The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Lawmaker empowers constituents

    Lawmaker empowers constituents

    In fulfilment of his campaign promises, member representing Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Bamidele Baderinwa has given empowerment facilities to members of his constituency. DAMISI OJO reports.

    During his campaigns, Bamidele Baderinwa  representing Idanre/Ifelodun Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives promised to make life better for members of his constituency. The people were sceptical. Their disbelief emanated  from their experience with  other politicians in the past.

    But Bamidele’s power of persuasion was so strong that he convinced residents of Idanre/Ifedore Federal Constituency to vote for him.

    With his performance in the House of Representatives and his empowerment programmes for his people, the people are thanking their stars for voting him into office. Bamidele has been fulfilling his campaign promises.

    One of the first things he did to prove to his people that he could be trusted was the donation of a Mercedes Benz Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to the traditional ruler of Ero community and two Camry cars to leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ifedore Local Government Area.

    Barely three months after the donation, Bamidele has, again, reached out to members of his constituency through the provision of empowerment facilities. This time around, he allowed his philosophy to come play. He has constantly maintained that it is better to teach people how to fish instead of giving them fish.

    Bamidele said: “Empowerment of the masses outweighs transitory material gifts to them which serve mainly as gratification.”

    The event coincided with his 100 days in office which held at Igbara Oke, the headquarters of Ifedore Local Government Area.

    The lawmaker presented two Hilux  vans to the Divisional Police headquarters in his constituency, provided cocoa treatment chemicals such as herbicides, pesticides and spraying pumps for 200 farmers and 30 units of wheel chairs for the physically-challenged persons.

    He said: “It is my covenant to competently represent my people at the National Assembly and do resoundingly well for my constituents through the intervention/constituency projects’ platform provided for us by the National Assembly as representatives of the people who know the spots where shoes pinch the masses.

    “I will use every medium available to me to bring benefits of democracy to the door steps of my people. In the next couple of years, issues of youth unemployment, empowerment and quality education of our pupils will be given priority attention in the scheme of things in order to secure their future.”

    While recounting his achievements while representing his people, he listed the extension of rural electrification project to Aba-Aro community in Isarun/Erigi Ward of Ifedore Local Government Area, provision of mechanised borehole for the CAC Grammar School, Odode-Idanre in Idanre Local Government Area and grading and maintenance of roads leading to Ero community, among other programmes.

    The empowerment items were inaugurated and presented to beneficiaries by the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, who was represented by another member of the House Representatives, Hon. Sadiq Ibrahim.

    Other APC lawmakers present when Baderinwa assured his people of his commitment to deliver more dividends of democracy to them were Kolawole Babatunde and Akintayo Gafaru representing Akoko Southwest/East and Ayedire/Iwo/Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituencies in Ondo and Osun states respectively.

    The lawmakers expressed their delight at the people-oriented initiatives of their colleague, describing them as awesome projects for the people of the two local government areas.

    The two Hilux Pick-up vans presented to the state police command were for the two police divisions in the constituency. He promised to provide two additional vans to the command.

    On why he presented the vans, the lawmaker said they were meant to enhance the performance of the police in securing the lives and properties in the constituency better.

    He said: “While canvassing for the people’s votes across the nook and cranny of our constituency, I did promise to work tirelessly and selflessly to better the socio-economic lots of our people through competent and quality representation if elected into office.

    “This is my covenant with the people of the constituency. Today’s event marks the beginning of the official fulfilment of this covenant which spans a period of four years.

    “I believe the patrol vehicles will enhance the performance of policemen in the constituency. We need to assist law enforcement agents to secure lives and properties of our people better.

    “It is also my belief that a thorough application of the empowerment items by our farmers will, no doubt, increase farm produce in the next couple of years.

    “In our estimation, if the chemicals are well distributed, over 200 farmers within the two local government areas will benefit from it. It is important to state that I funded all enumerated projects and empowerment items.”

    Baderinwa had earlier inaugurated a motorised borehole he provided for CAC Grammar School, Odode-Idanre in Idanre Local Government Area and inaugurated his Constituency Office in Idanre town.

  • Ogun sensitises students on breast, cervical cancers

    The Chairman of Governing Council of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Mr. Alaba Lawson, has urged female students of the institution to find out their status about breast and cervical cancers respectively.

    Mrs Lawson said raising the awareness of the two deadly cancers was an effort to consolidate on the campaign to checking cancer pandemic among young girls and mothers, adding that the institution has acquired some equipment for testing patients on cancer.,

    She spoke at the campus of the institution during a cancer campaign awareness jointly organised by the wife of Ogun State Governor, Olufunsho Amosun and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN).

    The campaign was led by Mrs Amosun and Iyalode Alaba Lawson.

    Addressing the participants, Mrs Amosun gave cheery news that the state government would henceforth pick medical bills of cancer patients in the state.

    Mrs Amosun also said the Senator Ibikunle Amosun -led administration has pledged to pick up the medical bills of Ogun women undergoing surgery for breast and cervical cancers.

    Amosun’s wife was concerned that cases of ýbreast and cervical cancers appeared to be on the increase, saying experts have agreed that the two are leading deadly forms of cancer.

    “Understanding how cancer spreads is of importance to humankind because if we are fortunate enough at this very moment not to be affected by the disease, we would know somebody that is affected or we could, at least, share the information because as we say, early detection is the only prevention.

    “In the past, it has broken my heart that whený we do this screening exercise and awareness walks and talks, we do come across some sisters, daughters and women in general that do have cancer and each time I walk away without taking action.

    “I go back home and I say to myself, now that I’ve told this woman that she has cancer, what am I doing to help her further? That is why this year, we are taking the campaign a step further and His Excellency, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, has agreed to pay the medical bills of women who underwent surgery on cancer,” Mrs Amosun said.

  • 200 graduate from vocation centre

    As the country grapples with the challenge of unemployment as a result of lack of white-collar jobs, government at all levels has been encouraging individuals, especially young school leavers and graduates to redirect their attention from being job-seekers to job-creators and employers of labour.

    In the circumstances, therefore, local government councils seem to lead the way in terms of empowering their residents through skill acquisition programmes.

    There are several advantages inherent in vocational training which includes focusing attention on practical skills which citizens can put to use in a job immediately and teaching citizens how to perform the tasks that would be required of them in the workforce in various fields such as auto maintenance, carpentry and others.

    Job creators and small-scale entrepreneurs spring up as evidenced by established workshops on carpentry, plumbing, auto-mechanics, welding and fabrication, building and construction among other trades.

    Self-employed entrepreneurs who reduce the poverty levels in the society sometimes, results from a structural and socio-economic development due to an increase in the supply of goods in the market and improvement in community development and livelihood.

    Mindful of the above benefits derivable from skill acquisition programmes, the Agege Local Government Area of Lagos State established a Vocational Centre in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in 2002.

    Since its inception, centre, located at the council’s secretariat, has graduated over 3,000 youths who are adding value to the economies of the Agege Local Government in particular and Nigeria in general.

    Just last week, 200 trainees of the council’s vocational centre were graduated.

    Speaking at the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the council, Mr. Omofunmilewa Adejombo, a lawyer, said the graduation of the trainees signified the success of the third tier of government in empowering youths and unemployed women educationally and economically.

    According to the council chief, the centre, which comprises functional units such as hairdressing and cosmetology, catering and home management, fashion designing, adult education and computer training, has empowered a good number of people who have deployed the knowledge acquired from the training to enhance their economic well-being, those of their communities and the country.

    The Head of Administration, Mrs. Mayowa Kuforiji commended those who graduated for their patience, perseverance and sense of industry. She enjoined them to ensure that the skills acquired rub off on the economic advantage of their families and communities.

    She stressed that it is only by doing so they would fulfill the purpose for which the centre was established and the training it provides towards helping people to acquire practical skills which will enable them to be self-sufficient.

    Different sections of the centre exhibited their handiwork such as cakes and pastries, designed outfits, handcrafted beads and several others while some adult learners entertained the guests with reading and writing skills.

    The Executive Secretary enjoined parents to enrol their children and wards at the centre to acquire some knowledge before they gain admission into tertiary institution.

     

  • NGO advocates interest-free loans

    NGO advocates interest-free loans

    Citinet, a non–governmental organisation (NGO) committed to social and economic development of individuals has held its annual leadership and economic summit at The Best Western plus Hotel, Opebi, Lagos.

    Its team of speakers, including the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Adegbule who was represented spoke on “Delivering Leadership Growth Promises.”

    After exhaustive discussion of the topic, ways forward were suggested in a communiqué released at the end of the meeting.

    The communiqué commended efforts of the Lagos State Government in critical sectors which were taken as the benchmark through which the entire country is judged and growth projected. The Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives by the corporate world in Nigeria is necessary – to give back to the people.

    It agreed that the activities of the government taskforces should be monitored, even as it observed that as laudable as the intensions were, some of the  officers are overzealous particularly the police.

    The discussants also advised the Federal Government to consider creating the state police which should be supported by the State Assembly and National Assembly.

    President Muhammadu Buhari was commended on his choice of his cabinet, but advised him to rebuild infrastructure, enact laws and regulations that would facilitate access to interest-free and collateral–free loans to encourage entrepreneurship.

    They also agreed that Iyaloja as manager of vital economic institution, market should ensure commodity associations do not force hardship on common people by their arbitrary hike in prices.

    It said government should consider the plight of the widows and their children just as they maintained that orphans should be fully supported for scholarships and employment.

    It was also agreed that the military should be involved in the protection of pipelines, particularly those in their neighbourhood.

    A major highlight of the ceremony was honouring of some individuals who have distinguished   themselves in their chosen careers.

  • Commissioner urges youths on formal education

    Commissioner urges youths on formal education

    Students and youths have been enjoined to acquire formal education after graduation from skill centres to enhance their optimum performance in an increasingly sophisticated environment to meet the needs of the market.

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation (WAPA) Mrs Lola Akande made gave the advice when she visited the Mushin, Surulere and Kosofe Skill Acquisition centres as part of her familiarisation tours of departments under her ministry.

    Addressing the students in the Adult Literacy class at Mushin Skill Acquisition Centre, Akande revealed that no matter the vocation learnt, if the students cannot read, write and communicate well in the English language as well as be able to keep their records, they cannot maximise their productivity and manage both their customers and employees.

    She commended the students of the Adult Literacy Class for taking the bold decision to learn, an action she described as a good step.

    While asking some of them to read for her to be sure they are taking in the rudiments of what are being taught them, she noted that there was no age limit to learning and that an individual is more independent and can achieve more in life when he or she can read and write.

    She also urged them to be ICT compliant so as not to be left behind in this age of technology, adding that with ICT, they can update their knowledge and get ideas for their work on the internet.

    While enjoining them to be disciplined and put in their best, she urged them to have good human relations in and outside the school to be successful in their chosen fields.

    She later implored the principals to liaise with the ministry to arrange exhibitions to showcase the works of the students to members of the public for patronage.

    She also urged the students to make good use of the internet to promote their work.

    She further commended the principals for a job well done and promised to look into the challenges of the centres.

     

  • Ada Day: A celebration of culture, unity

    Ada Day: A celebration of culture, unity

    Indigenes of Ada in Osun State converged on the Ada Secondary Commercial Grammar School to celebrate their pristine culture that unites the old and the young and links the past with the present. ADESOJI ADENIYI reports that the carnival-like event revealed the indigenes’ love for Ada as several millions of Naira was realised for various community development projects.

    All the signs that the town was in a festive mood were there. Exotic cars, gaily dressed residents, itinerant drummers and cultural performers.

    It was all at this year’s Ada Day celebration. Ada in Boripe Local Government Area, Osun State, is the home of MicCom Golf Hotel and Resorts – Nigeria’s first privately-owned golf course.

    And that day, culture became a tool to pave the road to a sure future in the development of the community.

    The chief host was the Olona of Ada, Oba Abimbola Olalekan Abioye II.

    During the cultural fiesta, several millions of Naira was realised  for various projects.

    Prominent indigenes, including the Asiwaju of Ada, Chief Kola Oyadeji, the pioneer community leader, Pa Gabriel Oguntunde, MicCom Group chair, Prince Tunde Ponnle, former community leader Prince Lekan Idowu, member representing Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives, Hon. Yinka Ajayi, Prince Ademola Adetona, Chief Dele Ajayi, the chairman of Ada community, Mr. Gbenga Adewale and chairman Ada 2015 Planning Committee, Mr. Benson Ojetayo, among othersý were at the Ada Secondary Commercial Grammar School, venue of the event to celebrate Ada’s pristine culture.

    Senator Gbenga Ashafa, who chaired the ceremony, was represented by Hon. Segun Adefila. The chairperson, Mother Celestial Folasade Akinlabi, the Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the Asiwaju Iree, Chief Adenrele Afolabi, member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Zakari Mohammed and Kwara State Commissioner for Energy, Hon. Tunde Ayandele, paid glowing tributes to citizens of the town and their sense of industry.

    Ashafa praised the community for genuinely and vigorously pursuing human development, construction of structures, empowerment of women and school pupils as well as maintaining security of lives and property.

    According to him, Ada community has continued to keep the Yoruba culture and tradition alive.

    He said: “The festival has made us to remember our past, to appreciate our present and realise the promising tomorrow, especially for the upcoming generation. So, the great sons and daughters of Ada and their neighbours have continued to build bridges among the ‘haves and the have nots’, the old and the young and between the past and the present.

    “This annual event is one of the greatest initiatives I have ever known and which I will always want to be identified with. The bottom line is to assist our people, reduce poverty, increase knowledge, encourage and reward hard work and most importantly to develop our communities.”

    Speaking earlier, Adewale said the town was making progress in many spheres. He said it had been able to complete the Iso Ege Hall for the residents, particularly the women and farmers.

    He also said the construction of a modern palace was ongoing. He, however, appealed to the state government to help Ada by establishing some industries.

    He said: “Many of what we have here have been through the effort of the community and benevolent indigenes.”

    Oba Abioye expressed gratitude to those present at the 18th Ada Day. He enjoined the indigenes to take the day with seriousness, urging them to emulate communities that celebrate their community day in Christmas carnival manner.

    The traditional ruler also advised his subjects to co-operate and support the advancement of Ada, even as he urged parents to ensure that their children come home to help in developing the town. More importantly, he advised the indigenes to pay their taxes for the government to have the resources to develop the community.

    Chief Oyadeji thanked God, the Olona, the indigenes and members of the 2015 Ada Day Planning Committee for the success of the event.

    He called on the indigenes to live in peace and harmony, saying that the community could only progress when there is love among the people.

    Highlights of the event included the fund raising for community developmental projects, the cultural performances by dance groups and the presentation of gifts by market women to the Olona and other notable citizens of the town for their contributions to the development of the town as well as debate and speech competitions designed and coordinated by an outstanding teacher in the community, Mr. Yemi Omotoso.

    Cash donations were made for community projects.

  • Rotary raises funds for community projects

    Rotary raises funds for community projects

    It was a gathering of families, friends, well-wishers of members of the Rotary Club of FESTAC Town District 9110, Nigeria who gathered to raise funds for various community projects. The event was also used to install Rotarian Alex Geonlebedum, the Executive Director, Summer Storm Investment Company Limited as the 34th President of the club who will pilot its affairs for the next one year.

    It was also a gathering that witnessed a hand over of the reigns of leadership from its out gone President, Rotarian Gabriel Onyema, a renowned Accountant to the new President, Rotarian Geonlebedum. The event took place at the Golden Tulip Hotels, Amuwo Odofin Lagos State.

    As his guest arrived at the massive hall to identify with his achievements, Rotarian Geonlebedum was appreciative of their presence.

    Rotarian Gabriel Amalu and Rotarian Orji Udemezue anchored the event.

    After introduction of some distinguished guests, the new president was ushered into the hall in the company of members of his family. Guests stood up in honour of the President.

    In his address to welcome the guests, the chairman of the investiture committee, Mr. Collins Onyenze thanked them for coming and appealed to members of the club to support the new president in his efforts to raise funds for the success of the planned projects.

    “In line with the Rotary International theme of ‘Be a Gift to the World’, we have resolved to make the future of Rotary better in our community through service,” he said.

    Rotarian Onyema described his tenure as a year of learning and fulfilment, saying that, during his tenure, the club spent N25 million on humanitarian projects.

    He added that the club also sent three children to India for hole-in-the-heart surgery.

    Onyema recalled that when he assumed office on July 1, last year, the club began well in implementing its programmes.

    “We had plans for the execution of 39 projects which were successfully carried out. N25m was spent on humanity which we are proud of. Some of the projects were water sanitation, provision of bore holes, disease prevention and treatment, economic and community development through training people in different fields and construction of Amuwo Odofin public library, among others,” he said.

    Done with his speech, he installed the new president of the club.

    He advised Geonlebedum to protect the name and integrity of the club, saying he has handed over to him a banner unstained and he must hand over in the same manner.

    In his acceptance speech, Geonlebedum said he was overwhelmed by the honour done him, promising to continue where his predecessor stopped.

    He said the club has six areas of focus for the year. These areas, he said, included peace and conflict prevention and resolution; disease prevention and treatment; water sanitation; maternal and child health; better education and literacy and economic and community development.”

    He described his predecessor as a nice man, a jolly good fellow who is open- hearted and a guardian.

    He said Rotarians’ expectation during his tenure is that every day is a plus in life, saying things have come to change.

    The Guest speaker who is Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC) Chief Eze Duruiheoma (SAN), urged the new president and his directors to discharge their duties credibly.

    He urged Geonlebedum to be resilient, accountable and diligent, stressing on the need to render service to humanity.

    He commended Rotary’s service to humanity and called on Nigerians to ask for a credible census as they were in quest for a credible election this year.

    After receiving his award, the father of the new president who doubled as Royal Father of the day, Chief Nze Alionu described his son as a child and appealed to everyone to support him in order to succeed.

    The District Governor, Mr. Bolaji Onabadejo congratulated the ex-president and his directors for the good jobs they did. He also congratulated the father of the President, saying that it is not everybody that has the opportunity to celebrate with their children.

    Mr Bolaji, who was represented by Mr. Wale Ogunbadejo spoke on the development of the club, saying it should embark on projects that have global appeal and work hard on partnership.

    He added that the club should work towards recruiting new members for development.

    Awards were later presented to members and non-members of the club for their contributions towards enhancing the well-being of people. There were also donations towards the club’s projects.

    Patron, World Fashion Organisation, Dr. Merit Gordon Obua, who donated N5 million told Southwest Report that she has always taken pleasure in helping people. She said wealthy Nigerians should help the less-privileged persons.

    “It’s not all about accumulating wealth for the future, rather wealth should be measured according to the number of lives you have touched and transformed,” she said.

  • Ogun sensitises students to breast, cervical cancers

    The Chairman of Governing Council of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Abeokuta, Mr. Alaba Lawson, has urged female students of the institution to find out their status about breast and cervical cancers respectively.

    Mrs Lawson said raising the awareness of the two deadly cancers was an effort to consolidate on the campaign to checking cancer pandemic among young girls and mothers, adding that the institution has acquired some equipment for testing patients on cancer.,

    She spoke at the campus of the institution during a cancer campaign awareness jointly organised by the wife of Ogun State Governor, Olufunsho Amosun and the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN).

    * The campaign was led by Mrs Amosun and Iyalode Alaba Lawson.

    Addressing the participants, Mrs Amosun gave cheery news that the state government would henceforth pick medical bills of cancer patients in the state.

    Mrs Amosun also said the Senator Ibikunle Amosun -led administration has pledged to pick up the medical bills of Ogun women undergoing surgery for breast and cervical cancers.

    Amosun’s wife was concerned that cases of ýbreast and cervical cancers appeared to be on the increase, saying experts have agreed that the two are leading deadly forms of cancer.

    “Understanding how cancer spreads is of importance to humankind because if we are fortunate enough at this very moment not to be affected by the disease, we would know somebody that is affected or we could, at least, share the information because as we say, early detection is the only prevention.

    “In the past, it has broken my heart that whený we do this screening exercise and awareness walks and talks, we do come across some sisters, daughters and women in general that do have cancer and each time I walk away without taking action.

    “I go back home and I say to myself, now that I’ve told this woman that she has cancer, what am I doing to help her further? That is why this year, we are taking the campaign a step further and His Excellency, Governor Ibikunle Amosun, has agreed to pay the medical bills of women who underwent surgery on cancer,” Mrs Amosun said.

     

  • Honour for a don

    Honour for a don

    The sleepy town of Okeho in Kajola Local Government of Oyo State came alive on Saturday when traditional rulers, politicians, friends, family and well-wishers gathered to celebrate with a distinguished son of the town, Prof. Segun Gbadegesin, who was honoured with the chieftaincy title of Asiwaju of Okeho. TAYO JOHNSON reports.

    The countrified town of Okeho in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State sparkled as local residents shirked all their commercial and other activities to join several distinguished guests who came from far and near to be part of a moment of glory for a notable academic.

    For them, it was a rare opportunity to play host to such notable individuals and witness such once-in-two-decade event. The community conferred on Mr. Segun Gbadegesin the chieftaincy title of Asiwaju of Okeho.

    Mr Gbadegesin is a Professor of Philosophy, Head, Department of Philosophy and Dean, College of Arts and Sciences, Howard University, Washington DC, United States of America (USA). His wife, Adetoun, was also honoured as the Yeye Asiwaju of Okeho.

    Prof. Gbadegesin worked as an undercover operative during the dark days of the Gen. Sanni Abacha dictatorship. He was one of the main anchors of Radio Kudirat, the propaganda organ of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

    The occasion, which was the grand finale of the week-long 70th birthday of the don, was also a showcase for the launch the Segun and Adetoun Gbadegesin Family Foundation (SAGFF).

    As early as 7:30 a.m., the palace of Onjo of Okeho, Oba Rafiu Osuolale Adeitan II, had been filled to capacity by friends and family members who came from all walks of life.

    Drummers and traditional dancers welcomed guests as they find their way to the crowd of natives into the palace. The dancers gyrated in deep ecstasy to the tunes from the local drums offering warm welcome to the guests in the Yoruba traditional way.

    Prof. Gbadegesin, decked in a purple Aso-Oke with Abeti-Aja cap, arrived at the palace with his wife and children around 10:10 a.m.

    They arrived to the warm embrace of guests with locals struggling to catch a good glimpse of one of their own.

    During his installation as the Asiwaju of Okeho, the Onjo described the don as an illustrious son of the town who has contributed immensely to its development as well as the enthronement of democracy in Nigeria through his activities in the US.

    According to the monarch, despite the fact that Prof. Gbadegesin and his family live in the United States, no development in Okeho can be mentioned without reference to his name.

    Giving reasons for the conferment of the traditional title on the erudite Prof., the monarch said: “He was very active in the struggle and events that led to my enthronement as Onjo of Okeho in 2003. He built a library for his Alma Mater, First Baptist Primary School Okeho. He has also made a lot of contributions to the ongoing palace projects.

    “The establishment of a satellite campus of Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology in Okeho was made possible through his involvement and that of his son, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, the then Commissioner for Health in Oyo State. He has made a lot of contributions to the ongoing palace project and his weekly Friday, back page column in The Nation Newspapers is a delight to so many newspaper readers, especially people of this community and his column does portray Okeho well.”

    The Onjo urged the don to bring every Okeho indigene together under his leadership, irrespective of their political or religious leanings.

    The monarch also urged him to ensure the completion of the palace project and also facilitate employment of school leavers in the town in both federal and state establishments.

    In his remark, Prof. Gbadegesin promised to continue in his desire to foster development of his hometown, adding that all the requests of the monarch would be considered.

    “I first rejected this chieftaincy title when the Kabiyesi contacted me because I think it is not until you bag a chieftaincy title that you can contribute to the development of your town. But why I later changed my mind was because I had earlier accepted a chieftaincy title from Iganna and it will not be well said if I do not accept the one from my hometown,” he said.

    Prof. Gbadegesin urged sons and daughters of the town to unite and support one another irrespective of political or religious differences.

    His son, Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, said:” I am not surprised that they are honouring him today because, all his life, he has showed love to his hometown in many practical ways. He has helped a lot of people to gain admission to schools, to find job and he has assisted in developmental projects.”

    He described him as a true patriot of Okeho, adding that the recognition by the monarch shows that his people appreciate him and want him to continue to support the town.

    Dignitaries present at the colourful event included former Interim National Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande; former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Iyiola Oladokun; Chief Whip of Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. John Olalere; Deputy Comptroller of Immigration, Dr Biodun Popoola and the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Ganiyu Adekunle Salawu Ologuunebi.

    Others were Onitede of Tede, Oba Raufu Oladoyin; retired Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu; Chief Bisi Adesola; Alhaji Ali Oyedeji; Agba-Akin of Okeho, Alhaji Raji Bomodeoku; Chief Tunji Thomas; Prof.Y.K Salami; Chief Moyo Ajekigbe; Hon. Kola Olabiyi and Mr. Adeniyi Jolaoso.

    In his tribute, Chief Iyiola Oladokun described the celebrator as a lover Oke-Ogun and a man that does not discriminate.

    “I met him during my days as a student at Obafemi Awolowo University as a student. He taught me philosophy. He is very homely and he is a good role model to emulate,” he said.

    Shortly after his installation, a grand reception was held at Okeho/Iganna Grammar School.

    At the launch of the Segun and Adetoun Gbadegesin Family Foundation (SAGFF) at the reception, Dr Gbadegesin said the foundation was set up to provide quality health care and education for the people in the community.

    He said:” Twenty indigent students will be given scholarship worth N50, 000 each annually from the 12 wards in this local government. Also, we shall ensure free health screening and treatment for 60 people in the 12 wards in this council area.”

    Addressing guests at the reception, Prof. Gbadegesin expressed satisfaction with the chieftaincy title bestowed on him by his people.

    “Community representation is something that one must take seriously. This recognition comes with responsibility and I pray that I will be up to the task. We are going to mobilise and get on with how to develop this town. I thank God for my 70th birthday, for the opportunity He has given me and for the many unmerited privileges I have had.

    “I will be a servant leader because it’s a call to service. When that service is rendered without any presumptions, then one feels the satisfaction that comes with it and it’s a call to serve,” he said.

    Prof. Gbadegesin assured that the foundation would be sustained with the assistance of his children.

  • ‘2016 is a year of God’s vengeance’

    ‘2016 is a year of God’s vengeance’

    Senior Pastor Continental Grace Christian Centre Oto Lagos, Oluwabukola Akin Aina, has described 2016 as ‘God’s year of judgment’ for the nation’s enemies. According to him, God has already finalised plans to deal with those who have looted the nation’s treasury. He added that there is nothing anybody can do about it since it’s already ‘sealed by God’.

    “The year 2016 will be God’s year of judgment for both the judge and the accused,” he said in a briefing on Wednesday as the ministry commenced its annual convention whose theme was ‘The Shadow of the Almighty.’

    “God has sent me to announce this to the authorities. The unfortunate thing is that God will not give such people another grace because they have enjoyed such privilege in the past, even though they abused it.  “In 2016, God is going to wash this nation clean as only those who hide under His Shadow will enjoy His mercy,” the cleric added.

    Aina noted that those who surrendered their lives to Christ and eschewed sin will not only escape God’s judgment but also enjoy divine bounties.

    He said further that the convention which began with a Bible study on Friday, included other activities such as vigil, praise/testimony nights, and deliverance hour, among others. The convention, he said, would be a prelude to certain strategies being embarked upon by the ministry.

    As the convention ended yesterday, the ministry went to the streets to distribute foods,  drugs and other gift items to the poor.

    “This ministry comprises 97 per cent youths and this is where we would begin our advocacy to admonish government to improve the lots of youths nation-wide via positive engagement. We are not only targeting youths but also various segments of the society through humanitarian gestures.

    “Some people erroneously believe that holistic gospel means mere preaching, but I say how can you convince a sinner who is hungry to accept the gospel? So, we will consider the setting up of vocations and business enterprises where we would engage the needy so that their lives can be more meaningful.

    “God made the Israelites to begin to see a place of comfort in Canaan land. So,  the church should not only be avenues where tithes and offering are collected, but where the less- privileged persons can find solace. “As a church, it is no crime if we go into livestock farming, or real estate. I also believe the church can set up a university with free tuition or charge moderate fee.

    This is a challenge we at Continental Grace Christian Centre have decided to take up. We shall be diversifying into certain key investments in the coming year. We do not have the money yet, but we believe that God knows that our intention is genuine and by God’s grace, we shall get there.