The Nation Newspaper

Category: Southwest

  • Reinstated Osun APC LG chairmen pledge to recall 1,500 workers, clear monarchs’ salary arrears

    Reinstated Osun APC LG chairmen pledge to recall 1,500 workers, clear monarchs’ salary arrears

    Reinstated All Progressives Congress (APC) local government chairmen have promised to reinstate over 1,500 sacked workers and clear outstanding salary arrears owed to traditional rulers following the release of withheld council allocations by the federal government.

    The allocations, withheld since February 2025 due to a leadership tussle between the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) factions, were finally released in September into the council accounts operated by the APC chairmen.

    Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON) in the APC faction, Abiodun Idowu, reaffirmed the commitment of the chairmen to grassroots governance, insisting that the APC-led executives remain the authentic administrators of the 30 local governments and the area office in the state.

    He stressed that their mandate, freely given by the people in October 2022, was only interrupted by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration before being restored by the Court of Appeal on February 10, 2025.

    He vowed, “Plans are ongoing to recall and re-engage the 1,500 teachers employed by the last APC government of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola but sacked by the present administration. We will also recall the dismissed health workers, O’YES cadets, and O’Meal vendors. Beyond recalling them, we will offset part of their salaries and emoluments. This is a policy statement, not politics.”

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    Also, he assured that traditional rulers in the state would also benefit, as arrangements have been concluded to clear arrears owed to them by the state government.

    However, Idowu accused the Adeleke administration of using the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) and other groups to frustrate the release of federal allocations meant for local governments, which he said would have eased financial pressures on traditional rulers, teachers, and health workers.

    He berated the claim that the APC-led council executives are plotting to siphon the local government allocation by illegally instructing commercial banks to deduct 15 percent of local government allocations as legal fees.

  • Ex-Oyo First Lady Mutiat Ladoja donates millions to orphanages, calls for support for PLWDs

    Ex-Oyo First Lady Mutiat Ladoja donates millions to orphanages, calls for support for PLWDs

    Former Oyo State First Lady and wife of the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja, has donated over N2 million in cash and several million worth of items to at least 16 orphanages and care homes for Persons Living With Disabilities (PLWD) as part of activities marking her 70th birthday.

    She urged government at all levels, corporate bodies, and well-meaning individuals to be more responsive to the challenges faced by PLWDs, stressing that they deserve love, care, and opportunities rather than discrimination.

    Ayaba Ladoja added that many PLWDs possess untapped potential that can be nurtured through scholarships and other forms of support to help them achieve greatness in life.

    She said, “I started associating with the Persons Living with Disabilities 30 years ago. I have been using the few resources that God blesses me with to assist them.

    “They deserve our attention, love, and care. Rather than looking down on them, we should identify their potential and build on it.

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    “We should let them have a sense of belonging. They are part of society. The government at all levels, corporate organisations, and individuals should intensify their efforts towards them.

    “Disabilities can come in any form. It comes with age. It can come through accident and any other forms, hence the reason we must not look down on them. We all have our disabilities.

    “When they want to cross the road, assist them instead of making a mockery of their situation. Also, assist them with the little that you have. Don’t wait until you have millions of naira in your account

    “I started what we are witnessing today 30 years ago. It has become my way of life, and I thank the likes of Babs Oduyoye for sharing the vision.

    “Today, I will be giving N100,000 to 15 Homes, two wheelchairs, two bags of rice each, two cartons of Indomie each, and cartons of soap

    “Also, five vulnerable people will be assisted with Deep chest freezers and grinding machines to start their businesses.

    “My message to us is that we should show them love, attention, and care.”

    More than 200 PLD attended the birthday celebrations with members of the PLD community on the live band stand.

    Delivering a public lecture earlier at the event, the Chief Imam, Oluyole Estate Extension, Southwest, Ring Road, Ibadan, Alhaji Mudashiru Bada quoted various philosophers and views of scholars that have shaped the thinking of people on perseverance and resilience.

    Speaking on the topic: “Celebrating the woman of substance at 70”, the guest lecturer noted that Ayaba Ladoja, despite being out of government for years, has never withdrawn her support for a pet project she started while in office as the First Lady.

    He described the monarch’s wife as a landscape of charity in the eyes of a discerning mind, urging her not to relent in her vision of giving succour to humanity within the limit of her visionary capacity to the glory of God and admiration of mankind.

    Bada said, “This summarises my definitions of our dear mama of substance. Her Excellency Ayaba Mutiat Ladoja, who, despite that she is no longer in governance, has never withdrawn her profound and unwavering commitment in respect of her Idera De Pet project, her servitude to God through succor to humanity.

    “A woman of vision and a landscape in the eye of a discerning mind she is, allowing others to see the hope inside and beyond.”

  • Makinde hails Jagz Hotel’s exploits in hospitality industry

    Makinde hails Jagz Hotel’s exploits in hospitality industry

    Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde has hailed the exploits of Jagz Hotels in the hospitality industry, describing its huge investment as a game changer for tourism and economic growth.

    Speaking at a  hospitality conference organised by the Jagz Hotels to mark its first anniversary in Ibadan, the Governor said the exploits of the hotel reflect the positive impacts of his administration’s business-friendly policies, which has continued to attract both local and foreign investors.

    Makinde noted that the giant strides of Jagz Hotels in the hospitality industry aligned with his administration’s broader plan to expand the Oyo state’s economy through tourism development. 

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    He said that his administration recently broke a 43-year-old jinx at the Ladoke Akintola International Airport, when a wide-bodied aircraft successfully landed on the newly upgraded runway for the first time since its commissioning.

    According to Makinde, the  development would further open Oyo state to more tourists and investors who  can enjoy world-class hospitality services provided by Jagz Hotels and other establishment.

    He commended Chairman/CEO of Jagz Hotels, Engr. Kayode Adegbulugbe, for injecting over N10 billion into the state’s economy, saying that such confidence in government policies shows that Oyo is becoming a hub of investment.

    He said; “I am glad to be here one year after we inaugurated this business. The business has not folded up; instead, it is waxing stronger. That does not happen by accident. it is the result of hard work and dedication from the management, staff, and even patrons of this hotel.

    “Since the past one year, the economic environment has been very challenging, yet this hotel is still standing tall. That shows you have built a formidable team. As a government, I assure you that whatever you need to keep succeeding, please ask, and we will oblige,” the governor added.

    The Managing Director of Jagz Hotels, Mr. Gbenga Lugard Agbomoagan, lauded Governor Makinde-led administration for creating a partnership framework that supports private businesses.

    Agbomoagan, who presented Makinde an award of excellence for promoting an enabling business environment, said that the government through its policies had given the Jagz Hotels the confidence to commit huge resources into its Ibadan project.

    The Managing Director noted that the experience had been more rewarding compared to other locations where the company has operations. 

    Highlighting the company’s impact in just one year of operation, Agbomoagan disclosed that Jagz Hotel, Ibadan had lifted more than 150 unemployed youths out of poverty through empowerment and employment opportunities.

    He noted the hotel employs no fewer than 159 people, with 137 of them drawn from Oyo State, adding that these figures represent more than statistics, as it would has a multiplier effect on society by reducing poverty as well as fostering economic stability.

    He assured that the company would not relent in its mission, pledging that Jagz Hotels would continue to provide world-class hospitality services in Ibadan while expanding opportunities for youths in Oyo State.

    Oyo Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, also commended the management of Jagz Hotels, noting that the growth of the hospitality sector in Ibadan reflects the success of the Makinde administration’s investment-friendly climate.

    In their contribution, a Professor of Hotel Management and Tourism, Prof. Wasiu Babalola, and the Head of Department, Wildlife and Ecotourism, University of Ibadan, Prof. Samson Ojo, lauded Jagz Hotels for redefining hospitality business in Oyo State.

  • Adegoke, Akintunde, others seek electoral reforms

    Adegoke, Akintunde, others seek electoral reforms

    The Aare Egbe-Omo Balogun of Ibadanland, Olooye Adegboyega Adegoke has called for urgent reforms in political, institutional and consequences management ahead of the 2027 general elections.

    Adegoke, while speaking at the Yemi Farounbi Colloquium’s Nigeria 65th Independence Anniversary Lecture in Ibadan, said there is urgent need for reforms within Nigeria’s political parties, saying the nation’s democratic process cannot thrive without fixing the foundation of political recruitment.

    He lamented that it is difficult for professionals and technocrats to participate in politics due to flawed recruitment mechanisms within political parties. 

    Adegoke, who was the Chairman at the lecture, emphasised that integrity, teamwork and proper candidates selection are critical to achieving credible elections.

    According to him, the challenges facing elections are not solely the responsibility of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), as  he said the commission is only part of a larger system. 

    He insisted that cases of electoral fraud must be met with prosecution and effective consequence management, where offenders are penalized without exceptions.

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    While acknowledging importance of reviewing Nigeria’s legal framework, Adegoke stressed that implementation is even more crucial. 

    He added that institutional reforms must extend beyond INEC to include citizens, political parties, and security agencies such as the police.

    “The people also need reforms,” he said, categorising it as part of the broader institutional reforms needed for Nigeria’s democracy to progress.

    The guest lecturer, Senator Yunus Akintunde, while speaking on the topic “Recalibrating Nigeria’s Electoral Architecture: Legal, Technological and Institutional Reforms for 2027”, said to recalibrate Nigeria’s electoral architecture will requires the pursuance of  comprehensive reforms and  not piecemeal adjustments.

    Akintunde, who was represented by his media aide, Kunle Olatunji, called for establishment of an Electoral Reform Implementation Committee by mid-2026 to coordinate legal, technological, and institutional changes.

    Akintunde further said that there is the need to build consensus across INEC, political parties, civil society, judiciary, and security agencies; prioritize sustained civic education to rebuild citizens’ trust and reduce apathy.

    He said Nigeria should learn from international best practices but adapt reforms to Nigeria’s realities.

    Speaking on necessary institutional reforms, Akintunde said institutions, not individuals, must anchor the Electoral system.

    He said reforms should include: ensuring that appointments to INEC leadership are based on competence, independence, and integrity, not political patronage; decentralizing INEC’s operations to empower state offices: Establishing a specialized Election Security Unit insulated from partisan control;  Strengthening judicial independence and expediting electoral case resolution; Enforcing internal democracy within political parties, with strict penalties for infractions and Expanding the roles of civil society and media in civic education, monitoring, and accountability.

    Akintunde said the 2027 elections present another opportunity to restore faith in democracy. 

    “With them right legal reforms, technological upgrades, and institutional recalibration, Nigeria can build an electoral system that is transparent, resilient, and truly reflective of the people’s will.

    “The future of Nigeria depends on it and our collective resolve to ensure positioning our nation on the right trajectory in this regard will activate our desire for sustainable development agenda towards true Nation building.”

    Also, former Nigerian Ambassador to Philippines and the Kingdom of Cambodia, Amb. Yemi Farounbi said good Leadership comprises three key elements, which are vision, competence and character, saying if the character is lacking, the other two elements will be meaningless.

    “The takeaway from this lecture is that we will have good Nigeria when we have good leadership and we would have good leadership if we have good followership who elect good leadership.

    “A mango tree will never produce an orange fruit. If Nigeria is bad, it will not produce a good president or a good governor.

    “Nigeria is currently constitutes of about 230 Millions people and without the people, there can’t be Nigeria. If the people are not right, then Nigeria cannot be right.”

    The Administrative Secretary of  INEC in Oyo State, Mrs Rosemary Adeniyi, said the Commission has consistently advocated for and appreciates the growing consensus on the need for financial and administrative autonomy for the Electoral Umpire.

    “This is not about aggrandisement; it is about efficiency and predictability. When INEC receives its funds directly from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, it uses the same to eliminates bureaucratic bottlenecks that can delay critical electoral activities like the timely printing of sensitive materials, the recruitment and training of ad-hoc staff and the maintenance of our technological asset. 

    “In Oyo State however, we are committed to maximizing every resource allocated to us. We are deepening the use of the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS), not just for accreditation but for verification of voters on election day. 

    “The use of INEC Result Viewing Portal (IReV) has also ensured the seamless transmission of results, which has become a cornerstone of public trust in the electoral process. Our goal is an INEC in Oyo State that is not only independent in name but is seen by all as a truly effective, impartial and professional umpire.”

  • Group advocates inclusive democratic system 

    Group advocates inclusive democratic system 

    The Lagos State chapter of the Omoluabi Progressive, a coalition of young politicians in the Southwest, has called for a more active and inclusive democratic system.

    This, it said, is to ensure that the voices of people at the grassroots are better represented in governance.

    Speaking at a meeting held in Lagos, the group, under the leadership of its state chairman, Rilwan Usman, stressed that true democracy can only thrive when ordinary citizens are carried along in decision-making processes.

    Usman noted that the current political climate requires a deliberate effort to bridge the gap between leaders and the electorate.

    He added that the Omoluabi Progressive was committed to building a platform where young leaders can champion accountability, transparency, and grassroots development.

    “Our mission is to ensure that the people at the grassroots are not sidelined but remain the bedrock of democratic participation. 

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    “As young progressives, we believe in a system where every voice counts and where governance reflects the aspirations of the people,” he said.

    The group resolved to intensify grassroots mobilization across local communities in Lagos, while also advocating youth involvement in leadership and policy development.

    According to Usman, the Omoluabi Progressive intends to set a new standard of political engagement in Lagos State, one that prioritises community needs and sustainable development over personal interests.

    The meeting ended with a renewed pledge by members to work together in strengthening democratic ideals and preparing young leaders for more active roles in the political process.

  • Fusengbuwa Ruling House faction declares self ‘original’ for Awujale succession

    Fusengbuwa Ruling House faction declares self ‘original’ for Awujale succession

    A new faction within the Fusengbuwa Ruling House has declared itself the “original” Fusengbuwa Ruling House, as preparations intensify for the selection of Awujale of Ijebuland.

    The declaration was made yesterday during a news briefing at the Oba Adesimbo Tunwase Museum & Hall, Agunsebi, Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State.

    The new faction led by Chief Fassy Yusuf, comprises Jadiara Royal House, Bubiade Royal House, Tunwase Royal House and Fusengbuwa Royal House.

    Yusuf, who addressed reporters, said the appellation “original” was adopted to distinguish the group without denying membership of other family branches.

    He said the purpose of the gathering was to announce the end of the mourning period for the late monarch, Oba Sikiru Adetona, which would formally end on October 11.

    With the mourning period ending, he said the family must begin implementing the provisions of the declaration made under Section 4 (2) of the Chiefs Law 1957, Customary Law Regulating the Selection to the Awujale of Ijebuland Chieftaincy.

    The declaration, which he read aloud, identifies the four ruling houses as Gbelegbuwa, Anikinlaiya, Fusengbuwa and Fidipote, in that order of rotation.

    He said succession might devolve through the female line in the absence of a qualified male, provided the candidate’s mother was a true-born (Abidagba).

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    Responding to questions on the Folagbade Adenuga group’s claim of Abidagba status, Yusuf maintained that Folagbade was not listed among the four ruling houses in the declaration, and therefore should align with its appropriate branch.

    On the issue of leadership, he said the “original” group had not yet announced a family head, but is represented by himself as coordinator and Pastor Prince Bola Salami as secretary.

    Membership registration forms and expression of interest forms for candidates aspiring to the Awujale stool were also unveiled at the briefing. While the forms are free, a voluntary support contribution of N2,000 was suggested for the family database registration.

    Chief Yusuf addressed the rift with Otunba Owoyemi, explaining that the earlier Memorandum of Understanding signed between Dr. Adekunle Hassan’s group and Owoyemi had made the latter head of the Fusengbuwa Ruling House, with Yusuf as deputy and Salami as secretary. However, he said Owoyemi’s subsequent alignment with the Ajidagba branch violated the spirit of that agreement.

    “The world is dynamic, change is imminent, and the dynamics of change may also change tomorrow,” Yusuf remarked. “But for now, this is the situation we have found ourselves.”

    The briefing was attended by Otunba Odedina Emmanuel, Oloriebi of Jadiara; Prince Adewale Jadesinmi, Oloriebi of Bubiade; Prince Bolarinde Salami, Secretary of the group; Chief G.A. Sanni, Balogun of Esugbon; and Oba Prof. Titilayo Hassan, Elesugbon of Esugbon, along with several other members of the four recognised branches—Jadiara, Bubiade, Tunwase and Fusengbuwa.

  • Osun local government workers set to resume Monday

    Osun local government workers set to resume Monday

    • NULGE kicks
    • APC reinstated chairmen may conduct staff auditing for salary payment

    Following the release of six months withheld allocation of Osun Local Government Areas (LGAs), council workers, who have been on strike since February, have fixed Monday for resumption. 

    The Nation recalls that the workers have stayed off duty since February, as elected council chairmen of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were laying claim to the control of the secretariat, following the judgment of the Court of Appeal.

    The development led to Federal Government withholding the allocation to the councils. Offices of the Minister of Finance, Attorney-General of the Federation, Accountant General and Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recognised the APC reinstated chairmen, directing them to open accounts for the 30 councils, to which the allocation was later released.

    Amid the development, council workers under the auspices of Association of Concerned Local Government Workers of Osun State, led by Comrade Adedayo Adekunle, addressing reporters alongside scores of council workers across the state in Osogbo yesterday, said they were ready to resume on October 6.

    He described the strike earlier declared by the leadership of Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) as needless, ‘’because the seven months strike has resulted in the death of our colleagues.’’

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    He said: “This is best time for autonomy, but some disgruntled elements under the disguise of comrades are working against it. The excuse of insecurity given for strike is not tenable; we are landlords of the council secretariat. The ongoing legal actions should not make us to abscond from our duty posts, yet receiving salary from the state government. The strike is unwarranted.”

    Adekunle said workers, who failed to resume duty, risked degradation and job loss, ‘’as the reinstated chairmen of APC may conduct staff auditing after their resumption on Monday, to ascertain the actual workers before paying them salary forthwith.’’

    He urged the reinstated chairmen to prioritise the welfare of council workers, noting that the union would continue to fight for the right of its members any day and time despite resumption.

    NULGE, through the state Publicity Secretary, David Owoeye, in a statement, kicked against the planned resumption of workers, saying: “We have not ordered any worker to resume duty. Our safety is paramount.”

  • Stronger state agencies key to building resilient Nigeria, says Sanwo-Olu

    Stronger state agencies key to building resilient Nigeria, says Sanwo-Olu

    Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has called for stronger collaboration among state emergency management agencies (SEMAs), to enhance Nigeria’s preparedness and response to disasters.

    He made the call at the maiden national State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) conference held in Ikeja, Lagos.

    Sanwo-Olu, represented by his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, said the summit’s theme: ‘Strengthening Sub-National Emergency Management for a Resilient Nigeria’, underscored the need for coordinated strategies to confront floods, epidemics, fires, industrial accidents and the growing threat of climate change.

    He said resilience at the national level depended on how prepared state-level agencies were to manage emergencies.

    Highlighting Lagos’ own interventions, the governor said his administration had upgraded Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) with new rescue equipment, digital monitoring tools, improved toll-free emergency lines and a mobile app with GPS tracking.

    He also listed the establishment of a Simulation Centre for scenario-based training, expansion of Lagos Response Unit (LRU), with modern ambulances and fire trucks synchronisation of hospital management services with emergency response to monitor availability of bed spaces and closest facility to offer needed care to victims, as well as partnerships with international agencies and grassroots volunteer networks.

    Sanwo-Olu recalled LASEMA’s swift response during last year’s flash floods and a recent building collapse in Mushin, saying the outcomes demonstrated the value of preparedness, coordination and technology-driven response.

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    “Emergencies require more than just a reaction; they call for preparedness. The true strength of our nation lies in our shared readiness and unity when facing challenges,” he said.

    Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Zubaida Umar, hailed Lagos for its pioneering efforts in deploying technology, decentralising response units and building resilient communities.

    She noted that emergency management must move from being reactive to predictive, preventive and participatory.

    Umar said NEMA would continue to strengthen early warning systems, improve data management and expand grassroots capacity building in collaboration with state agencies, private sector partners and communities.

    She stressed the need for effective policy creation, urging states to identify their peculiarities and take steps to address them, rather than seeing SEMA as a palliative agency.

    Lagos State Commissioner for Special Duties, Olugbenga Oyerinde, noted it was the first time leaders of SEMAs of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FTC), federal institutions, private sector leaders, international partners and frontline responders would gather under one roof to strengthen Nigeria’s resilience against emergencies and disasters.

    He said the conference marked a historic shift from a culture of reaction to a new era of readiness, recovery and resilience.

    “When sub-national agencies are strong, Nigeria is strong. The recent loss of lives to avoidable disasters underscores the urgency of convening experts to identify solutions and prevent future tragedies.

    “Over the next two days, participants will engage in keynote sessions, panel discussions, exhibitions and a large-scale simulation exercise to test coordination in real time.

    “Lagos State Government commends the private sector, civil society and international partners for their support. Disaster management is a collective responsibility that requires inclusiveness and relentless commitment to protect lives and build safer communities,” he added.

    Permanent Secretary, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, during an interview with reporters, said the agency had concluded plans for the unveiling of its institute tomorrow, adding that the first intakes would commence training by December.

  • Lagos unveils 2025 Public Service Week

    Lagos unveils 2025 Public Service Week

    • HoS Agoro pledges smarter, tech-driven workforce

    Lagos State Government has unveiled activities for the 2025 Public Service Week, restating its commitment to harnessing technology to build a smarter, more agile and globally-competitive workforce.

    Speaking yesterday at a news briefing at the Public Service Office, Alausa, Head of Service (HoS), Mr. Bode Agoro, said the celebration would appreciate workers’ contributions and underline the administration’s focus on digital transformation.

    He added: “The event is projected to appreciate and celebrate our ever-dedicated and committed public servants for their contributions and efforts towards the attainment of good governance and efficient service delivery.”

    Agoro said the theme of the week, ‘Deepening Technology for a Smart and Agile Public Service’, reflected the determination of the government to deploy technology as a tool for transparency, efficiency and citizen engagement.

    He hailed Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for leading a digital transformation agenda that had prioritised investments in infrastructure and capacity development.

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    The week-long celebration will begin today with health screening for civil servants at Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa  and a special Jumat Service at Alausa Secretariat Mosque.

    A Walk-for-Fitness will take place tomorrow in Ikeja, while an interdenominational thanksgiving service will follow at Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa, on Sunday.

    On October 6, donations from ministries, organisations and individuals will be presented to orphanages and charity homes, alongside continued health screenings for public servants.

    On October 7, officers who have served Lagos State for over 30 years will be honoured during the Long Service Merit Award Ceremony. There will be public lecture on October 8 on the theme of the celebration, as well as recognition of outstanding officers.

    A variety show tagged: ‘Alausa Goes White,’ will hold on October 9, where public servants are expected to appear in white attire, while showcasing their talents at the seventh edition of Alausa’s Got Talent series. The celebration will climax with a luncheon with Governor Sanwo-Olu, during which recipients of the Outstanding Officers Award will have the opportunity to meet the governor.

    Agoro praised the dedication of civil servants, describing them as “crucial to driving national development and addressing complex challenges confronting the nation.”

  • Ex-Ekiti governor Oni, others extol Adeniran

    Ex-Ekiti governor Oni, others extol Adeniran

    Family, friends and well-wishers have gathered in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, to celebrate the 80th birthday of former Minister of Education, Prof. Tunde Adeniran.

    The event was attended by former governor of Ekiti State, Segun Oni, ex-Nigerian ambassador to Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farombi, and others.

    A friend of the celebrant, Dr. Olu Agunloye, who said he had been with the celebrant for over 50 years, described Adeniran as an astute scholar, whose impact could not be quantified.

    He said: “I’m happy to associate with him, I derive a lot of inspiration from him. He is one of the productive persons I’ve ever met in my life. We have both worked with Bola Ige, Wole Soyinka, Femi Johnson, Bola Akinyemi and others. He is worthy to emulate.”

    One of the daughters of the celebrant, Banke Akinsola, said: “I thank God for the life of my dad, for sparing him till his 80th birthday. He is a philanthropist, who always opens his door to everyone who needs his help.

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    “I’m glad to celebrate and honour him today. His character and loving heart are worthy to be emulated. He is a disciplinarian, who has no tolerance for laziness. He has been inspiring me over the years and he will continue to inspire me.”

    The celebrant expressed gratitude to God for His grace and mercy, saying despite all odds, he was able to attain 80.

    He said: “I am grateful to God, because it is by his grace, despite all odds that I made it. Not only that He has granted me the grace to witness my 80th birthday, but He also ensures I have lived a meaningful life. I wouldn’t have been here today if not for God. He has been very faithful to me.’’

    Adeniran, who urged Nigerians to move closer to God and follow His instructions, said: “Let’s appreciate what God has done for Nigeria. The nation is blessed with human and materials resources. It’s now left to us to show God that we appreciate what He has done for us through our commitment to him and the society.

    “We need to transform the lives of Nigerians, for a better society. The younger generations should wake up. It is their future that is being wasted if the nation is not doing well.’’