Author: The Nation

• By Kayode Akinmade 

If the streets of Ogun State blare forth music and ecstatic crowds dance to their hearts’ content, the celebrations would have been fully deserved. There have been hard times—it is the nature of life—but there is also a time for merriment, for song and dance, and for sheer delight; a time to count our blessings, name them one by one, and be pleasantly surprised at what The Lord has done. In a great testimony to the manifold blessings of God, the Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, clocked 63 on May 29. 

As is Governor Abiodun’s wont, May 29 witnessed thanksgiving for, as the Yoruba say, anyone who knows how to think critically will always know how to give thanks. The Yoruba also say that an ingrate is akin to a robber that makes away with one’s goods. The Iperu-born prince and fifth democratically elected governor of Ogun State has a lot to be thankful for: the sheer gift of life, sound health, a happy family, a prosperous populace and a promising future. What more can anyone ask for? It is The Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our sight.

It is not sheer coincidence that the governor’s birthday falls on this date when new governments are being sworn in across the country. As in other parts of the country, there was swearing-in May 29 in Abeokuta, and no one but the People’s Governor formally renewed the contract with the Ogun people for yet another four years. Having taken the oath of office, millions of Ogun indigene were in a celebratory mood, knowing the landmarks of the last four years, and the promise that the future holds.

By now, it ought to be clear that whoever the Almighty God has destined to wear a crown will do so. For Abiodun,  perhaps the course of events has also been influenced by his name Adedapo, a multivariate term meaning “ the crown mixes together, two royals merging.” By birth, Abiodun is royalty; by conduct, he is nobility. He is an Omoluabi, the quintessential Yoruba personality; one who is dignified in outlook, word and deed; one who has learnt the art of moderation, an exemplification of the best qualities. Educated in Nigeria and the United States, Prince Abiodun, MFR, was until his assumption of office as Governor of Ogun State in May, 2019, Chairman and/or Chief Executive of several reputable companies which included Crestar Hydrocarbons Limited, OMS-Heyden Exploration and Production Limited, Heyden Petroleum Limited, Alarmnet and Innovative Ventures Limited, and First Power Limited.

For obvious reasons, his pathway to political power was paved with thorns. That is not fortuitous; gold, before it becomes refined, must pass through fire. It is a story captured in the motto of the Royal Air Force: Par adua ad astra, meaning “through difficulty to the stars.” Ogun State, Nigeria’s industrial hub, was apparently very calm, it hosted deluge of investments, but the story has not always been this enchanting. Time was when political violence and gross misconduct by political office-holders gave the state a poor image. Time was when political thugs literally ran the opposition out of town. Time was when grievous injuries and even fatalities were recorded in the state. Time was when the state was run by a warlord who, even after his tenure, conducted political revivals across the state running down his successor. Time was when wearing a yellow shirt showing support for a certain Abiodun could actually cost you a limb or two as marijuana-ravaged hoodlums enforced the orders of their leader. Today, thankfully, Ogun is peaceful and prosperous and proud of its good fortune.

Governor Abiodun truly passed through the fire of politics, but he has remained strong. He contested for a Senate seat under the defunct UNCP during the Sani Abacha regime but the transition programme never saw the light of day. And when democracy came calling in 1999, he strove to be a member of the Red Chamber, squaring up against the Afenifere chieftain of blessed memory,  Olabiyi Durojaye. Durojaiye won, but this did not dampen his spirits. Now, during the PDP primary for the governorship election in 2003, many thought that he would be given the ticket, knowing that he was one of the biggest financiers of the PDP. But it was Gbenga Daniel who got the ticket.

In subsequent elections, Abiodun again contested the senatorial ticket twice but it was the late Buruji Kashamu that won the tickets. Even the last election, the 2019 elections, was supposed to be a senatorial run but the immediate past governor of the state played a devious game, trying to shut him out of the APC governorship primaries. This was when he threw his hat into the ring and clinched the ticket of the party. The rest, as they say, is history.

Having passed through that tortuous road, he first gave glory to God, knowing that it is God who enthrones leaders. As his name Oluwaseun implies, thanks must be given to God all the time. He recognizes that whoever God has been kind to must also live up to expectations. He promised to work for the good people of Ogun State, coming up with the acronym, ISEYA. And he faced the task with vigour, to the extent that in just 100 days, he had been able to initiate projects across the 20 local government areas of the state. He created agric initiatives that bettered the lot of young farmers. He curbed kidnapping and other crimes. He focused squarely on governance, ensuring that projects were evenly distributed across the state, unlike what happened in the past. Today, the states boasts of multiple housing estates for low income and high income earners, fully equipped state hospitals, a thriving tech industry, and increasing presence of foreign investors with gigantic projects. With his  ISEYA (Infrastructure, Social Welfare and Wellbeing, Education, Youth Development and  Agriculture and Food Security) mantra, he has turned around the fortunes of Ogun State. The Gateway State is now Nigeria’s top investment destination. Foreign investors are pouring into the Gateway Agro-Cargo International Airport, an emerging Aerotropolis, at Ilishan and Olokola Free Trade Zone. 

He has lifted over 5,000 women out of poverty, built over 400 kilometres of road and rehabilitated at least 100; equipped primary healthcare centres with more than 50 ambulances, while furnishing the secondary and tertiary levels of care with state of the art equipment and distinguished health care professionals; kicked off a state-wide multimodal Transportation Masterplan with air-conditioned and wifi enabled buses, and created a one-stop-shop for business promotion, among others. He has built Tech Hubs to integrate the youth of the state into the latest technologies, laying 5000-kilometre fibre optic cables across the state. And the nation took notice with a deluge of awards: Governor of the Year in Education (National Body of the Parents-Teachers Association of Nigeria), Governor of the Year in Digital Economy (New Telegraph and Daily Independent newspapers), the Most Improved State in Agriculture and Economic Empowerment 2020 ( BusinessDay), Governor of the Year in the Agriculture and Housing sectors back-to-back (international, independent organisations). He has also been honoured by Vanguard Media Limited as all-round Governor of the Year, 2021; Governor of the Year 2022 (LEADERSHIP Newspaper). ‘Distinguished Award for Industrial Revolution ( President Muhammadu Buhari,  in October, 2022); and Best of Africa Governor in Industrial Revolution for 2022 (Forbes).

Because Abiodun is a technocrat who doesn’t appreciate the hanky panky of politics, a lot of political actors are not happy with his honesty and transparency. Indeed, his predecessor, Ibikunle Amosun, openly declared that he would ensure that Abiodun did not win a second term. And, what is more, even those he helped to secure tickets quickly turned Judas, working against him during the March 18 polls. But just like his name suggests, he overcame all the adversaries. On May 29, he was sworn in to continue his developmental programmes. Challenges are on the way but God will uphold him. As he clocked 63, his resolve is to serve God and humanity for the rest of his years. Here’s wishing the people’s Governor a blessed and happy birthday. Hurray!!!

• Akinmade, former Commissioner for Information in Ondo State also a Consultant on Media to Governor Dapo Abiodun. 

• Broadcast world has lost a giant, say NGE, Runsewe

Vice President Kashim Shettima yesterday joined other eminent Nigerians to mourn the Chairman of DAAR Communications Plc, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power FM, High Chief Raymond Anthony Aleogho Dokpesi.

 Addressing reporters on his first day in office at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, the Vice President described the late media guru as a very good friend.

 Dokpesi died on Monday in Abuja.

 He was 71.

 Reacting to Dokpesi’s death, Vice President Shettima said: “He was 71, and it is a relatively young age in the context of increased life span of humanity. He was looking very robust and healthy. May his soul rest in peace.

Read Also : Jonathan mourns Dokpesi, describes him as humane entrepreneur

“He was my very good friend. We constructed and donated an office for you (AIT) when I was the governor (of Borno State). He was there for two days during the inauguration of the complex.”

 Also, the presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the February 25 election, Mr. Peter Obi, expressed sadness over Dokpesi’s death.

 In a tweet yesterday, he wrote: “Today, Datti and I paid a condolence visit to the family of High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, founder of DAAR Communications, whose death we received with profound shock.

 “Dokpesi was an accomplished businessman, a very savvy media guru, and a remarkable politician who left indelible footprints in the business enterprise and media sectors of the nation.

 “His death is a great loss to Nigeria. His immense contributions to job creation, business enterprise and overall development of the nation will always be remembered.”

 Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule also expressed grief over the death of the founder of DAAR Communications, owners of Africa Independent Television (AIT) and Ray Power, High Chief Raymond Aleogho Dokpesi.

 The governor recalled Dokpesi’s foray into the Nigerian media space and his many accomplishments in the sector.

 He said: “Today, DAAR Communications and its flagship, the Africa Independent Television (AIT), are eloquent testimonies of the late high chief’s vision and long-time commitment. He will be greatly missed.”

 In a statement in Lafia, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Addra, the governor prayed God to accept the soul of the late Dokpesi and forgive his shortcomings.

 In a statement he personally signed, former Delta State Governor James Ibori noted that Dokpesi’s vision, doggedness and diligence transformed and inspired a generation of media entrepreneurs in the country.

 He said as a loyal and dependable member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family, the late Dokpesi, who served as the Deputy Director General (Technical and Systems) of the party’s Presidential Campaign Council in the February 25 election, contributed immensely to the entrenchment of democracy in Nigeria.

Also, the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) expressed sadness over Dokpesi’s death.

 In a statement by its President, Mustapha Isah, and the General Secretary, Dr. Iyobosa Uwugiaren, the guild said: “High Chief Dokpesi played a strategic role in the liberalisation of broadcast industry in Nigeria with his establishment of the first private radio station, Ray Power 100.5FM, in Nigeria.

“An employer of many editors and hundreds of other journalists in Nigeria, he firmly used his media outfits to deepen democracy and raise the voice of the voiceless in our country.”

 In his condolence message, the Director General of the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC) Otunba Olusegun Runsewe said: “The Dokpesi business empire he established has provided direct employment to hundreds of Nigerians, impacting their lives, reducing poverty and stimulating the socio-economic growth of our nation.

 “If every Nigerian of Dokpesi’s status can give back to the society the way he selflessly did, poverty, crime and criminality will reduce in our society and Nigeria will be better for it.”

The newly appointed Acting Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Caroline Wura-Ola Adepoju, has directed workers of the service to henceforth ensure prompt issuance of passports.

 She directed all passports offices nationwide to ensure that no Nigerian suffers any hardship, delay or ill-treatment in the course of applying for a passport and obtaining one.

 Adepoju took over the leadership of the NIS at its headquarters yesterday in Abuja, following the retirement of the erstwhile CGIS Isah Jere Idris.

Addressing top management of the service on assuming office, the Acting CGIS promised to focus on passports issuance and welfare of personnel. 

Read Also : NOC honours Dare with Outstanding Youth and Sports Minister Award

“For now, I will focus majorly on passport issues and staff welfare as these are two areas in which the NIS receives most of the complaints of Nigerians and NIS personnel,” she said.

 In a statement by the spokesman of the NIS, Tony Akuneme, the acting CGIS said a stakeholders’ meeting would be convened in the next few days to x-ray the real issues in passport process and proffer far-reaching solutions.

 She noted that some of the solutions might include opening more front offices in the Lagos area, where the bulk of the complaints emanated from.

 Adepoju said she would adopt a bottoms-up approach in tackling officers’ welfare, stressing that the measures would start by meeting all cadres of workers to hear their complaints.

 The acting CGIS promised to hit the ground running with a blueprint that would be based on an all-inclusive needs assessment.

 She hailed the immediate past CGIS for his patriotic service to the nation, praying God to guide him in his future endeavours.

The Senate yesterday approved N1,413,991,634,495.65 as the 2021 and 2022 budgets of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).

Of the amount, N485,794,575,131 is for the 2021 fiscal year of the agency, while N928,297,049,364.65 is for its 2022 appropriation.

Read Also : Anioma youths caution ex-militants over threat to NDDC boss Onochie

The passage of the budgets followed the presentation and consideration of the report of the Senate Ad Hoc Committee on 2021 and 2022 Budget Estimates of NDDC at plenary.

In his presentation, Committee Chairman Yusuf Yusuf (APC Taraba Central) noted that details of revenue and expenditures of 2021, 2022 and the first quarter of 2023 were not provided for, as requested for, in the committee’s thorough scrutiny.

The people of Daura in Katsina State yesterday held a “special durbar celebration” hosted by the Emir of Daura in honor of former President Muhammad Buhari, a son of the town.

 The durbar, which started in front of the Emir’s Palace Square around 10 a.m, witnessed a huge turnout of cheering indigenes from different parts of the state.

 Horse riders in different attires displayed their skill on the animals decorated with coulourful costumes.

 The horse riders kicked dust into the air and broke into energetic dance moves to the admiration of the cheering crowd.

 On the ground to honour the former President were Katsina State Governor Umaru Dikko-Radda; his Borno State counterpart, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum; the Emir of Katsina, HRH Abdulmumini Kabir Usman; the former Chief of Staff to the President, Prof. Ibrahim Gambari; former Aviation Minister, Senator Hadi Sirika; the wife of the former President, Hajia Aisha Buhari; as well as families, friends and well-wishers.

Read Also : PHOTOS: Emir hosts Durbar for Buhari in Daura

The chiefs, leaders and stakeholders of Obio-Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State yesterday organised a grand reception for former Governor Nyesom Wke.

 Also, the ceremony, which held at Captain Elechi Amadi Polytechnic in Rumuola community, attracted eminent sons and daughters from across the state.

 The kinsmen organised the reception to welcome Wike and his wife back home after eight years of serving the state.

 Wike thanked the people for honouring him with the chieftaincy title of Okwurume 1 of Obio/Akpor.

 They expressed delight over the rousing welcome accorded him by the people.

 The former governor thanked his kinsmen for also bestowing chieftaincy title on his wife.

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has congratulated indigenes of Edo State who received prestigious national awards in recognition of their invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development.

The governor, in a statement, hailed the awardees for their immense contributions to the socioeconomic growth and development of the country and for being worthy ambassadors.

 He said: “It is with great pride that I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the esteemed citizens of Edo State origin who have been bestowed with prestigious national awards in recognition of their invaluable contributions to Nigeria’s development and for being worthy ambassadors of our beloved country.

 “I offer my felicitations to Augustine Oyarekhua Alegeh (SAN), Chief (Dr.) Leemon Agbonjagwe Ikpea and Prince Clem Ikanade Agba on their distinguished investiture with the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) awards.

 “I also applaud Charles Ekhoeutowmen Idahosa and Maj.-Gen. Anthony Bamidele Omozoje for their meritorious conferment of the Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR) awards.

 “Furthermore, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the recipients of the Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) awards – Dr. (Mrs.) Owen Omogiafo and Victor Ifijeh. Their exceptional achievements deserve commendation.

 “I must also commend Victor Osimhen, who has been honoured with the Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR) award, for his remarkable exploits in the realm of football, which have earned you global acclaim.

 “As a government, we take immense pride in the fact that you, our sons and daughters, have attained a well-deserved elevated status for your outstanding achievements and for raising the bar in your different pursuits and spheres of influence.”

• We’re not fighting anti-graft agency over Lagos property, says DSS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday directed operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) to vacate the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Ikoyi, Lagos.

There was pandemonium within the vicinities of the EFCC office, when men of the DSS reportedly barricaded accesses into the office area.

 It was gathered that the contention was about the ownership of the building.

The DSS had reportedly claimed that the office belongs to it, denying interference in EFCC’s duties.

In a statement in Abuja by his spokesman Tunde Rahman, President Tinubu directed the DSS to immediately vacate the disputed premises, saying any disagreement between both agencies of government should be amicably resolved.

“President Bola Tinubu has directed the Department of State Services to immediately vacate the office of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in Ikoyi, Lagos.

“The President gave the directive when reports that DSS officials stormed the EFCC office on Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, on Tuesday, preventing officials of the anti-graft agency from accessing their work place, was brought to his attention.

“The President said if there were issues between the two important agencies of government, they would be resolved amicably.”

 The premises, originally exclusively used by the DSS, had been shared by both agencies since the EFCC’s establishment by former President Olusegun Obasanjo in 2003.

But there had been disputes between both agencies over occupancy rights.

The Nation gathered that there have been unsuccessful talks over the years between both agencies to resolve the dispute.

It was learnt that some DSS officials arrived at the premises on May 29 and parked their vehicles on the road leading to the anti-graft agency’s office.

EFCC personnel were unbothered and went about their work normally thinking the DSS operatives were there on routine security duty during the swearing-in of President Tinubu and Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

After EFCC officials closed for the day, the DSS men moved onto the premises with their vehicles and two armoured personnel carriers (APCs).

They barred EFCC workers from entering the premises when the anti-graft agency’s workers resumed work yesterday. Around 1:20 p.m, shots were fired from within the barricaded premises taken over by the DSS.

The Nation reports that the shots were fired as reporters from the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) approached the locked gate to get close-up shots.

The shots appeared to have been fired in the air as a warning.

None of the journalists and EFCC operatives hanging around outside was hurt.

The EFCC confirmed the incident and condemned the barricade of its largest hub.

Reacting to the development last night, the DSS said it was not fighting the EFCC over the Lagos property.

In a statement by its spokesman Dr. Peter Afunanya, the DSS said it was only occupying its own facility where it carried out its official and statutory responsibility.

The statement said: “The attention of the DSS has been drawn to some media reports that it barricaded the EFCC from entering its Lagos office. It is not correct that the DSS barricaded EFCC from entering its office. No. It is not true. The service is only occupying its own facility where it is carrying out its official and statutory responsibility.

“By the way, there is no controversy over Number 15A Awolowo Road, as being insinuated by the media. Did the EFCC tell you it is contesting the ownership of the building? I will be surprised if it is contesting the ownership. Awolowo Road was Nigeria Security Organisation (NSO) headquarters. The SSS/DSS started from there. It is a common knowledge. It is a historical fact. Check it out.

“There is no rivalry between the Service and the EFCC over and about anything. Please, do not create any imaginary one. They are great partners working for the good of the nation. Dismiss any falsehood of a fight.”