembly in 2023, reaffirmed the readiness of this support group to take the political space of Ogun State by the storm with its various strategic plans to keep mobilising for the victory of APC in 2023 and beyond.

Engr Segun Kaka said " all the progressives, those who meant well for the nation knew quite alright that with someone like Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the helms of affairs in this nation, this country will definitely witness massive turnaround. His success in Lagos, the whole of Southwest and Nigeria as a whole has kept on giving birth to greater success. He remains the best man for the job and deserves all the appreciation and support.""

He said "and when we are insisting that Gov Dapo Abiodun should be given another term of four years, it is because of his good work across the state in the area of agriculture, road construction, education, health, housing among others. We are of the strong opinion that these good work should continue beyond 2023 and so shall it be as the almighty God liveth".

Segun Kaka said, even though the second term bid of Gov Dapo Abiodun as well as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu presidential aspiration are divine assignment, the members of the group will work assiduously and serve as foot soldiers across the 236 wards mobilising for the success of these two projects.

The APC stalwart has therefore called for the support and cooperation of the members of the group urging them to give their best while also assuring that every act of diligence and resourcefulness will not go unnoticed.

Segun Kaka urged members of the group who came from every part of the state to go back to their various wards and continue with their aggressive mobilisation for the success of both Gov Abiodun second term bid dubbed 4+4 as well as Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu desire to take over from President Buhari in 2023.

The Southwest Coordinator of the group, Hon Adesina Popoola who also doubles as the Special Adviser to Gov Dapo Abiodun on Environment, while inaugurating the group urged them to take ownership of the group and work towards achieving its set out objectives

Hon Popoola assured members of the group that they are certainly in the right place as the support group had the blessings and endorsement of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said the group with not less than over 450,000 members within just a few month already permeated the grassroots of the state and would stop at nothing to actualise the second term bid of Gov Abiodun as well as the desire for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to succeed President Buhari in 2023.

Ogun students to Abiodun: Implement 2016 panel report on TASCE






Students in Ogun State have begged Governor Dapo Abiodun to urgently implement the recommendations of the 2016 staff audit report on the Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE) in Omu-Ijebu to save the institution from imminent collapse.

The students, under the auspices of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) and the National Association of Nigerian College of Education Students (NANCES), made the appeal in Abeokuta on Thursday.

The students expressed worry over the worsening standard of the institution, following protracted crisis between the management and some members of staff of the institution.

Abiodun, upon assumption of office in 2019 had set up a visitation panel to look into the crisis bedeviling the institution.

In its report, the panel which was headed by Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun, among other 32 recommendations, advised Abiodun to implement the 2016 staff audit report on the institution.

But, two years after the panel's recommendations, the students lamented that, the crisis rocking the State-owned institution had remained unresolved.

Addressing a press conference in Abeokuta, the State capital, the National Public Relations Officer (PRO) of NANCES, Adebowale Azeez lamented that, "poor funding, inadequate subvention, infrastructural decay, non payment of salary backlogs and incessant strike actions, among others have crippled the development of the institution.

Azeez who was flanked by the State Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Damilola Simeon Kehinde, also urged the State government to go back into negotiation with the staff of the institution to resolve the crisis amicably to avoid disruption of academic activities.

He said: "Since the separation of Tai-Solarin College of Education (TASCE) from Tai-Solarin University of Education (TASUED), the school have been bedeviled with myriads of challenges.

"Successive administrations have been unable to curtail the issues of poor funding, decreased subvention, incommensurate facilities, non payment of salary backlogs, back to back strike actions.

"The inability of two the successive administrations to find practicable solution to the TASCE dilemma severely complicated the issue up to the point of total closure of the institution.

"On emergence of Prince Dapo Abiodun Administration, the government set up a committee to see to the effective resuscitation of the higher institution.

"The Visitation Panel set up by the Ogun State government to look into issues surrounding crisis at the Tai Solarin College of Education, TASCE, Omu-Ijebu, through its Chairman; Prof. Kamaldeen Balogun had recommended urgent and full implemention of recommendations of the 2016 staff audit report as some of the issues confronting the institution had been resolved by the report.

"Aside from the reopening of the college, very little have been achieved by the panel.

"It is imperative that at this time, the State government further consolidate on its commitment to rejuvenate the educational sector by going back to the discussion table, particularly on the implementation of the 2016 staff audit report of Tai-Solarin College of Education.
This is essential to prevent further damage to the institution".

He however commended the Provost of the institution, Dr. Lukmon Kiadese for managing the situation "despite seemingly insurmountable challenges".

Ogun PDP endorses Atiku’s spokesman, Segun Sowunmi, for governor

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party in Ogun State on Wednesday, endorsed the former spokesman of the Abubakar Atiku 2019 presidential campaign, Segun Sowunmi, as the party’s governorship candidate in the state ahead of the 2023 election.

The faction, however, rejected the governorship candidacy of a former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Ladi Adebutu, accusing him of stifling the growth of the party in the State.

Showunmi was endorsed as the party candidate in the state at an Ogun Central Senatorial District stakeholders’ meeting, held in Abeokuta, the state capital.

The meeting, which was attended by some members of the South West Executive, including the Zonal Treasurer, Samson Ogunse, Zonal Ex-officio, Gbenga Idowu, and Zonal Legal Adviser, Mosuru Olakupoyi, passed a vote of confidence in the national chairman of the party, Iyorcha Ayu and others.

The group also adopted former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar as the Presidential candidate of the party.

Addressing members at the meeting, the chairman of the faction, Semiu Sobayo, blamed the former national chairman of the party, Uche Secondus for the crisis bedevilling the party in the South West.

Sobayo said, “Showunmi is the only person that we can adopt to become the governor of Ogun State. He is the only person that can rescue Ogun State from the maladministration of the All Progressives Congress.

“We can no longer tolerate a situation where Hon. Ladi Adebutu has pocketed the party.
“We don’t want a situation where one person is in total control of the party. He has put the party in his pocket and he has been controlling the affairs of the party from his father’s room.

“He (Adebutu) single-handedly handpicked the executive members of the party in the state. He has not allowed this party to develop.

“When the party was formed in 1998, the founding fathers allowed everybody to express their political interest and that is what made the party grow even outside Nigeria. They allowed everybody to have a sense of participation.

“How can we open our eyes and allow Adebutu to pocket the organisation. He is not giving others to express their interest either has he allowed everyone to have a sense of participation. All he wants to do is to enslave all members of the party.”

Showunmi in his remarks, declared his ambition to contest the 2023 governorship election in the State.

He charged the people of the State and Nigerians, in general, to vote out the ruling APC in 2023.

Attempts to get a reaction from Adebutu’s faction failed as the Chairman of the party in the state, Sikirulahi Ogundele, and the Publicity Secretary, Sunday Solarin, could not be reached.

While Ogundele could not be connected, Solarin did not answer the calls phone as his phone rang out.

https://punchng.com/ogun-pdp-faction-rejects-adebutu-endorses-atikus-ex-spokesman-for-gov/?amp

Ogun traditional ruler, Dr. Olayinka Oladunni, marks 14th year coronation anniversary



Dr Olayinka Oladunni, Olu of Oke-Ariko, Sagamu, recently rolled out drums for the celebrations his 14 years on the throne, the annual Ifa Festival and the birthday of his daughter, Princess Olamide Olayinka Aiyeola.

The three-in-one celebrations held at Sagamu Palace Hotel featured session of prayers and celebrations of God’s protection over the family and the celebrant.

The two days festival was conducted by the Araba of Otta Awori Kingdom, Chief Faniyi Fashola among other priests during which time several worshippers came around for the annual festival.


Speaking with the celebrant, Olayinka noted that the annual festival had been part of his life, saying a nation that fail to identify with its traditions without history is a lost.

According to him, “I have no regret for this annual celebration, it’s part of my family tradition, it’s an avenue to give thanks to our maker, it’s what I do every year to thank God for his blessings.

“Eledumare has been so wonderful to me in all ramifications, those that are around can testify to this, I have no regrets in doing this being a traditionalist.

“I want to use this opportunity to express my warm greetings to those that came from afar to rejoice with me and my family, most especially my two wives, Olori Gbemisola Olayinka and Olori Atinuke Olayinka, there is an adage that says behind a successful man, there must be a woman; it’s my prayer that we shall all celebrate more of it this on earth, my daughter is celebrating her birthday in the same day, may God grant her every thing she deserves in life”, Dr Oladunni stated.

Speaking with one of the wives, the mother to the birthday celebrant, Olori Gbemisola Olayinka who was so full of joy, described the event as being memorable, a day to rejoice in the Lord for his kindness to her family.

“As you can see, Olodumare has been so good to us beyond imaginations, our own Olu of Oke Ariko is marking his 14 years of God’s wonders on the throne with joy and in good health, my own daughter Olamide ‘omo mummy’ is equally marking her birthday, can you now attest to the reasons behind my joy? I must give every reason and adoration to our maker for His benevolence upon us as a family”, Olori Gbemisola said.

In the same vein, Olori Atinuke Olayinka in her goodwill message expressed her tonnes of joy on the celebration of Olu of Ariko’s 14 years on the throne.

Olori Atinuke said, “we are all rejoicing with our family head today, it’s a day of history, and a day of joy, we are glad that the almighty God has been guiding him aright in the last 14 years, his reign has been peaceful and prosperous too. I pray God to grant Dr Olayinka sound health and further preserve him to serve humanity”.

Ijebu Youths commends Salami's emergence as Buhari's Chief Economic Adviser




The national leadership of Ijebu Youth Association (IYA) has congratulated Dr Doyin Salami on his appointment by President Muhammadu Buhari as the Chief Economic Adviser to the nation.

Speaking through its national President, Comr Okikiola Fayomi said the appointment of Dr Salami who he described as an illustrious son of Ijebu land and versatile economist was no doubt another great move by the federal government rejuvenate our ailing economy.

Comr Okikiola Fayomi declared that "it is with great pleasure and immense thanks to President Buhari that the youths in Ijebu land yesterday received the news of the appointment of Dr Doyin Salami as the Chief Economic Adviser to the country.

"There's certainly no better way to start the new year other than with this news which goes to show that the President is much concerned about ensuring that our economy bounces back to life. We have the assurance that Dr Doyin Salami will bring to bear his wealth of experience and equally join forces with other economic team members to further ensure the prosperity of the country.

"The youths in Ijebu land are really excited over this development. We congratulate Dr Doyin Salami on this well deserved elevation and our prayer is that the almighty God, the author of good success will work with you sir and grant you groundbreaking achievements during your tenure".

According to statement from the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, Dr Salami up till his latest appointment was Chairman of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council (PEAC).

He is a 1989 doctorate degree graduate in Economics of Queen Mary College, University of London.

Doyin Salami, 59, is Managing Director and Head Markets Practice at KAINOS Edge Consulting Limited, and member of the Adjunct Faculty at the Lagos Business School (LBS), Pan-Atlantic University, where he recently attained the rank of Senior Fellow/Associate Professor.

The Chief Economic Adviser to the President is expected to address all issues on the domestic economy and present views on them to the President; closely monitor national and international developments, trends and develop appropriate policy responses; develop and recommend to the President national economic policies to foster macro-economic stability, promote growth, create jobs, and eradicate poverty, among others.

Southwest IPAC tackles 75 Ogun Coronet Obas over visit to Adebutu



The Southwest chapter of Inter Party Advisory Council has condemned the visit of representatives of embattled G-75 Ogun coronet Obas visit to a leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state and a former member of the House of Representatives Hon. Ladi Adebutu on Sunday.

IPAC speaking through its Chairman, Southwest, Abayomi Arabambi said the visit negate the sanctity of traditional institution, calling on the PDP leaders in the South West and the State in particular to call Hon Adebutu to order so as not to cause chaos in the State.

Hon Arabambi who specifically writes Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde and the Minority Chief Whip in the House of Representatives, Hon Abdel-Majid Adesegun Adekoya and other leaders of PDP in the Zone described the visit as an attempt to destabilize Ogun State and create chaos by Hon. Ladi Adebutu.




Read the full letter below

AN OPEN LETTER TO SOUTH WEST PDP :

For the attention of:
(1).His Excellency , Governor 'Seyi Makinde.

(2). Ambassador Arapaja
The Deputy National Chairman South

Rt Hon Abdel-Majid Adesegun ADEKOYA( Minority whip House Of Representatives

Bar (Hon) Taiwo Shote ( PDP National Executive Council Member)

Hon Dr Sikirulahi Ogundele (Chairman PDP Ogun State)

Prince Leke Shittu ( Secretary PDP Ogun State)

Mr Segun Showunmi



HON. OLADIPUPO ADEBUTU (LADO) AND HIS GROWING DANGEROUS POLITICS IN OGUN STATE IN HIS FAILED ATTEMPT TO CAUSE A COUP D'ETAT , DESTABILIZE OGUN STATE IN TO A WAR ZONE AND BRINGING OPPOSITION POLITICAL PARTIES TO DISREPUTE AND RIDICULE .

The attention of the inter Party Advisory Council southwest chapter was drawn to some certain news intercepted from multiple angles in some online medium with respect to the clandestine negative politically motivated visit of Politically portfolio Government Opposition G -75 Coronet Obas to Hon Oladipupo Adebutu. Information at my disposal was that the G-75 coronet oba request to visit the immediate past Ogun State Governor , Sen Ibikunle Amosun was vehemently rejected for security and Political consideration , his Excellency Sen Ibikunle Amosun equally told the G-75 coronet Oba that he can't be seen pushing for any divisive means against his successor administration that hence thier vouryage to visit Hon Oladipupo Adebutu instead.

We in the South West IPAC has all long considered the unethical , toxic and weird politics Hon Oladipupo Adebutu has been devoted to within Ogun State PDP as strictly internal and private to PDP in Ogun State and of no concern to SOUTH WEST IPAC but now that LADO has chosen to extend his political weirdness outside the PDP in Ogun State to escalate into troubling and threatening the wellness and peace in the social and political space of our politically very peaceful State, it has become the duty of INTER PARTY ADVISORY COUNCIL , in the interest of peaceful opposition politics to discourage Hon. Ladi Adebutu's irresponsible ways in the name of opposition politics now threatening the tradition of fine politics of decorum and integrity .

This negative trend as represented by LADO must not , shall not and can not be tolerated in the Gateway State. Hon Adebutu was widely reported to have played host to the unrecognized 75 coronet Obas yet litigating for recognition by the State Government in Ogun State.

In the course of the gathering, LADO in his address made several statements capable of causing the breach of the peace in the State .

The statements credited to him as a representation of the Ogun PDP position and views for all intents and purposes depicted attempts and aims at rendering the State ungovernable and thus facilitate a great crisis in the State.

Of course , this is a great source of worry and concern to the citizens and politicians and the political parties in the State including the rulling All Progressive Congress (APC).The South West IPAC shares the prevailing feelings as the barometer of public opinion points that this one irresponsible and reckless political conspiracy being hatched by the open scheming to create a forced civil rebellion against the sitting Government of Governor Dapo Abiodun MFR.

It is at this juncture very advisable for the true leadership of Ogun PDP to put every ounce of available political intelligence and diplomacy into trying to nip this political rascally in check immediately.

Delibrate incitement and igniting civil disorderliness in this otherwise so relatively peaceful State is not in the interest of the PDP in Ogun State not in the interest of the opposition Political Parties. This very dangerous politics should be totally considered a great disservice to the memory of the past dead heroic leaders of PDP in Ogun including the late Senator Prince Buruji ably represented by the head of Late Sen Prince Buruji Kashamu Political dynasty in person of Bar Hon Taiwo Shote and the State Secretary Prince Leke Shittu.

The duo are hereby advise to uphold the principle and tenet of the late Political icon so that the spirit of the dead will be at peace with them while those living will praise them for standing by the believe of late SPBK in making PDP a better and formidable Political Party .

Further more and the present Peace - compliant leader in person of the most Senior Political office holder Rt Hon Abdel-Majid Adesegun ADEKOYA must as a matter of urgency call an all inclusive emergency meeting with Chief Segun Showunmi to salvage their party from imminent collapse and extinction while other members of the Exco who have not lost reason under the Leadership of Hon Dr Sikirulahi Ogundele must be bold to take urgent and proactive measures to arrest the negative drift .

We refrain from repeating all the inciting statements of LADO in his said address at the conspiratorial meeting with the troubled Obas for the sake of decency.
The expectations of the majority is that rather than fueling crisis , Lado should have tried to diplomatically facilitate a way towards finding an acceptable solution to the matter at hand.

It is a foregone conclusion that a case in an ongoing Appeal in the Court can not in anyway be considered as won or settled until the final Court ruling. A toxic ambition can hugely hinder rational thinking.

No competent and intelligent Politician ought to allow his ambition continue to give himself the image of a worthless addition to the political class , even if such Politician has failed in almost all the departments of objectivity , moral , conscience and principle . No one can successfully purse a State Governorship ambition with an embarrassingly high level of bitter and corrosive impunity bordering on recklessness and rascality.

Though being sinfully rich doesn't confer intelligence as a corollary , it is a matter of class and integrity for a man who pursues a Governorship ambition to avoid being too cheap and ordinary in the department of intelligence , else if such a third class unfit politician should mistakenly become a State Governor , even the animals in such State will be eternally ashamed.

It is well known truth that even as at this moment , he Ladi Adebutu still clearly carries dual membership of the APM and in PDP.

For the South West PDP Leadership to fully understand why Adebutu is threading this his obviously highly dangerous support for the floating and unofficial Obas appointed by the immediate past Government of Senator Ibikunle Amosun , some nine days to his last day in office was because the selections of these litigating 75 Obas were strongly opposed to, by the most senior Obas who are the four paramount rulers in Ogun State .

Those Amosun selected 75 coronet Obas yet unrecognized by the Ogun State Government were the lilliputian political paws of the immediate past administration who are today being bank - rolled and courted by Ladi Adebutu to cause civil unrest.

Some even say this deadly conspiracy involving Adebutu and the seventy - five unrecognized Obas is aimed at overthrowing the constitutional Government of Prince Dapo Abiodun.

It is beyond all and any kind of doubt that PDP through Ladi Adebutu is now seen by this laid - back approach to politics as trying to by all and any means weave an elaborate scheme to send Ogun State Political space into a tail ,- spin of immense civil unrest.

Believing that some compromise in ethics as back - end payoff in politics as an end that justifies the means is hypocrisy and very detestable in the extreme.

As a strong piece of advice to the South West PDP under the dutiful Leadership of His Excellency Governor 'Seyi Makinde , should begin to see the need to quickly get PDP as a party out and away from the ongoing scheming to destabilize Ogun State.

The Ogun State Commissioner of Police is here being appealed to keep the police on red alert , start to monitor the activities of these Obas and Ogun PDP stalwart with a view to nip in the bud any attempt that may lead to civil unrest in the State . It is of course taken that anyone who does or cause to be done any act in contravention of the extant provisions of the Law of Ogun State or Nigeria should be quickly arrested and made to face prosecution.

Meanwhile , SOUTH WEST IPAC wants to advise the State Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun MFR , as the Chief Security officer of the State to employ and use all the available constitutional means to uphold the trust and the mandate freely given to him by the electorate in Ogun State with a view to discourage any one or set of Politicians and or group of people from engaging in crude and illegal means to short -cut a way into actualizing an over- ambitious aspiration towards the Governor's seat outside the ballot box.

Finally the interest of IPAC in all these is to sustain an atmosphere of peace in the politics of Ogun State and 5 other states in South West.

Comrade Gentleman Arabambi Abayomi

Chairman Emeritus Ogun IPAC and South West Nigeria.

PDP chieftain, Sowunmi, advocates restructuring, anti-corruption war in 2022


The Spokesman of Atiku Abubakar 2019 Presidential Campaign, Mr Segun Showunmi has urged the federal government to revisit calls for restructuring as we move into 2022.

Segun Showunmi said that the country had wobbled enough and that if it would ever become the giant of Africa that the nation is supposed to be, it must set machinery in motion in the new year to allow the spirit and ideals of restructuring flow unhindered.

The PDP stalwart has equally expressed his displeasure with the lackadaisical way the federal government had been fighting anti graft war in the country urging the government to go after the corrupt governors in 2022.

Showunmi stated this in his new year message made available to journalists at Abeokuta, the state capital on Friday.

He said “many conversations have occurred as to how do we live within the shared national boundary, Nigeria. Some have captured it under the popular term restructuring, which to their mind, a round table will be needed to take in the views of all ethnic nationalities.

“Much thoughts given to the idea has left me with a settled opinion that yes we must give more powers and authority to the constituents components of our country, as it will unleash our potential as a rainbow nation and it will engender peace, progress and prosperity”

Calling for a renewed fight against corruption in 2022, Showunmi said “we must be decisive in our fight against corruption and I believe the best place to start is with the managers of our subnational economies a.k.a The Governors.



“I cringe watching these set of people stride across our country in boastfulness and undue arrogance, many of who are just stealing their states blind with little or nothing to show for the huge resources that accrue to the state. All around you observe that the present effort at fighting corruption is way too selective and damn too lackadaisical making one to wonder if we are serious at all.

“A good place to start is to begin to profile and go after governors in the penultimate years as a way to slow down the graft we all are witnesses to, that way we will hold them to better account of their stewardship. We cannot continue to stumble on the same stone”

He disclosed further for the country to overcome its growing insecurity challenge, it must embrace the idea of state police.

He said “we cannot refuse to embrace multilayered policing if we mean to confront this ugly situation. States are matured enough to be allowed to have their police, the fear of abuse pans away in the face of our security challenges. It is brainless and lazy to think we cannot fathom how to do this even with the present governance structure that we have”.

On the economy, the PDP chieftain said “greater effort must be put into things that can grow the Nigerian economy and a sure place to start will be a reworked process by which small scale enterprises will be helped to grow and contribute more, for that is the surest way to stem the unemployment bulge which is very high right now”

Describing 2022 as a year that would be full of so much of political activities being the year proceeding 2023 general elections, Showunmi urges politicians to play by the rules of the game while the security agencies should also be at alert to nip in the bud any breach of extant rules.

Showunmi while speaking on electoral reforms condemned a situation where only governors and some power brokers gather to pick candidates of political parties saying that it would rather be better if all dues paying members are giving the opportunity to select candidates of their parties for any election (direct primary)

He also called for the electronic transfer of election results saying “there is no overstating that the transmission of results needs less human interference and electronic transfer of result right from the polling unit straight to the national collation centers is progress.

“We have observed continuously over the years that results are tampered with and outcomes changed as a direct consequence of how we handle the will of the people once they have cast their votes. There is nothing to be gained if the status quo is maintain save for bickering, endless litigations and most ashamedly the disenfranchisement of democracy, for what is the point in a flawed process that throwaway the will of the people”.

While wishing all Nigerians a prosperous 2022, Showunmi called for a change in the heart of every Nigerians saying that it is this most needed change of deceitful attitude that would birth the country we all could be proud of.

Kwara Reps hopeful, Olayemi, donates food items, cash gifts to constituents






In the spirit of New Year celebrations, a leading Federal House of Representatives Aspirant for 2023 general elections in Irepodun, Isin, Oke Aro and Ekiti Federal constituency in Kwara State, Olayemi Afolayan-Jejeloye has put smiles on the faces of people in his constituents by distributing food items and cash gifts.

The food items distributed includes, Bags of Rice, bags of Salt, bags of Samolina, Live Cows, Cash Gifts for Logistics, Ankara Fabrics for women and many more.

The Lawmaker hopeful hinted that the distribution of the items was part of the end-of-the-year activities aimed at supporting families especially people of his constituents.

Olayemi explained that the project was first on his list of projects to be done during the first quarter of year 2022, adding that this is officially successful while hoping for the next one to be executed.

According to him, the food items and cash gifts was done as part of my plans to celebrate the festive period with the people whom I see as great and massive support for my aspiration.

"We had representatives from 4 Local Government Areas consisting Oke-Ero, Esin, Ekiki and Irepodun to pick up their food items also Irepodun local government members.

"We must say the reception here in Iludun has be nothing below being Alarming and the excitement on people's faces today is an evidence of how appreciative they are with what was shared."

Olayemi therefore thanked everyone who has contributed and ensure proper coordination of all gathering.