Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, along with other party chieftains and supporters Saturday flagged off PDP electioneering campaign ahead of the October 10 guber poll in the state.
It was a moment to behold as PDP supporters thronged out in their numbers to MKO Abiola Democracy Park in Akure to register their presence at the rally.
The party chieftains including Governors Seyi Makinde (Oyo) and Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto) among others were made resounding remarks to assure and reassure the people of Ondo State of good governance in the next four years.
It was a moment pf celebration as PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, handed over the party’s flag to Jegede for Ondo State 2020 governorship election.
Speaking at the rally, Makinde, who’s also the Chairman of Ondo State Gubernatorial National Campaign Council, drew a comparison between his election in Oyo and the impending Ondo State governorship poll.
He explained that he won Oyo State governorship elections in 2019 despite contesting under PDP, without any political stronghold in the state at the time or strong political backing at the federal level.
“We have people, and we have God. In Ondo State, you have God and you have people. It happened in Oyo State, it will happen here.
“APC said you should vote them because they want Presidency to come to Yorubaland.
“Please tell them, this election is not about the presidency to Yorubaland. This election is about delivering Eyitayo Jegede and putting Ondo State as part of the states that will take charge to restructure Nigeria,” Makinde said.
Also speaking at the rally, Tambuwal described the ruling party in Ondo State as a party in disarray up to the national level.
According to him, “APC is not a choice for Ondo State.”
The rally was also attended by the Senator representing Ekiti South, Abiodun Olujimi, among others.
A photo of former President of Nigeria, Olusegun Obasanjo and incumbent President, Muhammadu Buhari.
Former president Olusegun Obasanjo has described Nigeria as a failed state, explaining that many of the problems plaguing the country today were due to the recent mismanagement of Nigeria’s diversity, most especially under the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government.
Speaking in Abuja while delivering a speech titled: “Moving Nigeria Away from Tipping Over” at a consultative dialogue attended by various socio-cultural groups including Afenifere, Middle Belt Forum, Northern Elders Forum, Ohanaeze Ndi Igbo and Pan Niger Delta Forum, Obasanjo lamented that he had never seen Nigeria so divided.
According to him, “I do appreciate that you all feel sad and embarrassed as most of us feel as Nigerians with the situation we find ourselves in. Today, Nigeria is fast drifting to a failed and badly divided state.
“Economically our country is becoming a basket case and poverty capital of the world, and socially, we are firming up as an unwholesome and insecure country.
“And these manifestations are the products of recent mismanagement of diversity and socio-economic development of our country.
“Old fault lines that were disappearing have opened up in greater fissures and with drums of hatred, disintegration and separation and accompanying choruses being heard loud and clear almost everywhere.”
The former president said only self-deluded people would claim that all is well in Nigeria.
He said: “I believe Nigeria is worth saving on the basis of mutuality and reciprocity and I also believe it can be done through the process of dialogues rather than talking at each other or resorting to violence.
“It will amount to dangerous and destructive self-delusion for anybody to claim that all is well in Nigeria today.”
Obasanjo said those calling for war and succession must remember that Nigeria’s citizens would still need to live and interact with each other if the country breaks into several countries. He stated that Nigeria cannot solve her own problems in disunity because a house divided against itself cannot stand.
The former President, therefore, commended all socio-cultural groups present at the meeting, describing their agreement to come together as a good sign.
“With what I have seen, read and heard from the rapprochement that you are forging together, I see a ray of hope that Nigeria can be saved from disintegration.
“If we are ready to live together in understanding, mutual respect and love with equity, justice, inclusiveness while engendering sense of belonging and unity of purpose and all hands on deck, we can deal with internal issues of terrorism, organised crimes, banditry, kidnapping, human trafficking, drug, money laundering and corruption.
“We will then be able to deal successfully with any incoming attack of terrorism, organised crimes, etc; from outside,” the former president pointed out.
On the National Assembly’s fresh constitutional review exercise, Obasanjo said: “That ray of hope was somewhat manifested in the last 10 days or so when the Northern Elderswell Forum and Yoruba Summit Group complemented each other in their separate press releases on the Senate’s idea of inviting submissions from Nigerian public for constitution amendment which had been regular money-gulping activity by every National Assembly session since 1999, a veritable source of waste without end.
“I believe one of our major problems in the past was that we did not dialogue enough, we talk at ourselves and selfishly keep old prejudices and biases. If we show understanding, give-and-take, love of one another and commitment and love of the country, we will do what is right and stand firmly together for the good of all.”
He also spoke on the 2023 general elections.
“Some people are obsessed with 2023, I believe that with death, destruction, debt, disease, deceit, disbelief, disenchantment, doubt and suspicion around, we need to see our way through to 2023 and beyond in some form of unity of purpose, reasonable security, shared values, true democratic practice, inclusiveness and shared society. That is why we are here. No constitution is even permanent; it is dynamic with time and experience,” he said.
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has said the organised labour would at appropriate time come out with a position on the recent increases in prices of various essential commodities, including fuel and electricity.
NLC President, Ayuba Wabba, stated this while speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Saturday in reaction to the increases in the prices of petrol and electricity.
NAN reports that the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) announced that the ex-depot price of premium motor spirit (petrol) has been increased to N151.60 per litre from N138.62 with effect from September 2.
Also, electricity tariff was increased effective September 1 by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) from N30.23 per one kwh to N62.33.
Wabba, who spoke on the issues, said the organised labour would not protest until the Central Working Committee (CWC) has been able to meet and agree on appropriate action.
He said: “Labour takes one battle at a time. It does not make announcement without backing it with action.”
The labour leader noted that NLC has remained consistent on neo-liberal policies, and would take appropriate action in respect of the increases in order to achieve desired result.
He added that it was high time Nigeria started refining products locally to solve importation challenges.
On the suspended planned protest against Rivers State Government, Wabba said there was the need to mend fences between the state and labour to ensure harmonious relationship.
He pointed out that the will of the people should not always be taken for granted “as injury to one is injury to all.”
Wabba called on other state governments to take appropriate steps toward addressing labour issues so as to avoid the wrath of the organised labour.
“We will take up any state that undermines the rights of workers. Workers should be conscious of their rights.
“There is synergy and we will confront recalcitrant employers to respect the law, so that we don’t give room for sudden situations to rise,” Wabba said.
He explained that Rivers State Government and labour unions have concluded negotiations on minimum wage, and the enabling circular would be released for a collective bargaining agreement to be signed.
The Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun celebrates 10 years coronation anniversary, September 12, 2020. With the monarch is former First Lady of Ogun State and Founder, UPLIFT Development Foundation, Dr. Olufunso Amosun.
Sons and daughters of Osogbo on Saturday paid homage to the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun as he celebrates 10 years coronation anniversary.
Among many illustrious indigenes, who attended the ceremony in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, was the former First Lady of Ogun State, Dr. Olufunso Amosun.
At the ceremony, Mrs Amosun, who is the founder of UPLIFT Development Foundation, announced a financial donation towards development projects in the area.
Also, the Muslim Political Awareness Front (MUPAF) said it is satisfied with the reign of the Ataoja so far.
The group expressed this In a congratulatory message signed by its State Publicity Secretary, Arakunrin Ajelogbon De-Moon and made available to journalists on Saturday in Osogbo.
MUFAP described the 10 years of Ataoja Larooye II on the throne as peaceful and accommodating to both indigenes and residents of the ancient city.
“Kabiesi, your reign has brought tremendous development to both indigenes and residents of Osogbo, may your reign be long on the throne of your forefathers. We are proud of you kabiesi”, MUFAP said in the statement.
Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun ascended the throne of his forbearers as the 18th Ataoja of Osogbo ìn 2010 after the demise of Oba Dr. Iyiola Oyewole Matanmi, who reigned for 34 years.
Dignitaries who graced the occasion include Osun State Deputy Governor, Gboyega Alabi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III; Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal and Orangun of Ila Orangun, Oba Abdul Wahab Olukayode Oyedotun Bibiire I.
Others are lawmaker representing Osun Central in the Senate and current Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, Senator Suraju Ajibola Basiru, members of the Osun State House of Assembly and Chairman, Osogbo Local Government (LGA), Hon. Musa Adegoke.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu during a teleconference at the Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, May 22, 2020
The Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led Lagos Government has approved a 33% increment for pensioners in the state under the Defined Benefits Scheme (PAY AS YOU GO) with effect from January 1, 2020 and payment of a balance of 25 percent rent allowance for officers on GL 07 and above who had retired from May 2000 to August 2004.
In a meeting with the executive members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) Lagos State Chapter, the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions, Ajibola Ponnle, affirmed that the increment will take effect from September 2020 and the arrears starting from January 2020, will be paid from September 2020, in bid to meet up with the harmonisation exercise for the pensioners.
Ponnle stated that Governor Sanwo-Olu, since his assumption of Office, has paid a total sum of 1.893Billion to pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme, adding that all monthly pensions are paid as at when due without exception, despite the shortfall in revenue accruable to the state government occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Meanwhile, at the South West leader’s Zonal meeting in Lagos, the pensioners expressed appreciation for the gesture of the state government.
NUP Chairman, Oluremi Johnson, described Sanwo-Olu as a pensioner-friendly governor and thanked him for the promise to address all Lagos state pensioners issues.
“We thank him for our monthly pensions being regularly paid and for the online verification exercise which was remarkably successful.”
He said they are expecting other good health programmes as approved by the governor for continuous progress concerning the pensioners.
“We express our sincere gratitude to the governor for the excellent feat achieved within the short period of agitation and we thank the Lagos State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress, for the maximum support given to Lagos State NUP,” he said.
The NUP scribe also commended the Oyo State governor but called on the Ekiti, Ogun and Ondo States governors to come to the plight of pensioners.
British-Nigerian international and Torino defender Ola Aina, has joined newly-promoted English Premier League side Fulham, on loan.
Aina’s loan move is ahead of Fulham’s opening match today against FA champions Arsenal.
Aina, who expressed happiness to return to London where he was born and raised could remain in Fulham permanently if should the club side choose that option, as it is open to them.
“It feels amazing to be back closer to my family, back in the capital,” Aina told the club’s media channel.
“There’s a great bunch of lads here. I’m really good friends with Big Hec (Michael Hector) and Josh Onomah.” he said.
Having grown in in skills at the neighbouring Chelsea’s youth system, Aina spent the last two seasons with Torino and played 69 times with his versatility allowing him to play on either flank.
“I feel very comfortable on either foot. I can fill in wherever needs be.
“I’d say I’m pretty quick and I like to attack, but I also like to help the team and do the dirty work as much as I can”, he added.
Aina’s signing follows the capture of midfielder Harrison Reed, goalkeeper Alphonse Areola, right-back Kenny Tete and midfielder Mario Lemina and left-back Antonee Robinson.
Former Deputy Governor of Ògùn State, Chief Mrs Yetunde Onanuga celebrates Diamond Jubilee in Lagos.
The immediate past Deputy Governor of Ogun State, Yetunde Onanuga has been praised for her high degree of dedication and commitment to the development of Ogun State as she turns 60.
At a ceremony held at Onanuga’s Lagos residence on Friday, former Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, described his former deputy as selfless.
Amosun, who currently represents the people of Ogun Central at the Senate, said Onanuga’s service impacted on the unprecedented development Ogun State witnessed during his administration.
Also, the former Secretary to the State Government (SSG) during the Amosun administration, Taiwo Adeoluwa, who spoke on behalf of all executive members of the 2015 – 2019 Ogun State Government, appreciated the enormous contributions of the former deputy governor in the development of the gateway state.
He stated that looking at the history of Ogun State, Mrs Onanuga will always be remembered for everything she has done towards the empowerment of women and young girls across the State.
Present at the ceremony include former First Lady in the state, Olufunso Amosun; Hon Micky Kassim, a former member of the House of Representatives from Ogun State, members of the Amosun-led administration including former commissioners: Ms Segun Abiodun, Ms Adenrele Adesina, Mr. Wale Osinowo; and a former General Manager, Ogun State Property and Investment Corporation (OPIC), Mr. ‘Jide Odusolu. Chief Sola Adeeyo and Mr Remi Adetayo were also present.
A file photo of an officer of the Nigerian Police Force.
Lagos State Police Command Friday declined any further comments on the alleged illegal detention of late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola’s two sons, Kassim and Aliyu, who were arrested and detained over the September 2 robbery incident which took place at the residence of late politician in Ikeja.
They were said to have been detained, following a complaint that was lodged by their step-mother, Adebisi Abiola, after the robbery incident.
But, reacting to the suit instituted by Abiola’s sons, Public Relations Officer of Lagos State Police Command, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said: “On MKO Abiola’s Sons’ Arrest: We will be silent for now because the matter is subject of litigation. We will react as when due.”
In another development, Chairman of the Police Trust Fund (PTF) and former Inspector General of Police, Sulaiman Abba, has inspected some of the dilapidated Police Barracks and facilities in Lagos State.
The former police boss, who was accompanied by Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu; Commissioner of Police in charge of Works, Department of Logistics and Supply, Aliyu Abubakar; Area Commander Area A Lion Building, Bode Ojajuni, among others, went round to see the bad condition of Obalende and Ije Barracks at Obalende area and Mopol 20 Police Barracks and the Police College at Ikeja.
While inspecting the deplorable condition of the barracks, Abba assured the police personnel and their families of President Muhammadu Buhari’s commitment to improve their welfare and living conditions with a view to getting the best service delivery from them.
He reaffirmed the Buhari administration’s determination to kick-start the Trust Fund to improve the welfare of the personnel of the Nigeria Police, especially in the areas of trainings, welfare, logistics and a host of others, for more reinforced internal security of the country.
Prof. Florence Banku Obi has emerged as the first female Vice Chancellor of University of Calabar.
Obi, an educationist, beat 12 other candidates to clinch the plum job to succeed Prof. Zana Akpagu as the 11th Vice Chancellor at the institution.
The institution’s Chairman of the Governing Council and Pro Chancellor, Nkechi Nwaogu, who spoke after the selection process, described the exercise as transparent, saying it followed the guidelines laid down by Federal Ministry of Education.
Nwaogu explained that Obi’s emergence was a victory for women, adding that the 10th Governing Council looks forward for her to build on the legacies of the outgoing vice chancellor.
“What we assured the university community was that we were going to be transparent, open, fair and just.
“There’s a guideline from the Ministry of Education as to how to conduct interview for the appointment and there were so many parameters we had to look into and that’s exactly what we did.
“What I expect from her is to look at what the outgoing vice chancellor has done, governance is a continuum, start from where he has stopped and ensure there is integration even amongst all the people that contested against her,” Nwaogu said.
In her reaction, Obi, while giving glory to God, promised to run an inclusive administration.
The US Export-Import Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to the growth of the US-African cooperation by constituting Sub-Saharan Advisory Committee for 2020 and 2021.
The committee is composed of pro-investment and pro-business advisors who understand Africa and would be instrumental in growing the US-African cooperation and flows of goods, services and technology.
The Sub-Saharan Advisory Committee is chaired by the Senior Vice President and Director of the Programme on Prosperity and Development at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Daniel Runde.
Other members of the committee include: Chief Executive Officer, Energy and Natural Resource Security, Inc., Derek Campbell; Senior Vice President, African Affairs and President, US-Africa Business Centre, US Chamber of Commerce, Scott Eisner; Founder and Chief Executive Officer, AppsTech, Rebecca Enonchong; Executive Director/Americas Export Finance Head, JPMorgan Chase Bank, Lori Helmers; President and Chief Executive Officer, Corporate Council on Africa, Florizelle Liser, Chairman, AfricaGlobal Schaffer,
Mima Nedelcovych; Principal, The OKPA Co., EE Okpa; Director Customer and Industry Relations, Progress Rail, a Caterpillar Company, Marise Duff Stewart; President – International Business, Acrow Bridge, Paul Sullivan; and Chief Executive Officer, United Bank for Africa (UBA), America, Sola Yomi-Ajayi.
By working to provide funding for trade and development deals in Africa for American companies, the US EXIM Bank could become an increasingly important source of financing for Africa’s critical energy infrastructure.
US companies have important products, experience and expertise in several key segments of the energy value chain that would be extremely beneficial if properly matched with opportunities on the continent.
This is especially relevant to the natural gas value-chain which has become a key priority for most African governments, and for which American technology and services could help transform the continent’s energy industry.
Equally important is the focus given to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the committee.
The African Energy Chamber’s own US-Africa Committee has identified the collaboration between US and African SMEs as a major requirement to grow investment and technology transfers between the US and Africa.
Commenting on the latest appointments, a prominent member of the Africa Energy Chamber’s US-Africa Committee, Jude Kearney, said: “The African Energy Chamber notes and welcomes the recent appointment of the US Exim Bank’s Sub-Saharan Advisory Committee.
“The renewed interest and appetite for investing in Africa shown by Exim Bank and other US trade agencies is welcome in Africa, and the continent’s energy sector is listening and open to doing business and making the kind of deals that will propel the continent towards a prosperous future.”
“The African Energy Chamber looks forward to supporting further US involvement in Africa and to developing new ways of working together and pushing for a pro-African investment agenda in the US public and private sectors,” said Kearney, who’s also the former Deputy Assistant Secretary for Service Industries and Finance at the US Department of Commerce during the Clinton Administration and currently President of Kearney Africa Advisors.
On his part, Director of Strategy at the Africa Energy Chamber, Mickael Vogel, said: “We are very proud to see Rebecca Enonchong on this board. She more than anyone understands the challenges of small businesses and has personally built and mentored many such businesses.
“With her you know you have someone who will work towards making America a good partner of the African business community and ensuring that civil society is not left behind. She is an inspiration for so many women in business.”
“We are grateful that our own C. Derek Campbell will add value to this work.
“Derek has a proven track-record on issues that concern trade with Africa and also on Energy Security.
“Advancing and protecting Africa’s energy sector, empowering Africans and openings doors for so many that he has never met has been the work of his life,” noted the Executive Chairman at the African Energy Chamber, NJ Ayuk.
The increased attention given to SMEs on both sides of the Atlantic is extremely encouraging for the future of US-African cooperation and its ability to create jobs and value for both regions.
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