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Category: Southwest

  • ADC inaugurates Southwest exco

    ADC inaugurates Southwest exco

    African Democratic Congress (ADC) in the Southwest at the weekend promised to strengthen the party and empower citizens.

    The Zonal Chairman, Rahman Owokoniran, spoke after he was sworn in alongside other zonal executive members of the party at an event at Ibadan Business School, Bodija, Ibadan.

    The ceremony was attended by party leaders from across the zone, including the Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Bamidele Ajadi, Jide Adeniji and state chairmen of the party, among others.

    Other zonal leaders who were sworn in include: Assistant National Secretary (S/W Zonal Secretary) – Bashir Lawal (Oyo State); Deputy National Woman Leader- Mrs Yemisi Afolabi (Ekiti State); Ex-officio- Prof Olabode Ayorinde (Ondo State); Deputy National Financial Secretary – Hon Rotimi George Taylor (Ogun State) and Deputy National Coordinator (Diaspora)- Daniel Akene (Ekiti State).

    Others are: Assistant National Woman Leader (S/W Zonal Woman Leader)- Sidikat Ojo (Ondo State); Assistant National Youth Leader- Oluwaseyi Akinde (Lagos State); Director of Communication, Dr Babatunde Oke (Osun State); Assistant National Organising Secretary -Sakiru Adekoya (Ogun State) and Rasak Iyowawi, former Southwest chairman.

    Owokoniran expressed gratitude to the party members and stakeholders, who supported his emergence as the new zonal chairman, acknowledging the dedication and sacrifices of ADC members, particularly those who have remained steadfast over the years, and those who have recently joined the party.

    READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

    The newly inaugurated Southwest zonal chairman emphasised the need for the party to deepen grassroots participation and offer Nigerians a credible, democratic voice to fight poverty and maintain dignity.

    The ADC leader highlighted the socio-economic challenges facing the people of Southwest, including poverty, food shortages, unemployment, insecurity and declining living standards.

    He condemned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government’s practices, which he alleged were designed to manipulate and control the poor and the vulnerable.

    Owokoniran promised to work towards building a party that restored hope, dignity and opportunity for Nigerians.

    He pledged to inspire citizens’ participation and offer a people-focused approach to governance in the zone, calling on party members to work together with courage, commitment and determination to achieve the desired outcome.

    Deputy National Chairman, Dr. Bamidele Ajadi, said the inauguration was necessary, as Southwest was the only geopolitical zone without a zonal leadership.

    He urged party members not to allow external forces to destabilise the zone, warning that those uncomfortable with the coalition arrangement should retrace their steps.

    Adeniji, an engineer, described Owokoniran as a listening and God-fearing leader, expressing confidence in his ability to unite and strengthen the party in the zone.

    Oyo State Chairman of ADC, Yinka Olona, enjoined members to rally behind the new zonal chairman, saying collective support was crucial for the party’s success in upcoming elections.

  • My team will continue where I stop in 2027, says Makinde

    My team will continue where I stop in 2027, says Makinde

    • Obi hails governor for uplifting state

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has said while his tenure will end in May 2027, members of his team with whom he has delivered good governance are determined to continue his good programmes.

    Makinde, who noted that his administration would continue to govern the state in accordance with the will and guidance of God, said his administration had built strong foundations for the state as it entered its next phase.

    He said this yesterday during a Thanksgiving Service in commemoration of Oyo State’s 50th anniversary, held at Cathedral of St Peter’s, Aremo, Ibadan.

    The presidential candidate of Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr Peter Obi, lauded Governor Makinde for uplifting Ibadan, the capital, and for using public funds for public good.

    Makinde, who had read the second Bible lesson from Matthew 5:1-12, congratulated Oyo State residents on witnessing the celebration of the state’s golden jubilee, which he noted was due to God’s grace.

    READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

    He said his emergence as governor of the state in 2019 could only be attributed to God’s mercy, which enabled the state to experience a new beginning.

    He assured the people of the state of continuity of good governance after the end of his tenure, stressing that his team was still intact and would carry on the good work.

    The governor said: “I want to congratulate all of us for witnessing Oyo State at 50. I pray that we shall witness many more years on earth.

    “When I became the governor of Oyo State in 2019, I was the eighth civilian or executive governor of Oyo State and the significance of eight in the Bible depicts a new beginning. So, the journey has been a new beginning for Oyo State. I didn’t plan it.

    “I tell people that I am not ashamed to say I don’t have a godfather, I only have God the father. Some of the people are upset; they said I came to them to ask for support to be elected. Yes, you go somewhere to seek support. Does that make the person your godfather?

    “So, God has been so merciful to us, and we will continue to operate in accordance with the will and dictates of God for us.’’

    “God has brought a particular governor at a particular time to signify a new beginning for Oyo State. My charge to you as we celebrate this 50th anniversary of Oyo State is that we should not go back to where we were coming from. Let us stay focused.

    “We have a team that is still intact. It is only Seyi Makinde that will go out; members of the team are there to continue to work for the people of Oyo State. We will continue to operate in accordance with the will and dictates of God for Oyo State.”

    Obi lauded Makinde’s leadership style and transformation agenda.

    He said: “It is always an honour to be in Ibadan. I was here on Tuesday to visit the university and I was telling somebody that this is a historic town where all of us, as Nigerians, come because it is a city of knowledge and a city of hope.

    “The people who came with me said you don’t know how this place has changed and I appreciate the preacher on what he said about how the state has developed under Governor Seyi Makinde.

    “I thank Governor Makinde for faithfully serving the people. As you celebrate this 50th anniversary, I pray that the next 50 years of this great state will be exemplary. May God continue to bless our governor and all the members of his team. I was here at the onset of his government. I was one of those that were brought in to talk to his commissioners and I thank him for his exceptional work.’’

    In his sermon titled: “Gratitude,” the Archbishop of Ibadan Province, The Most Rev’d Williams Aladekugbe, said God had been good to Oyo State. He hailed past leaders who contributed to the growth of the state in the last 50 years.

    He congratulated the governor on his people-oriented programme, which he said, had shaped the state and brought about infrastructure development, improved workers and pensioners’ welfare and peaceful coexistence, among others.

  • Ondo declares two-day public holiday to celebrate 50th anniversary

    Ondo declares two-day public holiday to celebrate 50th anniversary

    • Tax czar Oyedele to deliver lecture

    Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has declared today and tomorrow as public holidays across the 18 local governments, as part of activities marking the 50th anniversary of the state’s creation.

    The governor made this known in a statement issued at the weekend by his spokesman, Prince Ebenezer Adeniyan.

    He said the holidays would enable residents to participate in the lined-up anniversary programmes.

    According to the statement, the milestone marks five decades of growth, resilience and collective progress for the state.

    “The declaration is to enable residents of Ondo State fully participate in activities lined up to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the creation of Ondo State, a historic milestone that marks five decades of growth, resilience and collective progress.

    “The governor urges citizens to use the opportunity of the holidays to join in the celebrations, reflect on the state’s journey so far, and recommit themselves to the shared vision of building a more prosperous and united Ondo State.

    READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

    “Essential service providers are, however, advised to make adequate arrangements to ensure uninterrupted services during the period,” the statement read.

    The Chairman of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee, Prof. Taiwo Oyedele, will deliver the anniversary public lecture.

    The lecture titled: “Ondo State: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow,” is scheduled to hold today at 10am at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome), Akure.

    Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr Taiwo Fasoranti, disclosed this in a statement issued yesterday by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Idowu Ajanaku.

    Fasoranti, who also chairs the Ondo @50 Anniversary Planning Committee, said the lecture would be chaired by legal luminary, Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), and is expected to attract dignitaries from within and outside the state.

    He described the event as an intellectual engagement aimed at examining the historical foundations of the state, assessing its current socio-economic trajectory and charting strategic directions for sustainable development.

    According to him, participants will include policymakers, academics, professionals, traditional rulers, socio-political groups and other stakeholders.

    Fasoranti said Oyedele, an indigene of Ikaramu-Akoko, is a renowned economist, tax expert and public policy authority whose leadership of the Presidential Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Committee places him at the forefront of Nigeria’s fiscal and economic reforms.

    He added that the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Energy, Mrs Olu Verheijen, is also expected to speak at the lecture.

    Verheijen, he noted, has nearly two decades of experience in the gas and renewable energy sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa and is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of BFA Foundation, which provides scholarships for women and disadvantaged groups.

  • Senate Leader rallies Ogun West professionals for Tinubu, Adeola

    Senate Leader rallies Ogun West professionals for Tinubu, Adeola

    Senate Leader, Dr. Opeyemi Bamidele, has called on professionals in Ogun West Senatorial District to throw their weight behind the re-election bid of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    The senator also urged the group to back the governorship bid of Senator Solomon Adeola, popularly known as Yayi.

    The Senate Leader made the call yesterday in Ilaro, Ogun State, during ‘Ogun West Professionals for Yayi’ media chat.

    Speaking on ‘The power of internal coherence in securing external support: a roadmap to achieving Ogun West governorship ambition 2027’, Bamidele said internal coherence within Ogun West was the critical prerequisite for securing cross-district alliances, party confidence and statewide voter legitimacy.”

    The Senate Leader, who thanked the professionals for endorsing President Tinubu, said discordant tune within the zone was capable of preventing Ogun West from realising their bid to have a candidate who will occupy Ogun State seat of power at Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

    “I must appreciate your gesture of endorsing the re-election bid of President Tinubu.

    READ ALSO: Mutfwang, Plateau APC and 2027 battle

    ‘We need more cohesion to deliver him. Beyond endorsement, you need to mobilise yourself to speak with one voice.”

    On Ogun West, he said: “Without internal discipline and coordinated elite leadership, this opportunity can once again be squandered.”

    Acknowledging other politicians from the zone, who might be interested in the top job, Bamidele said there was need for all stakeholders to come together to deliver Senator Adeola as the next governor of Ogun State.

    The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Isiaq Salako, said the elite in Ogun West had agreed to present Adeola for the plum job.

    “We, the professionals in this zone are ready to take the bull by the horns this time; we won’t leave anything to chance.

    ‘’We are here not just to endorse the re-election of President Tinubu, but to also present Senator Adeola as the next governor of the state.

    “Yayi is a national figure, who commands national representation. He has demonstrated that capacity and commitment to represent us.

    “The endorsement of Tinubu is in the self-interest of Ogun West. For the first time in 30 years, we have a minister. For the first time, we have the son of the soil as IG. These are among other appointments.

    “Ogun West and other districts will benefit from the re-election of President Tinubu.

    “The journey to Oke-Imosan is a project, and we are now at the execution stage. A lot more is required from us.

    “If we endorse and fail to mobilise others to vote alongside with us, our endorsement won’t deliver our dream.”

    Coordinator of the group, Ajiroba Dapo Oke, said Adeola has what it takes to take Ogun State to the next level.

    “Senator Adeola is not a stranger to service. His journey from all the hallowed chambers provided in our constitution to the hearts of the people has been marked by uncommon dedication, visionary leadership and a passion for development.

    “His footprints in Lagos West and now in Ogun West are not just visible, they are also transformative.

    “Just yesterday he was honoured as The Sun Man of the year 2025, in deep appreciation of his noble roles in transformative and responsive governance.”

  • Council funds crisis: Osun Assembly alleges N50b diversion

    Council funds crisis: Osun Assembly alleges N50b diversion

    Osun State House of Assembly yesterday alleged that about N50billion from the local governments’ allocations have been diverted by the reinstated council executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ‘’which has exposed grassroots to deterioration and hardship.’

    The assembly through the Speaker, Adewale Egbedun, addressing reporters at the lawmakers’ complex, said the alleged actions of the APC executives had further destabilised governance at the grassroots.

    He said the assembly by the provision of law had oversight and legislative powers over 30 local government areas of Osun State.

    Egbedun said N25million was paid to each of the reinstated chairmen, N12million was paid to vice-chairmen, N10million to 332 councillors, N130million to selected traditional rulers and N13billion to a law firm.

    He alleged that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) connived to make the diversion easy for the reinstated council executives.

    According to him, ‘’reaffirming the illegality of forceful occupation of council secretariats by tenure-less politicians, the assembly condemns the callousness of the APC cronies and the minister.

    READ ALSO: The men who ruined a republic

    “Not one naira has been paid in the last 12 months as salaries of local government workers by these illegal APC chairmen: primary school teachers – zero ; nurses and other health care workers – zero; local government workers – zero; traditional rulers not favoured by Gboyega Oyetola – zero; retirees – zero.

    “Even more disturbing are reports before this House that plans are allegedly underway to disburse another Fifty Billion Naira of local government funds for political purposes, disguised as project funds, while governance at the grassroots continue to suffer. We will not tolerate the diversion of public funds meant for salaries, health care, education and community development into private hands to fund the election of a particular politician in Osun State.”

    Contacted, the Chairman of Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun State chapter, Abiodun Idowu, said the assembly lacked proper knowledge of governance at the grassroots, urging them to seek update from Governor Ademola Adeleke rather than feeding the public with lies.

    “The same assembly has been shouting that Federal Government withheld Osun local government funds. They even said the seizure has stalled governance at the grassroots, only to now say the money has been diverted by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.

    “The assembly needs to tell the world how a minister will be diverting fund ceased by the Federal Government, how the same fund you claimed its non-release has stalled projects at the grassroots is now being diverted to private pockets. The assembly as an institution needs to do better rather than pushing false narratives,” he said.

  • LG funds crisis: Osun Assembly alleges N50bn diversion, warns APC ‘reinstated’ Excos

    LG funds crisis: Osun Assembly alleges N50bn diversion, warns APC ‘reinstated’ Excos

    …Assembly lacks proper knowledge of governance at the grassroots — Osun ALGON

    The Osun State House of Assembly on Sunday alleged that about N50billion from the local government area allocations has been diverted by the reinstated council executives of the All Progressives Congress (APC), which has exposed the grassroots to deterioration and hardship.

    The Assembly, through the Speaker, Hon Adewale Egbedun, while addressing newsmen at the lawmaker complex, held that the alleged actions of the APC executives have further destabilised governance at the grassroots.

    He reiterated that the Assembly, by the provision of law, has oversight and legislative powers over 30 local government areas of Osun State.

    Egbedun highlighted that N25million was paid to each of the reinstated chairmen, N12 million paid to vice-chairmen, N10 million to 332 councillors, N130 million to selected traditional rulers, and N13billion to a law firm.

    READ ALSO: Okpebholo’s weekend surprise for three workers

    He also alleged that the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, and the United Bank for Africa (UBA) connived to make the diversion easy for the reinstated council executives.

    According to him, reaffirming the illegality of forceful occupation of council secretariats by tenureless politicians, the Assembly condemned the callousness of the APC cronies and the minister.

    “Not one naira has been paid in the last 12 months as salaries of local workers by these illegal APC chairmen: primary school teachers – zero; nurses and other healthcare workers – zero; local government civil servants – zero; traditional rulers not favored by Gboyega Oyetola – zero; retirees – zero.

    “Even more disturbing are reports before this House that plans are allegedly underway to disburse another Fifty Billion Naira (N50B) of LG funds for political purposes, disguised as project funds, while governance at the grassroots continues to suffer. We will not tolerate the diversion of public funds meant for salaries, healthcare, education, and community development into private hands to fund the election of a particular politician in Osun State.”

    “The Assembly formally places on record that it has written repeatedly to banks, including the United Bank for Africa Plc (UBA), that under extant Osun State laws and regulations governing Local Government administration, only career officers duly appointed under the Local Government Service Commission, including directors of finance and directors of administration and general services, are lawful signatories to LG accounts”, clarifying that “politicians elected as, chairmen, councilors, treasurers, or political appointees are forbidden from being signatories to LG accounts.

    “Any bank that releases Local Government funds on the instructions of unauthorised persons, regardless of who issued such instructions, acts unlawfully and exposes itself and its officers to criminal liability. Illegal disbursement of public funds is fraudulent. It is not banking practice. It is not political discretion. It is a crime.

    “The House therefore warns the UBA in very clear terms that all illegal disbursements of Osun State LG funds, whether purportedly authorised by Mr Gboyega Oyetola or any other individual, will be fully recovered and treated as deliberate complicity in a financial crime. All the funds that UBA has disbursed so far, with the alleged illegal instructions of Mr Oyetola, are a gift to him and cannot be deducted from Osun State LG accounts.

    When contacted, the Chairman of the Osun Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON), Osun chapter, Hon. Abiodun Idowu, disclosed that the Assembly lacks proper knowledge of governance at the grassroots, urging them to seek updates from Governor Ademola Adeleke rather than feeding the public with lies.

    “The same Assembly had been shouting that the Federal Government withheld Osun LG fund, they even said the seizure has stalled governance at the grassroots, only to now say the money has been diverted by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola.

    “The Assembly needs to tell the world how a Minister would be diverting funds seized by the federal government, how the same fund you claimed is non-release has stalled projects at the grassroots, and is not diverted to private pockets. The Assembly as an institution needs to do better rather than pushing false narratives,” he said.

  • Fatima College @70: Archbishop Alaba Job urges return of missionary schools

    Fatima College @70: Archbishop Alaba Job urges return of missionary schools

    …tasks old students on restoration efforts

    The Archbishop Emeritus of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Felix Alaba Job, has renewed calls on government to return missionary schools to their original owners, urging alumni to take responsibility for restoring the lost glory of their alma mater.

    Archbishop Job made the appeal at the weekend in Ikire, Osun State, during a thanksgiving Mass and the dedication of the newly renovated chapel of Fatima College, Ikire. The institution, established in January 1956, was founded by the Society of African Missions (SMA) of the Catholic Church.

    The chapel renovation was undertaken by the 1976 set of the school as part of activities marking its 70th anniversary.

    The cleric noted that government alone could not address the numerous challenges confronting the education sector, stressing the need for stronger collaboration with the private sector.

    Addressing members of the Fatima College Old Boys’ Association, Archbishop Job urged them to rise up and advocate the return of missionary schools, including Fatima College, to their original owners and former standards.

    He said, “The school is celebrating its 70th anniversary but do you like what you see today? I challenge you to arise, wake up and never sit back in this pursuit of the school return, so that it can shine as before.”

    Archbishop Job expressed optimism that the school would regain its freedom and original identity if the alumni refused to relent in their efforts.

    He also cautioned the students of the college to focus on their academics and avoid what he described as the lustful distractions of the world.

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    “Your future is in your hands and that God is with you. If you face your studies, God will surely reward you but if you follow the world of today, you will be lost,” he said.

    The Archbishop further urged the students to always remember their alma mater and uphold its godly legacy,” adding that: “Difficulties shouldn’t overtake us, but we should always overtake our difficulties. May our youths rise up above the useless things they pursue today and become better.”

    The Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Ibadan, Most Rev. Gabriel Abegunrin, who officiated at the mass, also encouraged the students to take their studies seriously if they hoped to become successful in life.

    “You can see how great the old boys of this college have become today; it’s a reward for hard work, so work harder if you want to be like them,” Abegunrin said.

    Also addressing the gathering, President of the 1976 set, retired Navy Captain Akintunde Olunloyo, urged his colleagues to do everything within their capacity to ensure that missionary schools were returned, including the restoration of the boarding house system.

    He recalled that standards were significantly higher during the missionary era, emphasising that students benefited from strong moral values built on integrity, discipline and character.

    “During the missionary days, be it Muslim or Christian, nobody was forced or compelled to practice another faith or religion.

    “If you try to convert any student at that particular point to follow the faith of those missionary schools, you might create religious acrimony”, he noted.

    Olunloyo lauded the school management for its cooperation and commended the 1976 set for remaining united and working together.

    The Chairman of the 70th Anniversary Planning Committee, Dr Paul Ilona, also called on government to partner with the private sector to advance the development of education.

    He urged alumni associations to complement government efforts, particularly in the areas of infrastructure development and capacity building for students and teachers.

    “Our alumni has been giving back to its community. In the course of this programme we held free medical checks and no fewer than 200 people were treated freely.”

    “We have invested millions in the development of this school, so the alumni will play their roles while the government should also do theirs.”

    In his remarks, the Chairman of the Building Committee, Dr. Patrick Ilo, advised alumni associations and well-meaning individuals to identify projects that would benefit students of their alma mater as part of their corporate social responsibility, noting that such initiatives attract divine blessings.

    He also charged alumni bodies to support government development efforts by showcasing their interventions in their schools in order to attract more government attention and support.

    Also speaking, an alumnus of the school, Peter Ewensor, echoed the call for the return of missionary-founded schools and urged government to revamp technical colleges to produce skilled and self-reliant students.

  • Ekiti council rejects imposition of chairmanship candidate

    Ekiti council rejects imposition of chairmanship candidate

    ‘We need an urgent stakeholders’ meeting’

    Efon political leaders have rejected moves by Ekiti State Physical Planning Commissioner Karounwi Oladapo to impose a chairmanship candidate on the local government on the platform of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) without consultation with the stakeholders. 

    Expressing surprise at the attempted personalisation of power and influence, they urged Governor Biodun Oyebanji to pay attention to the brewing nomination crisis in Efon local government ahead of the council polls. 

    Karounwi, an APC stalwart, was said to have arranged for the controversial endorsement of an aspirant, Ifetade Ola, without consultation with other party leaders, including Chief Joseph Alake, stakeholders’ leader; Prof. Adio Folayan, former Agriculture commissioner, Elder Odunayo Ategbero, former local government chairman and commissioner, Victor Kolade, former special adviser,  Chief Joel Omoniyi, former council chairman, and Bode Adetunji, former council chairman.

    Also, other commiited party chieftains – Chief Bode Olayinka and Chief Dele Jeje, respected chieftains and community leaders; Olaitan Olayinka, a retired federal civil servant,  and Afolabi Ige, a lawyer and businessman, dissociated themselves from the imposition.

    A community leader, Ajiroba Patrick Ojo, who condemned the brewing hulaballoo, urged Oyebanji to call the commissioner to order.

    In a statement titled: ‘When men dare to play God,’ called for a stakeholders’ meeting to discuss the political crisis.

    Ojo, former President of the umbrella township association, Efon Development League (EDL), said it is important to prevent chaos and instability in the lical government. 

    The statement read, “For over a week now, we have been following the activities of certain party men and women in the political land space of our local government. I have personally been reading with interest the several media posts of our dear Hon Commissioner, Mr Karounwi, his boastful assertions and his claim of been the singular authority to choose for Efon Alaaye, who and who represents us without any regard or consultation with the Efon traditional council, Efon Development League, Efon stakeholders and the majority of APC leaders. 

    “Having consulted widely and generally with several notable leaders and people of our kingdom, I, Ajiroba of Efon Alaaye, in my capacity, wish to advise Commissioner Karounwi to tread softly. 

    “This current attitude of his only tends to throw our dear community into chaos and instability. Not a single known and recognised political heavyweight in APC has supported any of his spurious claims. From Chief Alake, Chief Jeje, Chief Olayinka, Prof Adio Folayan, Chief Omoniyi, Elder Ategbero, Engineer Skiddo, Victor Kolade, Olaitan Olayinka, Afolabi Ige and several other party leaders and their followers, none has has shown any sign of support for this sole candidate of Hon. Karounwi. 

    “Their cold silence, the silence of the traditional council and the rest of us the good people of Efon Alaaye, show our discontent and disapproval for this arrogance and undemocratic attitude. 

    “The constant and irresponsible attitude of picking our third eleven to represent us should stop forthwith. We will forever remember that this same attitude of rebellion led Efon to loosing a Federal Government College during the Teacher Training College episode a few decades ago. 

    “My dear people of Efon, we would be calling a meeting of all Efon Alaaye stakeholders shortly. Our respect, love and support remains forever undiluted and strong for our Omoluabi Governor BAO. Those presently misrepresenting his government will surely be put to shame eventually.”

    But the commissioner fired back, saying that Ojo should let him be. 

    Oladapo said in a statement, “I read with rude shock about your outbursts and unnecessary defamation of my characters through your post to various Efon social media platforms. 

    “I am only taking your write-up and propose next move with philosophical calmness and understanding knowing fully that you are not a practicing politician.

    “With due respect Sir,  you are free to form your own opposition party without insulting or tarnishing my long built reputations in my party APC.

    “As one of the APC political leaders in Efon Alaaye Local Government and Ekiti State, I am entitled to play my role based on my party dictates.  I don’t think I have ever interfere in any areas of your own choosing careers. Let everybody maintain his or her own lane with respect for individuals.

    “Election time is still far and we have alot of opposition parties e.g. PDP, LP, AAC, etc. from where concerned citizens of Efon can showcase their own preferred candidates for LG elections without causing disharmony. Please, let me be sir.”

  • Firm lauds emergency responders, others after fire incident

    Firm lauds emergency responders, others after fire incident

    A firm, SAO Petroleum, has expressed appreciation to Oyo State Government, Fire Service, CBN, SweetCo, Zartec, Police, the Civil Defence Corps, the Amotekun Security Network and other security outfits as well as customers and good Samaritans who rallied support during the unfortunate fire incident in one of its retail outlets in Jericho Ibadan last Sunday.

    The firm said though it was saddened by the losses, it remained thankful no lives were lost.

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    A statement by the Managing Director of the firm, Adewumi Oladiti thanked volunteers and the public who helped contain the fire and offering support during the challenging period.

    “Your solidarity means a lot to us as a company.Despite this unfortunate incident, we assure our esteemed customers that this would in no way hinder our commitment to giving our very best at all times.

    “As the year progresses, rest assured that your love and loyalty to our brand would propel us to do even better.”

  • 2027: Ogun West Professionals advocates consensus agenda

    2027: Ogun West Professionals advocates consensus agenda

    • Group to hold maiden media chat with YAYI on Sunday

    As part of its consensus agenda, a group, Ogun West Professionals, has advocated unity and consensus among political stakeholders in Ogun West Senatorial District.

    It says this is to ensure the district produces governor after the 2027 general election.

    The group is, therefore, holding its media chat on Sunday at Frontiers Hotel, Ilaro, Ogun State with the Chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation and the lawmaker representing Ogun West, Senator Solomon Adeola aka YAYI.

    Adeola is a frontline governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

    Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, is slated to be the guest speaker.

    The event is aimed at creating unity and coherence among Ogun West Senatorial District people on the clamour for a winning governorship candidate from the zone for the 2027 general election.

    Media representatives, monarchs, community leaders and guests will hear from Adeola on his agenda for the zone at the media chat.

    The Chairman of Steering Committee of Ogun West Professionals, Dr. Yemisi Bamgbose, who is the executive secretary of Broadcasting Organisation of Nigeria (BON), at a media briefing in Ilaro, said since the creation of Ogun State in 1976, the governorship seat had been exchanged between two senatorial districts, namely Ogun East and Ogun Central – to the detriment of Ogun West.

    ‘’But, Ogun West Senatorial District is a major economic hub covering 37 per cent of the state’s landmass,’’ he added.

    Bamgbose said as next year’s governorship election draws near, Ogun West Professionals is ready to tackle the impediments of lack of cohesion and unity of purpose among major political players in Ogun West Senatorial District.

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    He added: “So, the part the group is charting is to look around and look at the political aspirants, those that have been showing interest that they are going to contest and they are looking for platform.

    “So, the media chat is being held in Ilaro, where the attendance is expected to be over 2,000 because the professionals themselves – a platform of a little close to a thousand members – is reaching out to other formidable groups, formidable clubs or artisans across the state.

    “They have been contacted to ensure they are part of the programme. We are looking for everything we can do to harmonise opinions, to bring people together so that a formidable team and a formidable voice can emanate from Ogun West Senatorial District so that we can get the buy in of Ogun Central Senatorial District and Ogun East Senatorial District in terms of support so that come 2027, we’ll be able to get the nod for it.

    “So, I think the body is equally looking at who is likely and who is more favourable within the ranks of the politicians that are clamouring to contest.

    “So, we are working for unity and coherence among aspirants from the zone. Certainly, we cannot get 100 per cent support for any particular candidate because as long as we have different political parties, there will be different interests and there can be different candidates.

    “But this time, I think part of what Ogun West Professionals is clamouring for is to make sure aspirants from the zone in key political parties are made the governorship candidates of their parties so that the people of Ogun West Senatorial District can eventually determine who they want.”

    Bamgbose said: “Ogun West Senatorial District has not been fortunate enough to occupy the number one position in Ogun State in terms of governorship seat since the state was created in 1976, most especially under this democratic dispensation.

    “This was largely alluded to the fact that the people from the zone, most especially the politicians, have not been speaking with one voice. So, Ogun West Professionals identified lack of unity, one voice and coherence among the people as militating against their desire to win the governorship seat.

    “We the professionals are indigenes of various towns and villages across the zone; that is, from the Awori, the Yewa, the Anago, the Ketu, etc. That is, in all the Ogun West’s five local governments: Ado-Odo Ota, Imeko Afon, Ipokia, Yewa North and Yewa South.

    “The professionals said let’s have a media chat with Senator Adeola to hear from him directly and to let him tell the whole world what he has on the table to ensure  Ogun West can win the governorship election holding in 2027.”