The Nation Newspaper

Tag: AREGBESOLA

  • Osun prospering under Aregbesola, say editors

    Osun prospering under Aregbesola, say editors

    The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) has described Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola as a “visionary governor” who has opened Osun to the world.

    Leading the NGE Standing Committee members to inspect projects across the state at the weekend, NGE President Mrs. Funke Egbemode attributed the state’s development to peace and security.

    Some of the projects inspected include the 18 kilometre Oba Adesoji Aderemi East By-Pass; Ataoja Government High School, Osogbo; Government High School; Nelson Mandela Freedom Park and Atewogbeja Fountain, Nigeria Railway Terminus and park.

    Egbemode, who is the managing director of  New Telegraph, said however ambitious any governor is, he can only achieve little without peace and security.

    She said there had been an improvement in terms of infrastructure in the state since the present administration came on board.

    The NGE president added that every part of Osun, especially Osogbo, the state capital, was cleaner, developed and beautiful.

    Mrs Egbemode, who observed that the state has moved forward under Aregbesola, noted that she is always impressed by any government working to leave a state better than it met it.

    The NGE president praised the governor for attracting businesses and investors through masses-friendly programmes.

    According to her, “by and large, your government has done well for the people and we urge you to do more.”

    Responding, Aregbesola linked the nation’s economic problem to lack of productivity.

    He lamented that the resources in the hands of a few were not channelled for the nation’s development.

    The governor cautioned journalists to be conscious of their writings and reports.

    The Guild condemned the continuous xenophobic attacks on Nigerians and other Africans in South Africa.

    It said the Federal Government should be more responsive in protecting its citizens in foreign countries.

    “The Federal Government, should as a matter of national interest apply the country’s foreign policy of reciprocity that affects mutual relations between Nigeria and other countries.”

  • Osun monarchs laud Aregbesola, advise gov against distractions

    Traditional rulers in Osun State have thrown their weight behind the Osun State governor, Rauf Aregbesola, urging him not to be distracted by the activities of some “unprogressive elements.” The monarchs under the auspicies of Concerned Traditional Rulers in Osun State at a press conference shortly after their meeting at the palace of the Akinrun of Ikirun in Ifelodun Local Government Area of the state, Oba Rauf Olayiwola, the Adedeji II, commended the Aregbesola administration for its people oriented policies despite the current economic recession. At the meeting were 24 traditional rulers across Osun State, including the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, the Oloyan of Oyan, the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Onirun of Oke-Irun, Olororuwo of Ororuwo among others. The traditional rulers, who described the achievements of Aregbesola as unprecedented, noted that his administration had brought unprecedented development to Osun. The Akirun, who spoke on behalf of his other colleagues said: “It is noteworthy that despite the biting cash crunch bedevilling the state and the country in general, Ogbeni is still forging ahead executing one developmental project or the other on a daily basis. The state is now dotted with legacy projects.”

    They, however, urged the governor to remain focused, assuring him of their support always. “We want to advise that he should remain focused and refuse to be distracted by the discordant tune of a few adversaries. An oak tree does not grow with ease, the stronger the wind, the stronger the timber.”

  • Herbal practitioner hails Aregbesola

    The National President, United Herbal Practitioner, Prince Sakariyau Oyedeji, has hailed Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola for constituting the Board of Traditional Medical Practitioners.

    Oyedeji, in a statement, said the decision would ensure safety of lives and promote indigenous healing.

    The national president, who reiterated his members’ readiness to collaborate with the government in generating revenue, said the association needed a functional website to create awareness of its activities and products.

    He implored the governor to assist them in having a website, saying this would enable them to have an online consultation page and publicise the profiles of traditional medical practitioners.

    Oyedeji added: “Another advantage of having a website is that it will enable us to have a programme that covers medical consultation, training, exhibition, publications, seminars, conferences and symposium on indigenous healing and examination.

    “It is an avenue to have traditional herbal education and orientation, while we seek the government’s authorisation in promoting indigenous healing.

    “The website will create human capital development of members in quality and quantity control standardisation, in line with the regulatory provisions of Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), export processing control, among others.”

  • Aregbesola visits Ile-Ife, calls for calm

    Aregbesola visits Ile-Ife, calls for calm

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday visited Ile-Ife to assess the level of destruction, following Wednesday’s violent clash between indigenes and Hausa.

    The violence claimed more than 10 lives and many were injured with property, including cars and houses, razed.

    Accompanied by Deputy Governor Titi Laoye-Tomori and other government officials, Aregbesola arrived the scene at about 4pm.

    Addressing residents at the Ooni’s palace, the governor said it was disheartening that such wanton destruction could be experienced in Ife after the tragedy of Ife/ Modakeke war about 15 years ago.

    According to him, northerners in Ife have become part of the community and could not be regarded as strangers as many of them were born in the town.

    Aregbesola, who warned against a recurrence, promised to arrest the perpetrators and prosecute them.

    He said: “This is the cradle of mankind according to the belief of the Yoruba.

    “A revered town of this pedigree should not be in the news for bad things.

    “This is the land of peace and love, we have not experienced this in the last six years, and I believe such thing would never happen again.”

    The Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, regretted the incident, which he said was avoidable.

    The monarch said Ife people are hospitable and accommodating, noting that  northerners were familiar with the town as many of them were born there.

    He said: “I have personal relationship with the Hausa settlers at Sabo.

    “I know many of them.  They consider this palace their second home, but it is obvious that the crisis was aggravated by external influences.

    “I believe security operatives will do their job and arrest the perpetrators.

    “At the peak of the crisis, I had to act quickly with the chiefs to rescue over 1,000 northerners.

    “I have been calling some traditional rulers in the North to intimate them about  the true situation of things.”

    The monarch called for one minute silence for the victims.

    No fewer than seven persons have been arrested by the police.

    Thirteen victims are receiving treatment in a clinic at the Ife Area Commander’s office.

    Several others with more serious injuries were referred to the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital.

    A police source, who pleaded for anonymity, said the suspects are being interrogated.

    “They will be charged to court after investigation.”

    The source said the Force Headquarters, Abuja, has ordered the state command to restore peace and order by all means.

    He said the acting police commissioner, in compliance with the directive, has temporarily relocated with some of top police officers to Ife.

    Peace has returned to the ancient town but the curfew imposed by the government persists.

    It was gathered that Hausa are fleeing the town. Some of them sought refuge at the Area Commander’s office to avoid further attacks.

  • Saraki, Aregbesola, Ambode, Ngige pay tributes

    Saraki, Aregbesola, Ambode, Ngige pay tributes

    Nigerians from all walks of life yesterday expressed shock at the death of the military governor of the defunct Western Region, Gen. Adeyinka Adebayo, who passed on in Lagos yesterday. They paid glowing tribute to the Iyin-Ekiti-born general, who they said worked for Nigeria’s unity.

    He was a fine officer, says Saraki

    Senate President Bukola Saraki expressed grief over the death of the defunct Western Region governor.

    In a statement, the Senate President described the late general as a courageous and fine officer, who spent the most active part of his life in the service and defense of his fatherland.

    He commiserated with the immediate family of the deceased, the government and people of Southwest and Nigerians in general over the incident.

    Describing death as an inevitable end for all mortals, Saraki noted that late Gen. Adebayo lived a highly productive, fulfilled and eventful life worthy of emulation.

    Saraki said: “It is sad that we have lost an elder statesman whose wealth of experience and fatherly advice is still needed to help us navigate our way out of the present socio-economic challenges confronting the country at this time.

    “We are however consoled by the fact that he served the nation conscientiously and gallantly as a courageous officer and gentleman. His life and lifestyle is worthy of emulation. I believe both present and future generations would continue to draw inspiration from his patriotism and loyalty to the national cause. He shall be sorely missed.”

    He urged the immediate family of the deceased to be consoled by the good name left behind by the late general and prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest.

    We have lost another patriot, Aregesola

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola described the former military governor of the defunct Western Region as a patriot, as he joined well-meaning Nigerians in commiserating with the deceased family.

    In a statement, the governor said the death of Gen Adebayo has robbed Nigeria, especially the Yoruba race, of an elder statesman.

    It reads: “Gen. Adebayo served his fatherland well. He was a fine officer of the Nigerian Army and did his best in all the capacities where he served. The history of our country is incomplete with adequate mention of this fine officer.”

    Recalling the deceased interests in the growth and the development of the Yoruba race, Aregbesola said the former President of the YCE tried to ensure the unity and progress of the Yoruba people.

    His words: “We receive with heavy heart the death of one of Nigeria’s finest officers of the Nigerian Army, who fought for the unity of nation.

    “No doubt, he is a soldier of repute and commander of men. He distinguished himself in his chosen profession both at home and abroad.

    “The history of post-independence Nigeria and the crises that threatened the young nation’s existence will be incomplete without a chapter for this courageous soldier.”

    Ambode:  Nigeria has lost a great patriot

    Lagos State Governor Akinwunmi Ambode expressed sadness over the demise of elder statesman, describing Adebayo’s demise as a great loss to the nation, especially to the Southwest.

    Ambode said in statement: “Gen. Adebayo was a great patriot and one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists who never shied away from expressing his love for his country and his people. He was a brilliant administrator who was known for his dedication and zeal to serve his fatherland.

    “Those who know papa would attest to the fact that he was a man of many parts. For the Yoruba nation, this is a great loss. His passion to see the integration of the South West region was second to none. No doubt, we would miss his wise counsel especially at this time when our nation is on a path to rebirth.”

    Commiserating with the family of the late elder statesman, the governor urged them to uphold the ideals he stood and fought for, saying that the nation will continue to draw inspiration from his life and times.

    “His demise, just like that of our heroes past, must never be in vain. There can be no better time to unite together to achieve a better and more prosperous Nigeria”, he said.

    Fasanmi , Fasehun mourn Adebayo

    Afenifere leader, Senator Ayo Fasanmi  expressed shock over the death of the former Military governor  and  Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE) President.

    Fasanmi in a condolence message stated: “I am greatly shocked to hear the sad news of the death of a compatriot of our dear General Adeyinka Adebayo. The great General had come, had seen and conquered; leaving an indelible foot-print on sand of our time.

    “His death is an irreparable loss not only to the Yorubas but to the entire nation that he served as an indefatigable army General and Governor. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for the irreparable loss. May his soul rest in perfect peace”.

    The Odua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) Founder Dr Fredrick Fasehun  described the death of Gen. Adebayo as a big loss not only to the Yoruba but the nation.

    Fasehun in a telephone interview said:  “Why should it happened now that the Southwest leaders have united to fight the course of the Yoruba nation. But who are we to query God, our creator”

    He prayed God to grant the family  the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss and grant the deceased  eternal rest.

    His death a personal loss, says Adelabu

    Former Ekiti State Governor Prof Modupe Adelabu described Gen Adebayo’s death as a personal loss to her, recounting how the former military governor stood by her late father.

    Mrs Adelabu said: “Baba’s death is a personal loss to me and the entire Adejugbe family. He stood in the gap for our late father who was a friend and brother to him.

    “Baba we would surely miss your fatherly role. You were the last man standing indeed and you stood firmly and right. Sleep on dear father.”

  • Be firm, Aregbesola, Oguntade tell judges

    Be firm, Aregbesola, Oguntade tell judges

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and a former Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice George Oguntade, have urged judges to remain steadfast and courageous.
    They admonished lawyers to be more hardworking.
    The duo spoke yesterday at the presentation and launch of a book titled:“Justice Kayode Eso: Beacon of Judicial Activism” held at Sheraton Lagos Hotel, Ikeja.
    Also at the event were Dean, Faculty of Law, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife, Prof. Ademola Popoola; Ekiti State Chief Judge Justice Ayodeji Daramola; Ogun State Attorney General Olumide Ayeni, among others.
    They described the late judge as a courageous and fearless jurist whose life was dedicated to the rule of law.
    Aregbesola said Justice Eso was a quintessential legal intellectual who brought much erudition and elevated language to the service of law.
    Represented by Deputy Governor Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, the governor said Justice Eso “belonged to the rarest breed of legal minds, whose life was dedicated to law”.
    Aregbesola said the late jurist left giant legal landmarks and shot into national prominence when he successfully defended miners in Jos.
    He listed some of Eso’s landmark judgments to include the trial of Nobel laureate Prof. Wole Soyinka, who he discharged and acquitted of charges of bringing gun into the television studio of Western Nigeria Broadcasting Corporation.
    He also mentioned his dissenting judgment on the 1979 presidential election petition between the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and former President Shehu Shagari.
    Justice Oguntade, who chaired the occasion, recalled that the late jurist demonstrated that the essence of judicial function was to develop and strengthen the law.
    He said Justice Eso achieved this ‘by intelligibly applying provisions of the law to scenarios not fully envisaged by drafters of the law and arriving at what many soon after referred to as locus classicus”.
    He said his judgments helped him in his career, noting that he was an upright and courageous judge who fearlessly defended the truth.
    Popoola, in a review, described the late Justice Eso as a crusader for human dignity and rule of law.
    Popoola said the book, co-authored by Arigbabuwo Lateef and Odunlami Oluwaseun, was a befitting tribute to the enviable activities of the late jurist.

  • Aregbesola, Sultan, PDP pray for Nigeria, Buhari

    Aregbesola, Sultan, PDP pray for Nigeria, Buhari

    Muslims all over the country, led by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, yesterday gathered in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, to pray for the nation and President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Governor Rauf Aregbesola said economy and poverty, rather than religion, were major springboards of terrorism.

    Tagged: “Prayer for our nation for peace, security, stability and development”, the event was organised in honour of Deputy President-General (South), Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola.

    The Sultan called for the nation’s unity to get out of recession.

    He enjoined religious groups to make prayer a daily routine as the country needs spiritual solutions to its peculiar challenges.

    During his call on the governor, Abubakar praised Aregbesola for his commitment to the development of humanity.

    He said the state under Aregbesola demonstrated a high sense of fairness to religious organisations.

    The Sultan said: “I must acknowledge your commitment in promoting unity among religious organisations.

    “We have not in any way closed our eyes to your administration’s determination in making things happen even in the face of the present realities.”

    The governor called on Muslim leaders to eradicate poverty in the land.

    He said: “It is disappointing to hear that Muslims are being asked to kill for as low as N200.

    “What is the problem with us Muslims? Why is poverty afflicting us so terribly that we can now accept just any amount to kill ourselves?

    “Unless we are not worried by the spate of this economic condition, by now we must develop capacity and strategy to end the poverty.

    “Let the truth be told: Religion is not the cause of insurgency but extreme poverty. Let us create an organisation to tackle and eradicate poverty now. This is a challenge to the entire Muslim Ummah.”

    NSCIA Secretary-General Prof Isiaq Oloyede said Islam could live with other religions but abhours injustice.

    Former Inspector-General of Police Musliu Smith said the event was timely given the nation’s present situation.

    Also yesterday, leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Southwest prayed for the President’s quick recovery “in order to continue his anti-corruption crusade”.

    Rising from an expanded Southwest PDP Committee meeting in Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, the party acknowledged and affirmed the leadership of Senator Ali Modu-Sheriff and his repositioning efforts.

    These were the highlights of a nine-point communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, which was read by the National Vice-Chairman/Zonal Chairman, South West PDP, Makanjuola Ogundipe.

    The party said it was the alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government and urged all to move the party forward and put it in good stead for the task ahead, including the forthcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun states.

    In his remark, Sheriff said he would continue to work for the party’s progress and return it to the grassroots.

    Sheriff, who stated that he will not be provoked by the statement of the Chairman of the Strategy Review Committee, Prof. Jerry Gana, urged him (Gana) to go and contest election in his locality and win before he can talk to him about party administration and management.

    In his keynote address, former Deputy Senate President Ibrahim Mantu, who is also the deputy chairman of PDP Reconciliation Committee, attributed the crisis in the party to lack of internal democracy, imposition of candidates and impunity.

    Mantu said the party bungled the goodwill it enjoyed for 16 years by allowing internal wrangling to fester.

    He urged party leaders to shelve personal interests and work towards mending the cracks in the party.

    “All must cooperate to ensure total victory in the  Southwest and Nigeria in 2019.

    “The tongue and the teeth live inside the mouth and they do sometime clash but none vacates the mouth for the other.

    “We must, therefore, not allow seeming differences affect our victory at the polls,” he said.

    The meeting was attended by the Sheriff’s faction deputy, Dr. Cairo Ojuigbo; National Secretary Prof. Wale Oladipo; Senator Sam Anyanwu (Imo West), Senator Buruji Kashamu (Ogun East) and former FCT Minister Mohammed Abba Gana.

    Others included Senator Hosea Ehinlanwo,  Adesegun Adekoya, Segun Odebunmi; Victor Akande, Bowale Solaja, former presidential adviser  Ahmed Gulak and chieftains from Oyo, Osun, Ekiti, Lagos, Ondo and Ogun states.

  • Aregbesola, Gbadegesin: Awolowo’s ideals indelible

    Aregbesola, Gbadegesin: Awolowo’s ideals indelible

    The launch of the book, Obafemi Awolowo, Lessons in Leadership and Legacy, was an opportunity to remember the late sage and premier of the Western, reports JOSEPH JIBUEZE.

    Thirty years after he died, the late Premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, remains a source of leadership inspiration to many.

    He legacies remain indelible, no wonder political scientists and scholars are fascinated by the subject of Awolowo.

    A new book, Obefemi Awolowo: Lessons in Leadership and Legacy, was launched last week in Ibadan. Edited by the Acting Head, Department of Politics and International Relations, Lead City University, Dr Tunde Oseni, it is a collection of essays on diverse perspectives by 11 scholars across nine institutions.

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who was the guest of honour, said the late Awolowo demonstrated selfless leadership.

    “He has provided inspiration for me as a governor,” said Aregbesola, who was represented by the Head of Service Mr Sunday Owoeye.

    Aregbesola said he studies the “Awolowo book of governance”, adding that every leader who wishes to succeed must learn lessons from the late sage.

    “What I learnt most from him is the ability to set goals, attract the best, and mobilise resources to achieve objectives. He is a model in every way. And for the foreseeable future, he’ll remain relevant

    “I am always excited to talk about our inimitable leader, Chief Awolowo. He was a leader of leaders. One of the hallmarks of leadership is that your work stands long after you have left the scene.

    “This is because they are enduring works, and second, you have mentored others who will take the mantle of leadership and take off from where you stopped.

    “We remember Awolowo today and forever, not only for the iconic Cocoa House, the first television station in Africa, the farm settlements, free education and so on, but more because he was such a positive influence on people that have since become politically correct to claim to be an Awoist,” Aregbesola said.

    Among contributors to the book is Prof Segun Gbadegesin of the Howard University, Washington DC.

    According to him, even though Awolowo was dead, it was in the interest of Nigeria “to go back to him from time to time to make our nation as great as it is destined to be”.

    Writing on the theme: Envisioning National Progress: Building on the legacy of Obafemi Awolowo, he says: “Chief Awowolo did what was humanly possible to make Nigeria great. But like the last son of Orunmila, Nigeria shunned and disrespected him. He left for the land of ancestors.

    “But for the faithful who believe in him and his strategies for making Nigeria great, he left them the tools, the outcome of his sleepless nights, the result of his deep thoughts, to consult and reflect upon as we continue to struggle for progress and development.”

    In the book’s forward, eminent professor of political science, Alaba Ogunsanwo, described the late Awolowo as “an organiser and mobiliser of human and material resources par excellence.”

    “This book is about him and the values that others may or should emulate from him,” Ogunswanwo said, adding that the late Awolowo was a visionary leader who was able to identify and utilise the genius in others.

    Oseni said the book was written to widen the discourse and debate about leadership values “within the precepts, prospects and opportunities of and for national unity, integration and development.”

    He said it was also designed to enhance a positive, productive and progressive understanding of leadership qualities of one of the greatest Nigerian leaders that ever lived.

    “Short of being a sheer hagiography, this book is aimed largely at enlivening debates and discussions about one of Africa’s and world’s best leaders of all times,” he said.

    Oseni said the book’s cover price is N2,000 and is available on Amazon, Konga, Dealdey and major university bookshops, among others

    A book of poetry written by Dr Oseni, My London Poems, was also presented at the event.

    The Youth Focus Initiative, an NGO founded by Oseni, presented the Youth Focus Role Model Awards to individuals whose sterling contributions in public service, career progression and social development are worthy of emulation by young people. The NGO is involved in leadership training, personal development, and community service.

    The awardees are Aregbesola, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi (Ojaja II), Gov Abiola Ajimobi, Executive Director, Obafemi Awolowo Foundation Dr Tokunbo Awolowo Dosunmu, Muyiwa Ige, Senator Abdulfatai Buhari, Minister of Technology Abdul-Raheem Adebayo Shittu, and publisher Akinyode Oyewusi.

    Others are Chief Babatunde Soares, a Deputy Commissioner of Police Sunday Odukoya, an Assistant Commissioner of Police Sybil Akinfenwa, Mrs  Febisola Okonkwo, Aisha Lawal and Fisayo Soyombo.

     

  • Akande a pillar, says Aregbesola

    Akande a pillar, says Aregbesola

    Rauf Aregbesola on Monday lauded the sterling contributions of the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Adebisi Akande, to national development.
    He described him as one of the pillars that uphold the nation and the progressives in the country.
    Aregbesola made the statement while addressing the participants at a special prayer session marking the 78th birthday of Chief Akande, in Ila-Orangun.
    He commended the celebrant for being part of the leaders that enthroned progressives in power in 2015, saying Akande would continue to be remembered on the good side of political history in Nigeria.
    Aregbesola attributed some of the successes recorded by his administration to legacies laid by Chief Akande while serving as Governor of the state.
    He said Akande has always been the brain behind the success of progressives and APC in Nigeria having served tremendously in various capacities to place the party to mainstream of political circle in Nigeria.
    According to him, the tremendous impacts of Chief Adebisi Akande towards the transition of Alliance for Democracy, AD, to Action Congress, AC, to Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN and finally to All Progressives Congress of Nigeria, APC can never be quantified.
    “His sterling quality and exemplary leadership have been the insights through which young politicians are bred.
    “Chief Akande’s political school of thought has been the guides for whoever heeds to it to succeed in politics.
    “Baba had played a crucial role in the sustainability of our democracy, as well as the enthronement of APC to centrestage of national politics.
    “As we all know that Baba’s immense contributions towards the attainment of progressive government in Nigeria led us to where we are today.
    “He laboured. He fought and he conquered. That is why we will continue to celebrate your charismatic leadership in the annals of democracy in Nigeria”, Aregbesola added.
    The governor called on other political leaders in the country to emulate Akande’s simplicity and rear commitment to good governance, saying “through these, the sky would be the staging point to success”.
    “As much as I rejoice with you for being a contemporary game changer, performer and transformer in Nigerian politics, I equally implored you not to relent in rendering your advice to the needy for the progress of Osun and Nigeria at large.
    He therefore prayed God to continue to uphold the celebrant as he forges on in building a virile society being aspired by all.
    Akande, who expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for adding another year in good health and robust knowledge, promised to continue to do his best on impacting in the lives of the people.
    He thanked God for using him to effect positivity and progress in the lives of the people, saying “I am grateful for ageing graciously”.
    Akande used the occasion to implore Nigerians on the need to embrace farming and shift attention from crude oil.
    “I am saying this because we have all seen the result of our over-reliance on crude oil. Oil is fading and this has informed us to work hard and device other means of economic sustenance.
    “While doing this, we must not forget that agriculture remains answer towards the accomplishment of our yearnings and aspirations.”

  • Amosun, Aregbesola, Wike hail military on defeat of insurgents

    Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Nyesom Wike (Rivers) have hailed President Muhammadu Buhari as well as officers and men of the Armed Forces for their gallantry and success in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.

    Amosun gave his commendation while speaking after inspecting a special parade by the Nigerian Legion, Navy and Army at the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration at the Arcade Ground, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, yesterday.

    Thanking the military for restoring peace in the Northeast, Amosun urged Nigerians to live in unity, irrespective of differences in gender, tribe, religion and political affiliations.

    The governor, top officers in the military and paramount rulers laid wreaths at the cenotaph in honour of fallen heroes.

    The governor also released 57 white pigeons as a symbol of national peace, with each pigeon representing the 20 local governments and 37 local council development areas.

    The fallen heroes were later honoured with a 21-gun salute.

    Aregbesola hailed Buhari, ýthe Nigeria Armed forces and other security organisations for subduing the activities of Boko Haram group in the Northeast.

    The governor spoke at the grand finale of the 2017 Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration, at the Military Cenotaph, Osogbo.

    Aregbesola lauded security agencies for destroying the Sambisa Forest base of the group.

    According to him, the nation would not forget the gallant soldiers and security officials, whose lives have been lost in the cause of putting down the Boko Haram uprising.

    He also commiserated with the government and people of Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Taraba and others caught in the throes of the group, whose people have been brutalised, killed or kidnapped and many now in Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps.

    Aregbesola added that the annual remembrance of fallen heroes and survivors of the Nigeria Army would be incomplete, if the country failed to retrace its past and device popular means of living in unity.

    In Port Harcourt, Wike noted that the President and service chiefs deserved commendation for strengthening the armed forces to take up on the elements, who had been threatening the country’s peace.

    At the event, Wike announced a N100 million empowerment scheme aimed at improving the living condition of the families of deceased ex-servicemen and legionnaires.