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Tag: Adegbonmire

  • Adegbonmire hails Tinubu as ‘Mega Empowerment’ initiative impacts lives in Ondo

    Adegbonmire hails Tinubu as ‘Mega Empowerment’ initiative impacts lives in Ondo

    The Senator representing Ondo Central Senatorial District, Senator Adeniyi Adegbonmire, has lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what he described as a new phase of “mega empowerment” currently transforming the lives of people across his senatorial district.

    Senator Adegbonmire spoke at an empowerment programme personally initiated by him and tagged the Adegbonmire Renewed Hope Mega Empowerment Programme, held in Akure for members of his constituency.

    The Nation reports that items distributed at the programme included motorcycles, tricycles, generators, sewing machines, freezers, industrial machines, wheelchairs, dryers, educational materials, cash rewards and other livelihood-support tools.

    Speaking, Senator Adegbonmire said President Tinubu’s emphasis on inclusive development is becoming increasingly evident at the grassroots, with various empowerment interventions reaching the people.

    He noted that the economic reforms and intervention programmes of the Tinubu administration have brought development to several communities, with many witnessing improved access to livelihood support and small-scale economic growth.

    “As you can see, it is mega empowerment for renewed hope. That is the slogan of President Bola Tinubu. As a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the National Assembly, I am happy to continue to support Mr. President because I think he’s doing very well.

    “Since he cannot do everything himself, those of us who are supporting him must do everything to ensure that people feel the impact of Mr. President. So I thank President Bola Tinubu for giving me this opportunity to give back to my constituents,” the senator said.

    He added: “The President is not going to come to Ondo State to campaign. We will campaign for him. This is part of the campaign for Mr. President. Hence, it is in support of the President, in support of the state government also.

    “If we do well, then the government here has done well. The President has done well. So, this is in support of both the President and the state government, and my party – APC- the only party in Nigeria.”

    Adegbonmire further explained that the empowerment programme cut across widows, artisans, market women, and business owners, noting that close to 1,000 constituents would benefit from the gesture.

    “We are empowering about 200 widows, artisans, and market women with cash. Ultimately, cash beneficiaries are about 200 people, while items go to about 650 beneficiaries – approximately 850 to 900 people.

    “As you all know, I have spent about two and a half years in the Senate. In 2023, we couldn’t do much because of the budget cycle, so effectively, this is the first full year of representation.

    “I thought it was important to show gratitude to my constituents by helping them to fish rather than giving them fish. All these items can be used to generate income,” he said.

    Earlier, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa commended Senator Adegbonmire for his laudable initiative of giving back to the people who entrusted him with their mandate to represent them at the National Assembly.

    Represented by his Special Adviser on Legislative Matters, Babatunde Kolawole, the Ondo governor said the present administration believes that, in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, good governance must touch lives in meaningful ways.

    Aiyedatiwa noted that programmes that create livelihood opportunities, enhance self-reliance, and prepare citizens for competitiveness align with this vision, adding that the initiative underscores a shared resolve to build a society where progress is inclusive.

    On his part, the Chairman of APC in the state, Engr Ade Adetimehin, said that the senator had distinguished himself beyond the traditional roles expected of a federal lawmaker.

    Adetimehin stressed that although legislators do not control federal funds, Adegbonmire has demonstrated rare commitment to delivering tangible benefits to his constituents.

    “It is evident that the senator has done amazingly well. The duty of a legislator is to make laws and provide oversight, but Senator Adegbonmire has gone far beyond that. Today, we have a Federal Teaching Hospital because of his efforts,” the APC chairman said.

    Adetimehin added that the senator’s commitment was inspired by the legacy of his father, the late High Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire, whom he described as a mentor and role model.

    He noted that the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, had on multiple occasions praised Adegbonmire’s intellect and legislative competence.

    Also, the Deji of Akure, Oba Aladetoyinbo Ogunlade Aladelusi, applauded the senator, saying he had shown uncommon commitment to service.

    “If he wants to do something, he will make sure he does it right. This is not just empowerment; it is mega empowerment. The items on display show that this is real and impactful,” the monarch said.

  • Adegbonmire hails Akpabio’s election into IPU’s executive body

    Adegbonmire hails Akpabio’s election into IPU’s executive body

    The Chairman, Senate Committee on Agriculture Colleges and Institutions Adeniyi Adegbonmire has hailed Senate President Godswill Akpabio for breaking the 59-year -old jinx by being elected into the Executive Committee of the global parliamentary body.

    He stated that Akpabio’s election would allow Nigeria to compete on a global stage.

    The last time Nigeria was elected into the Executive Committee of the Parliamentary Union was in 1964.

    The Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) is the global organisation of national parliaments founded in 1889, dedicated to promoting peace through parliamentary diplomacy and dialogue. 

    A statement by Adegbonmire explained that the election of Akpabio into such lofty position would have great impact through the empowerment of parliaments and parliamentarians,  promote peace, democracy and sustainable development in the country 

    Read Also: Top 100 lawyers: Olanipekun, Adoke, Adegbonmire, others unveiled

    He said: “Your election into such auspicious body is a testament to your unwavering commitment, tireless efforts, and exceptional dedication and leadership qualities”

    He said Akpabio has exemplified what it takes to be a true leader. 

    “Accept my heartfelt congratulations on this remarkable achievement. I have no doubt that you will excel in your new role as Executive Committe member of Inter Parliamentary Union, and your tenure be filled with success, fulfilment, and good tidings for Nigerians,” he stated. 

  • Top 100 lawyers: Olanipekun, Adoke, Adegbonmire, others unveiled

    A list of the first-ever nationwide ranking of pre-eminent lawyers has been unveiled in  a book, Nigeria’s Top 100 Lawyers listing.

    The full list of the 100 top lawyers features leading litigators, transactional lawyers and lawyers in the academia who have shaped the legal industry over the years.

    They include acclaimed litigators Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) and Mr. Rickey Tarfa (SAN), Attorney-General & Minister of Justice Mohammed Adoke (SAN), and ‘new kid on the block,’ Mr. Adeniyi Adegbonmire.

    The ‘old guard’ was represented by Nigeria’s oldest surviving Senior Advocate, Chief Richard Akinjide (SAN), Prof. Ben Nwabueze (SAN), Prof. Alfred Bandele Kasunmu (SAN), Chief F. O. Akinrele (SAN) and

    Chief George Uwechue (SAN) among others.

    From the human rights community are notably Dr. Olisa Agbakoba (SAN) and Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), even as women lawyers held down some positions through renowned arbitrators such as Mrs. Funke Adekoya (SAN), Mrs. Dorothy Ufot (SAN), and Mrs. Adedoyin Rhodes-Vivour.

    While the list is perhaps expectedly dominated by Senior Advocates of Nigeria, several non-SANs muzzled their way into the listing, a clear indication that legal excellence can be found anywhere. Among the non-SANs who also made the list are respected solicitors such as Messrs Asue Igbodalo, Lawrence Fubara Anga and Bankole Sodipo.

    According to Emeka Nwadioke, editor of the compendium designed to celebrate the selectees, the ranking – to be published every year –”follows months of research and nationwide peer survey by our

    editorial team.”

    Nwadioke said the all-gloss compendium highlighting the career paths and accomplishments of the selectees will be released this month. The foreword to the over 100-page compendium was written by renowned Justice Emeritus of the Supreme Court, Hon. Justice George A. Oguntade (CFR).

  • ‘Adegbonmire an exemplary leader’

    THE late leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Chief Wumi Adegbonmire, has been described as an exemplary leader.

    A chieftain of the party, Chief Adewale Omojuwa, yesterday said the late Adegbonmire brought unprecedented development to the state when he served as the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) during the administration of the late Governor Adebayo Adefarati.

    Omojuwa, who is a former Chairman of the Ondo State Oil Producing Areas Development Commission (OSOPADEC), said the late Adegbonmire played a major role in ensuring that Ondo got its entitlements as an oil producing state.

    He said the vacuum created by his demise would be difficult to fill and urged the ACN’s leadership to remain focused and united.

    Omojuwa was positive that the party would be victorious at the governorship election petition tribunal.

  • Adieu Lam and Adegbonmire

    Adieu Lam and Adegbonmire

    SIR: The death in quick succession of the Afenifere chieftains and ACN leaders, Alhaji Lam Adesina (Oyo) and now Chief Wumi Adegbonmire (Ondo) is a tragic loss to the cause of rapid political development of Yorubaland.

    The two notable political titans loomed large for upwards of five decades on the political horizon of Yorubaland were the trusted and formidable lieutenants of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo whose solid contributions to the political evolution of modern Nigeria remains equaled in the annals of the nation’s history.

    The rate at which the rank of generation of committed and highly dedicated politicians are being depleted by old age ailments culminating into outright sudden death is worrisome and ominous.

    In the turbulent First Republic politics and the military interregnum, Lam Adesina and Wumi Adegbonmire kept alive intrepid and combatant columns in the media. Lam wrote under the title “the search continues” and Adegbonmire a.k.a Omo-Ekun, coined the cognomen of his illustrious native Akure country home.

    They were prolific, pungent, vigorous and never-say-die writers; venting their spleen against the excesses of brutal military dictatorship, and reign of megalomania foisted on the nation.

    They put their lives on the line damning the dire consequences of detention without trial and its concomitant intimidations, harassments by the maximum power-that-were. Thus, they relentlessly defended with every pint of their blood, the cause of Awoism, a political creed adroitly articulated and christened by indefatigable Awo as ‘democratic socialism’ as practical solution to the multi-faceted and complex problems staring the nation on the face.

    It is years since the transition of the political legend, Awolowo. Yet the country still gropes in the dark and in the vicious circle of economic woe and political maladministration, courtesy of the political venality and debauchery holding sway in the corridor of power. It is irony of fate that the toiling masses are transfixed by poverty in the midst of abundant natural and human endowment. I deeply mourn the demise of Chief Adegbonmire. He was a great fighter. He aptly lived to his billing ‘as bold as a tiger’ and never relented in fighting to finish the conservatives that held Yoruba race hostage until he breathed his last. He got to the pinnacle of his political career as a member of the national working executives of the defunct Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the best organized political party in the Second Republic.

    As a frontline politician, grassroots mobiliser and community leader, he was installed Asiwaju (Leader) of Akure kingdom by the paramount ruler of Akure, Deji of Akure. As Omo-Ekun joined his leader Awo in the world beyond, the question on the lips of everyone is when cometh another?

    May the doughty souls of Omo-Ekun and The search continues have repose with their creator,

     

    • Ayodele Fagbohun

    Akure, Ondo State

  • Adegbonmire for burial on February 8

    ACN leaders mourn politician

    The funeral ceremony of the late leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, Chief Wumi Adegbonmire, will hold on February 7 and 8.

    The funeral service will hold at St. Thomas Anglican Church, Arakale in Akure, the state capital, on February 8.

    Adegbonmire’s widow, Solape, announced this while receiving some ACN leaders, who were led by Dr. Paul Akintelure.

    She said the family would work with the ACN to make the burial a success.

    Akintelure said he had a cordial relationship with the late Adegbonmire and described him as “a defender of the masses”.

    He said: “Baba contributed to the sustenance of democracy. He used to resolve disputes in the party amicably. We all respect him. I benefited from his knowledge and experience. He was a real progressive.

    “This is not the time to mourn, but to celebrate Baba’s achievements. I assure the family that we will sustain his legacies. Adegbonmire was Secretary to the State Government (SSG) for many years and was never accused of any crime. Even when he was harassed by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, who was the President then, Baba remained committed to his party.”

    ACN Chairman in the Southern Senatorial District Adewale Akintimehin said: “Baba never believed that money could do everything. His approach to politics was different from that of younger politicians. Baba said his happiest day would be the day ACN takes over governance in this state.”

    ACN leaders in Ilaje Local Government Area commiserated with the family of the late Adegbonmire. They described him as a “dependable and incorruptible political leader, who did not depart from the path charted by his mentor and leader, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo”.

    In a statement signed by a former governorship aspirant, Mr. Felix Rawa; patron of the Women Emancipation Group Olori Olufunke Ogunyomi; Pastor Odusola Adeola; Chief Ogunkalu Faluyi and Mrs. Roseline Oyeneyin, they said the late politician led a “honourable and dignified life” worthy of celebration, adding that he devoted his political career to the propagation of progressive ideals.The statement reads: “We received the death of the political icon with a mixture of shock and understanding. It was with shock because we expected him to continue to play a leadership role in the party, so that we could benefit more from his wisdom and experience. It was with understanding because he died at a fairly ripe age.

    “Chief Adegbonmire, the Asiwaju of Akureland, was a famous student and youth leader in his alma mater, the University of Ife, and the country. He was a close associate of the late Awolowo, the late Papa Adekunle Ajasin and the late Papa Abraham Adesanya, who were Afenifere leaders.

    “As the SSG during the administration of the late former Governor Adebayo Adefarati, he joined his colleagues in running an efficient, transparent, incorruptible and accountable government.

     

  • Aregbesola, Amosun, Ondo PDP eulogise Adegbonmire

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has described the death of Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire, a chieftain of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Ondo State, as “a big loss to progressive politics”.

    In a statement by his media aide, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said the late Adegbonmire was one of the most committed followers of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

    He said the late Afenifere leader, who died at 77, was consistent and courageous in the struggle for a better society.

    The governor said: “Chief Adegbonmire was our symbol of progressive politics in Ondo State. He was an astute administrator, writer, consistent politician and unblemished statesman. He made a mark in the history of democracy.

    “In the wake of the loss of Southwest to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and when the Alliance for Democracy (AD) was enmeshed in leadership crisis, Adegbonmire teamed up with others, including former Lagos State Governor Bola Tinubu, who was the only survivor of the PDP’s invasion in the Southwest, to float the Action Congress (AC), which later changed to the ACN.

    “Adegbonmire would be missed by all progressives, especially in the light of the recent development in the nation, which calls for the rallying of all progressive-minded persons to confront the reactionary forces that have held Nigeria by the jugular.”

    Aregbesola urged the family of the deceased to be consoled by his selfless service to humanity.

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun said the late Adegbonmire was a “progressive politician of distinction and social crusader, who fought for the restoration of civil rule in Nigeria”.

    In a statement by his media aide, Mrs. Funmi Wakama, Amosun said: “Chief Adegbonmire was a fearless writer and principled politician. He was devoted to the cause of the masses. The reserve of the progressives in the country has again been depleted with his shocking death.”

    The governor prayed for the repose of Adegbonmire’s soul.

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State yesterday visited the family of the late politician in Akure, the state capital.

    Mr. Saka Lawal, who led the delegation, said: “We are here to commiserate with the family of Chief Adegbonmire. He was a respected elder statesman, who stood for truth, honesty and development.

    “He loved the masses and was concerned about the level of poverty and underdevelopment in the society. He never minced words when it came to telling the people in power the truth.

    “He wished the state’s resources was better managed for the good of all. His contributions at the state and national levels contributed to the deepening of democracy in Nigeria. We will all miss him.”

    PDP State Chairman Mr. Ebenezer Alabi said Adegbonmire’s death was “a big loss” to the state.

    Alabi said the late Adegbonmire is a good example to upcoming politicians.

    Others on the PDP’s delegation included the State Organising Secretary, Mr. Afolabi Akinbowale and former Commissioner for Transport Michael Omodara.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Adegbonmire: Another progressive titan has departed – Tinubu

    Adegbonmire: Another progressive titan has departed – Tinubu

    Former Governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday extrolled the virtues of the departed chieftain of the party in Ondo State, Chief of Wumi Adegbonmire.

    Tinubu’s tribute reads: “So soon after the transition of former Oyo State Governor and frontline ACN leader, Alhaji Lam Adesina, I was saddened to receive the news of the death this morning of another titan of the decades long progressive struggle to transform Nigeria and salvage her from the debilitating grip of underdevelopment. I refer to none other but Chief Wunmi Adegbonmire, one of Nigeria’s most consistent progressive leaders who made such invaluable contributions to the evolution of our politics in the South West and Ondo State in particular where he hailed from.

    “Yes, Chief Adegbonmire led a truly fulfilling and inspiring life. In his loyalty to progressive values and his fidelity to the principles of honour and integrity, he was as constant as the Northern star; as immovable as the rock of Gilbratar. We should therefore not mourn but rather celebrate his eventful life. But it is sad that this rare tribe of committed, sincere, passionate and vastly experienced politicians and statesmen are diminishing at the very time when Nigeria is sinking ever deeper into the abyss and their counsel and guidance is most needed to redeem our people from poverty and avoidable indignity.

    “Chief Adegbonmire was a staunch member of the Action Group in the First Republic when, under Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s inspirational leadership, Western Nigeria was propelled on a trajectory of social, economic political and infrastructural development that is still unparalleled in Africa. He remained staunchly faithful and loyal to his party and leader, even through the darkest periods of treachery and betrayal. In the Second Republic, he was a key member of the Unity Party of Nigeria ((UPN) and part of the path breaking Governor Adekunle Ajasin’s team that achieved still unsurpassed feats of development in Ondo State. He was also a strong back bone of the Chief Adefarati administration in Ondo State on the progressive platform of the defunct Alliance for Democracy (AD) at the inception of this dispensation in 1999.

    “Chief Adegbonmire was a symbol of dependability. He did not predicate his progressive ideology simply on his closeness to Chief Awolowo or Papa Ajasin’s while dining and wining with those who stand for the very opposite of what these avatars epitomised. As a passionate and steadfast leader of our party, the ACN, he was undoubtedly fulfilled and elated not only by the redemption of the South West from the claws of the conservative vultures and scavengers in the corridors of power in the region between 2003and 2007 but also the giant developmental strides being undertaken across the region on the dynamic platform of the ACN.

    “Yet, as a patriot and nationalist, he must have been saddened that a greatly endowed country like Nigeria , a potential giant of the black race, is a pathetic picture today of humiliating poverty, chronic violence, crippling underdevelopment and virtual state collapse. But then, Chief Adegbonmire taught us never to despair. He inspired us never to give up hope. He challenged us never to relent in the struggle. He admonished us never to be intimidated by falsehood and blackmail. He encouraged us to believe that light will ultimately triumph over darkness and truth over falsehood. With his inspiration and example as our beacon and guide, the liberation and genuine transformation of Nigeria is only a matter of time.

    “This great leader was one of the longest serving members of the old guard politicians reputed for being principled and progressive in orientation. Adegbonmire epitomizes discipline, dedication, conviction and patriotism unequalled in his brand of politics. A firm believer in the notion that politics must be to serve the public good and not to be used to exploit the people, Adegbonmire invested his intellect and resources for the advancement of the society. When the history of our political development is written in the southwest and Nigeria at large, Omo Ekun as he was popularly called will be penned down as a political Titan, a quIet but effective mobiliser and a purveyor of genuinely progressive politics.

    “I condole with the people of Ondo State on the transition of a man who became a legend in his life time. May God console his family and loved ones, even as they carry aloft the noble and lofty banner he left behind. Omo Ekun, you left an enviable legacy. Sun re O!”