Tag: AREGBESOLA

  • Asset recovery: Cars bought under Oyinlola were taken away by Aregbesola’s men—Adeleke’s SSG 

    Asset recovery: Cars bought under Oyinlola were taken away by Aregbesola’s men—Adeleke’s SSG 

    As Osun state government embarked on asset recovery mission, the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye has disclosed that official vehicles bought during Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s administration were taken away by appointees of former governor Rauf Aregbesola

    The Nation recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke had set up a committee and task force to recover all assets allegedly looted under the administration of his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola. 

    But the All Progressives Congress(APC) opposed to the moves of Adeleke. 

    Igbalaye has reacted to the criticism that greeted the government’s decision on asset recovery. 

    Igbalaye, who is also a former chairman of Association of Local Government of Nigeria(ALGON), Osun State under the administration of Oyinlola in a statement by his media aide, Kehinde Adeoye disclosed that none of his member including the current Chief of Staff to the state Governor, Kazeem Akinleye took away any official car.  

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    He said: “I affirm here that none of the local government chairmen and their wives took away their official cars during Oyinlola’s administration. We were eased out of the government through the Supreme Court Judgment.  

    “The official cars bought by local government chairmen during the Oyinlola regime were given as take home to all ACN caretaker local government chairmen that took over from us under Aregbesola administration. The only car that I took home as an official car was the one bought by ALGON as ALGON State chairman. This has been the practice from National Headquarters in Abuja by paying the necessary fees which I did with my receipt intact.” 

    Igbalaye asserted that “No fake news will stop recovery of vehicles and other assets belonging to the state. The Taskforce will soon commence operation. My advice to those who took away government vehicles is to return it as quickly as possible.” 

  • Aregbesola sued for creating factions in APC

    Aregbesola sued for creating factions in APC

    Former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola has been taken to court by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for creating factions within the party. 

    The plaintiff sued Aregbesola, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Rasheed Afolabi (ex-federal lawmaker) and Mr Lani Baderinwa (ex-Information commissioner) at the Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, demanding that the faction of Aregbesola named Omoluabi Caucus should be declared illegal. 

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    APC through its counsel, Ayodele Kusamotu, held that Aregbesola cannot validly lead suspended members of the party and other persons associating with them to launch a political factional and parallel group named Omoluabi Progressives within the party, hence, they sought for an order to nullify and proscribe the caucus. 

    The plaintiff demanded N5million against the 2nd -4th defendants and N2million service charge from the defendants. 

  • Aregbesola faces court injunction for creating factions within APC

    Aregbesola faces court injunction for creating factions within APC

    Former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola has been dragged to court by the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state for creating factions within the party.

    The plaintiffs including Rasheed Afolabi (a former federal lawmaker) and Lani Baderinwa (a former Information Commissioner), took Aregbesola and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court in Osogbo.

    They demanded that the faction of Aregbesola known as the Omoluabi Caucus be declared illegal.

    APC through its counsel, Ayodele Kusamotu in suit FHC/OS/CS/1/2024 held that Aregbesola cannot validly lead suspended members of the party and other persons associating with them to launch a political factional and parallel group named Omoluabi Progressives within the party, hence, they sought an order to nullify and proscribe the caucus.

    APC contended that the said launching of a factional political group or party within the party with the use of the party’s logo, symbol, and slogan is considered to have contravened the constitution of Nigeria and the party’s constitution.

    The court process dated January 4th, 2024 obtained by The Nation on Monday stated that the 2nd Defendant (Aregbesola) cannot validly lead the 3rd-4th defendants who have suspended members of the plaintiff or any other person or persons to for a parallel political association or group within a similar or same name of the plaintiff by suing the plaintiff’s logo, symbol and slogan without registration with the 1st Defendant(INEC) in compliance with the provisions of section 221 and 222 of the 1999 constitution (as amended) and provisions of section 75(1)(2)(3) and 79(1)(2)(3)(a)(b)(c) of the Electoral Act 2022.

    Read Also: Aregbesola dishonoured agreement sanctioned by Tinubu, Akande, says APC

    It stated: “That 2nd -4th Defendants cannot launch a parallel political or a factional political group or association similar or in the same name of the plaintiff to be holding a political meeting with the logo, symbol and slogan of the plaintiff without registration with the INEC.

    “An order of perpetual injunction restraining the 1st Defendant from attending or recognizing or accepting any Congress or convention held or to be held by the 2nd -4th Defendants and any other persons associating with them in their factional and parallel political group or association for the purpose of inaugurating or constituting the Executive Council or Committee of the Plaintiff at any level or nominating candidates for any elective positions under the provisions of the Constitution the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) in the name or on the platform of the plaintiff.”

    The plaintiff demanded N5 Million against the 2nd -4th Defendants and N2 million service charge from the defendants.

  • Aregbesola dishonoured agreement sanctioned by Tinubu, Akande, says APC

    Aregbesola dishonoured agreement sanctioned by Tinubu, Akande, says APC

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has tackled former governor Rauf Aregbesola over the claim that his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola, reneged on reconciliatory agreements. 

    APC lambasted Aregbesola, the erstwhile Minister of Interior, for reneging on the 2020 reconciliatory agreement sanctioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and pioneer Chairman of APC, Chief Bisi Akande. 

    The Chairman of APC in Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal, in a statement yesterday debunked the claim by Aregbesola that an agreement was reached on August 26 2021, where it was agreed that his faction should be considered in forming the government by giving it one-third of the appointments in the second term of Oyetola’s administration. 

    Lawal said Aregbesola was making a reference to the agreement he reached with the Adeleke dynasty as the APC did not make the 2022 governorship election in Osun, adding that no wonder the Aregbesola faction was accorded one-third of appointments in the current administration led by Senator Ademola Adeleke as governor. 

    He explained that “to the best of my knowledge, the only agreement, endorsed by President Tinubu and Chief Akande happened in December 2020 and Aregbesola reneged on the spirit and letter of the said agreement. 

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    “At the end of the meeting, it was Aregbesola who prepared the contents of the resolutions and gave it to our Baba, Chief Bisi Akande, to vet before it was passed on to the leaders of the party. And part of the agreement was that there would be an automatic ticket for Oyetola and that while Oyetola would be allowed to face governance without interference from any quarters, the trio of Chief Bisi Akande, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola would lead, guide, coordinate and administer the party as the apex body.

    “But during the primaries, Aregbesola sponsored Alhaji Moshood Adeoti against Oyetola contrary to the agreement reached. Oyetola won the election. The same Aregbesola went to court with Adeoti to challenge the outcome of the primary. He also sponsored 10 cases in various courts to challenge the nomination of Oyetola as the candidate of the APC. 

    “Before then, he held a parallel congress and pushed unsuccessfully to have a validly elected chairman of the party replaced with his factional chairman.

    “As if that was not enough, Aregbesola went ahead to sponsor three candidates against Oyetola in the governorship election. So, who betrayed each other?”

  • Aregbesola’s influence in Osun politics gone, he is embarking on futile journey – Lasun

    Aregbesola’s influence in Osun politics gone, he is embarking on futile journey – Lasun

    The former deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf has described the recent outburst of ex-minister of interior, Rauf Aregbesola against All Progressives Congress (APC) and his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola, as empty.

    The Nation recalled that Aregbesola who launched his faction named Omoluabi Caucus blamed Oyetola for APC’s defeat during the 2022 Osun gubernatorial election.

    Aregbesola bragged that his caucus would make a drastic decision by determining the future of Osun state politically which no one will have any say over.

    Meanwhile, Yusuf who abandoned APC for Labour Party in 2022 before joining Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023 held that Aregbesola is embarking on a futile endeavour by struggling to become a political leader in Osun state.

    Yusuf speaking during a political programme, Oro Oselu (Political Talk) on a private radio station, Rave FM in Osogbo monitored by our correspondent stated that the erstwhile minister of the interior could only struggle but he would never become a leader of any political system in the state.

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    He said: “I can’t be happy if any evil thing befalls Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. I always wish him good. We were together; we have come a long way; in fact we spent quality time together in politics but what I know is that his terrain of influence is gone in the political firmament of Osun; he cannot be a leader of any political system in the state again.

    “Though he tried to ensure that Progressive retain power in Osun while exiting office, what I know is that he is only trying but it is too late to become a leader in the state as he has been struggling to.

     “I said this because I knew that he became a governor by collective leadership. Just as I couldn’t become a governor as I wished so also that it is not easy for him to become the leader of any political system that he wishes to be. For him to be saying he would let people know where he is going before the end of this year, is nothing but a ruse; time has passed by on that; life doesn’t wait for such.”

  • Osun APC tackles Aregbesola over claims on electoral defeat

    Osun APC tackles Aregbesola over claims on electoral defeat

    • Ex-minister supported Adeleke, says Ataoja

    The former Governor of Osun State and erstwhile Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has blamed loss of power by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State on the refusal of his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola, to follow his dictate and precepts. 

    Aregbesola berated associates of Oyetola for nursing animosity against him without any reason and refusal to respect the reconciliatory agreements sanctioned by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. 

    The ex-minister speaking in Yoruba at the end of the year party of his faction named Omoluabi Caucus, held in Osogbo, said he begged Oyetola for three years, but he refused, which led to his loss at the 2022 governorship election. 

    According to him, “God spoke in Osun, but people did not see what God did in Osun State. Three politicians including myself in Yoruba land, God made us to be successful. Awolowo started it, he finished his tenure and handed over to the person that he wished, the person did not do well until he lost the power. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu did eight years tenure and he handed over to the person he wished, those he handed over to did the wish of the party and his wish, the party still retains power to date.

    “The third person is myself… I was in government for eight years, I handed over to the person I felt would do my biddings and follow my dictates, but he betrayed me and the party. You can see the consequences. Those that are not patient, they are saying rubbish, when I endorsed Sheu. I begged for three years that we must not lose the state. I never fought anybody in the past; I don’t know the reason why they are fighting me.” 

    He added: “They met us in the party. I told my people to support the government of my successor. On August 26, 2021 our overall boss told us to hold a meeting with his representatives in Abuja. Thirty-one people from my group met with the representatives. They agreed that they should consider our faction in government by giving us one-third of appointment. I agreed with it. I gave them conditions that would make me campaign for them for the governorship election, but nothing came out of it. 

    “We embarked on several journeys to ensure we have a formidable house to the poll, but their spokesman said on OSBC that anybody who is not invited should not come. So I have to stay away. They organised several campaigns of calumny against me. When things failed, they started blaming me for losing the election. We are here to enjoy the festive season. I can assure you that with our plans, by this time next year, you will know our next moves.”

    Earlier, Aregbesola led his caucus, including ex-Secretary to the State Government, Moshood Adeoti; former Speaker, Najeem Salam; ex-APC Chairman, Lowo Adebiyi; former Information Commissioner, Lani Baderinwa and others to the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, for a courtesy visit. 

    Oba Olanipekun, speaking in Yoruba, said: “Osogbo will never forget Aregbesola. The ex-governor played prominent role in enthroning the incumbent government in Osun State. I believe Aregbesola still have more influence and power in the politics of Osun State.”

    Reacting to the allegations raised by Aregbesola, the Chairman of APC in Osun State, Tajudeen Lawal, through its spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, said Aregbesola cooked up phoney stories. 

    Read Also: Aregbesola blames Oyetola for APC’s defeat in Osun

    He said: “Who between Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and the ever cantankerous and garrulous Aregbesola is a man of peace? The answer is obvious. Was it Oyetola who was instrumental to the 30-month half salaries owed by the Aregbesola administration? Was it Oyetola who prevailed on Aregbesola to make an obnoxious consideration not to appoint those who assisted him to reclaim his victory by unilaterally outlawing anyone who was over 50 years old not to be appointed into his executive council? 

    “Was it Oyetola who put pressure on Aregbesola to insist all schools in Osun must wear the same uniform? Was it Oyetola who directed Aregbesola to change the names of all government schools against the wish of the people of the communities where the schools are situated? Was it Oyetola who told Aregbesola to be an odd man out in Nigeria by renaming Osun State, State of Osun, which is against the provision of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria? 

    “The excuses of Aregbesola for not coming for campaigns are misplaced, an afterthought and should be disregarded, as there is nothing new that the former Osun State governor could do to the APC that could be strange, as it is on record that Aregbesola and his cohorts were active partakers in pulling down the political party that had made him a commissioner for eight years in Lagos; Osun State governor for eight years and a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria for four years.”

  • Aregbesola blames Oyetola for APC’s defeat in Osun

    Aregbesola blames Oyetola for APC’s defeat in Osun

    The former governor of Osun state and erstwhile minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, has blamed lost of power of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state on refusal of his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola to follow his dictate and precepts.

    Aregbesola berated associates of Oyetola for nursing animosity against him without any reason and refusal to respect all the reconciliatory agreements sanction by President Bola Tinubu.

    The ex-minister speaking in Yoruba language at end of the year party of his faction named Omoluabi caucus held in Osogbo capital of Osun state, stated that he begged Oyetola for three years but he refused which led to his lost at the 2022 gubernatorial election.

    He said: “God spoke in Osun but people did not see what God did in Osun state. Three politicians including myself in Yoruba land, God made us to be successful. Awolowo started it, he finished his tenure and handed over to the person that he wished, the person did not do well until he lost the power. Asiwaju Bola Tinubu did 8 years tenure and he handed over to the person he wished, those he handed over to did the wish of the party and his wish, the party still retain power till date.

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    “The third person is myself… I was in government for 8 years, I handed over to the person I felt will do my biddings and follow my dictates but he betrayed me and the party, you can see the consequences.

    “Those that are not patient, they are saying rubbish, when I endorsed Sheu. I begged for three years that we must not lose the state. I never fight anybody in the past, I don’t know the reason why they are fighting me.

    He added: “They met us in the party. I told my people to support the government of my successor. In August 26th 2021, our overall boss told us to do a meeting with his representatives in Abuja, 31 people from my group met with the representatives. They agreed that they should consider our faction in government by giving us one-third of appointment. I agreed with it. I gave them conditions that will make me campaign for them for gubernatorial election, but nothing came out of it.

    “We embarked on several journeys to ensure we have a formidable house to the poll but their spokesman said on OSBC that anybody who is not invited should not come. So I have to stay away.

    “They organised several campaign of calumny against me, when things failed they started pushing blames on me for losing the election. We are here to enjoy the festive season. I can assure you that with our plans, by this time next year, you will know our next moves.”

    Earlier, Aregbesola led his caucus including ex-secretary to the state government, Moshood Adeoti, Ex-Speaker, Najeem Salam, ex-APC chair, Lowo Adebiyi, Ex-Information Commissioner, Lani Baderinwa and others to the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun for courtesy visit.

    Oba Olanipekun speaking in Yoruba said, “Osogbo will never forget Aregbesola. The ex-governor played prominent role in enthroning the incumbent government in Osun state. I believe that Aregbesola still have more influence and power in the politics of Osun state.”

  • Osun APC expels three ex-Aregbesola’s men, 81 others

    Osun APC expels three ex-Aregbesola’s men, 81 others

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has expelled 84 members, who are loyal to former minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, over anti-party activities.

    Those expelled were appointed by Governor Ademola Adeleke into political offices.

    Among those expelled are Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-governmental Relations to Governor Adeleke, Biyi Odunlade, ex-APC secretary, Rasaq Salinsile, who was appointed as the chairman of Osun Teaching Service Commission before he rejected it, among others.

    The expulsion of the members was conveyed in a statement by the Chairman of the party, Tajudeen Lawal, yesterday.

    He hinged the expulsion on anti-party activities, noting that “following complaints of anti-party activities, the State Executive Committee of the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) constituted a Disciplinary Committee to investigate allegations against some members.

    “This disciplinary measure came in response to the allegations of misconduct and actions that embarrassed and brought the party to disrepute. The Disciplinary Committee undertook a thorough and impartial review of the allegations and the findings were carefully deliberated upon by the State Executive Committee.

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    “After a comprehensive assessment of the evidence and consideration of the committee’s recommendations, the State Executive Committee has taken the difficult, yet necessary step of expelling the members.

    “Among the expelled are: Akibu Olaiya – Iwo LG, Yekeen Ajoke Nafisat – Iwo LG, Wakeel Mutaleeb Adekunle – Iwo East LCDA, Olufunke Akano – Iwo East LCDA, Olatunji Idowu Ajoke- Iwo West LCDA, Ajala Abayomi – Ayedire LG, Adegboyega Semiu Adeniyi – Ayedire LG, Sabitu Rofiat Omolayo – Ayedire South LCDA, Oladeji Ismail – Ayedire South LCDA, Tajudeen Akanbi – Olaoluwa LG, Oyediran Quasim – Olaoluwa LG, Ajetunmobi Moshood – Olaoluwa South LCDA, Akintoye Opeyemi – Irewole LG, Akerele Sunday – Irewole LG, Pastor Peter Olaawo – Irewole LCDA, Orisatola Surajudeen A. – Irewole LCDA, Shariat O. Olaniyi – Ayedaade LG, Akeem Olodude – Ayedaade LG, Raji Sikiru – Ayedaade South LCDA, Isaac Adeyemi Aderinoye – Ayedaade South LCDA, Oyedeji Tawab O. – Osogbo LG, Aderemi Tajudeen – Osogbo LG, Kamoru Afusat Bolanle – Osogbo South LCDA, Ibrahim Mumini Tunde – Osogbo South LCDA, Olayinka Musiliu Shina – Osogbo West LCDA, Adewumi Ademola Taofeeq – Osogbo West LCDA, Ajala Oladiran – Olorunda LG, Abiola Omotosho – Olorunda LG, Ganiyu Aliu O. – Olorunda North LCDA, Lawal Olalekan – Olorunda North LCDA and Ganiyu Adebayo A. – Olorunda Area Council.

    “Afolabi Olaniyi Olatunde – Olorunda Area Council, Serifat Olayiwola – Ifelodun LG, Olawale Morufu Adebukola – Ifelodun LG, Ajibade Olatunji Ganiyu – Ifelodun North LCDA, Oladunjoye Rasheed Taye – Ifelodun North LCDA, Wale Agboola – Ifelodun Area Council, Sulaiman Akeem – Ifelodun Area Council, Odetayo Olubunmi – Odo Otin LG and others.

    , Agboola Dayo Remilekun – Odo Otin LG, David Ajiboso – Odo Otin North LCDA, Ajala Richard Folashade – Odo Otin North LCDA,  Ogunkanmi Adekunle – Odo Otin South LCDA, Adepoju Kabiru – Odo Otin South LCDA, Fadunmola Fatai A. – Boluwaduro LG, Aina Olusola – Boluwaduro LG, Oyekanmi Hajarat Adenike – Boluwaduro East LCDA, Adewumi O. Olufemi – Boluwaduro East LCDA, Teniola Alaba – Ilesa East LG, Muraina Fatai Olusegun – Ilesa East LG, Alaka Bode Olakunle – Ilesa North East LCDA, Ojediran Folasade Kehinde – Ilesa North East LCDA, Raji Azeez – Ilesa West LG, Afolayan Kafayat – Ilesa West LG, Kabir Ademola Hameed – Ilesa West Central LCDA and Kazeem Kafayat – Ilesa West Central LCDA

    “Also, Agunlejika Adejuyigbe – Atakumosa West LG,  Ogundele Sesan Opeyemi – Atakumosa West LG, Omidiji Olaolu – Atakumosa West LCDA, Adejare Israel – Atakumosa West LCDA, Oni Abiodun – Ife Central LG, Ismail Busayo Alabelewe – Ife Central LG, Chief Titus Awofesobi – Ife Central West LCDA, Alhaji Akeem Oyeleye – Ife Central West LCDA, Alhaji Omisakin Bisi – Ife East LG, Ogunrinola Sayo – Ife East LG, Oyewole Rafiu – Ife Ooye LCDA,  Adefioye Adegboyega – Ife Ooye LCDA, Sangolade Olawale – Ife East Area Office,  Adekunle Toyin Asabi – Ife East Area Office, Adeyeye Yinusa O. – Oriade LG, Mathew Olamuyiwa Samuel – Oriade LG, Samson Fakinyede Oladipo – Oriade South LCDA, Oyediran Mikail – Oriade South LCDA,  Lamidi Oyeyemi – Obokun LG, Dare Adarayaki- Obokun LG, Oluseyi Oyinloye – Obokun LCDA, Ogundele Ogunsanmi – Obokun LCDA, Ismail Elewedi – Ejigbo Central LCDA, Yekeen Adewale – Oyebisi Ejigbo South LCDA,  Muraina Atanda Adeleke – Ejigbo South LCDA, Alhaja Temilade Olokungboye Halid – Osogbo West LCDA, Comrade Biyi Odunlade – Ife Central LGA and Hon. Rasak Salinsile – Iwo LGA.”

    He enjoined members of the party to remain focused on its goals and continue working together to serve the interests of the state.

  • Ministerial appointment is call to greater service, says Aregbesola

    Minister of Interior, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has described his appointment as a call to greater service. He promised to use his exceptional skill for problem solving in his new position.

    The former governor acknowledged the great challenge to deliver, assuring that he will live to expectation.

    Aregbesola said it was heart-warming that President Muhammadu Buhari had captured the people’s expectations in his ‘Next Level Agenda’.

    He also said that, with the Next Level battle-cry, the president had already set agenda for the new ministers, adding that what is left is for them  to come up with achievable ideas and documents that are critical to its fulfilment.

    In his view, the widening gap between the poor and the rich, which has resulted in the falling living standard,  was due to inequitable distribution of  wealth.

    Aregbesola lamented that few corrupt people controlled over 90 percent of the wealth.

    He called for the redistribution of national wealth to reduce poverty.

    The minister urged Nigerians to embrace the culture of hardwork and diligence, adding that there is gain in dignity.

    Aregbesola urge Nigerians to cooperate with the Federal Government in its bid to give them a lease of life.

    He said: “Some of the economic hardship being experienced by some individuals were self-imposed due to ostentatious life-style that could not be sustained by their income. People should live within their income, instead of living a fake life-style. Self-discipline should be the watch word.”

    Aregbesola thanked the president for appointting him as a minister, assuring that he will live to expectation.

     

  • Osinbajo, Aregbesola, ex-VC, others for Companion Discourse

    Vice President Prof Yemi Osinbajo will lead immediate past Governor of Osun State Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and a renowned expert in Agricultural-Engineering and former University of Uyo Vice-Chancellor Prof Fola Lasisi, to the 4th 4th National Discourse of The Companion, an association of Muslim in Business and Professions.

    The event, scheduled to hold on Sunday at the University of Lagos Main Auditorium now named J.F. Ade-Ajayi auditorium, will also be witnessed by Prof Lateef Sanni of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Coordinator, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Otunba Femi Oke as well as an expert in Animal Production from the University of Ilorin, Dr Hameed Badmos, among others dignitaries.

    The theme is Food security: Unleashing Nigeria’s natural potential for self-sufficiency.

    At a briefing on Wednesday, The Companion National Amir (President) Alhaji Thabit Wale Sonaike, said the Discourse is an annual forum designed to generate ideas towards addressing issues of national concern.

    “Our modus operandi is to assemble experts and other high stakeholders on topical issues of national concern to brainstorm and share ideas with the public with a view to proffering solutions to the identified national problems. Communiqué is then issued to appropriate quarters in government at various levels for consideration as input in national policy formulations. In this way, we would have made our humble contribution to sustainable national development and good governance in the country,” he said.

    Alhaji Sonaike said the event will also feature free medical test for the attendees with support from the Islamic Medical Association of Nigeria (IMAN) and Nigeria Aid Group.

    “We are also planning to have mini-exhibition of Agric products which will involve the sale of locally produced foodstuff and poultry products,” he said.

    He said the association focus on food security for this year’s discourse “because food undoubtedly is the most basic of all human survival needs and the starting chain of the economy as well as the base for daily life.”

    Food and agriculture by extension, he added, is also a fundamental pillar for economic growth and development as a nation can hardly achieve and sustain its economic growth without a strong agricultural base and the reasons are obvious.