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Tag: Ashafa

  • Jonathan, Fashola, Atiku, Ashafa mourn

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday expressed sadness over the passing away of one of Nigeria’s leading entrepreneurs, Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Dr. Reuben Abati, President Jonathan condoled with the family, friends, associates, business partners  and the people of Lagos, where he held the traditional title of Asoju-Oba.

    It reads: “The President shares their pain and sorrow as they mourn the late Chief Okoya-Thomas who was also honoured in his lifetime with the traditional titles of Odofin of Ile- Ife and Bobasuwa of Ijebu-Remo.

    “President Jonathan urges members of the Okoya-Thomas family and all others who mourn the very successful businessman to be comforted by the knowledge that he lived a very worthy and fulfilled life, and left a legacy of great entrepreneurial achievements for his successors to build on.”

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar said his death was a huge blow to the community of businessmen.

    In a statement from his media Office in Abuja, Atiku said that the late Okoya-Thomas was a visionary and astute businessman whose contribution to Nigeria’s private sector economy will remain indelible.

    He said: “Although the late Molade Okoya-Thomas left the stage at a prime age of 79, his death nonetheless is a huge blow.

    “His legacies will remain indelible in corporate Nigeria and I pray God will grant his family and loved ones the fortitude to bear the loss.”

    Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola described the deceased as an epitome of humaneness and dedication to service.

    In a letter to the widow, Mrs. Olivia Abosede Okoya-Thomas, the governor said he and the people had been the beneficiaries of the deceased’s great wisdom and philanthropy over the years.

    Fashola said: “It is with great sorrow that my family and I heard of the passing of your husband.

    “Lagos State was indeed lucky to be the home of the Late Chief Okoya-Thomas because the state felt his impact in various sectors, especially in education, where he was Chancellor of the State University.

    “He was always blunt when dishing out his sage advice but I knew it was because he genuinely cared about the welfare and progress of the state and its people.”

    In his condolence message, Senator Gbenga Ashafa described the business mogul as a rare gem that left us when we needed him most.

    “Chief Okoya was an essential of benevolence, notable business man, sports lover and a philanthropist of great repute.”

  • Ashafa preaches peace

    Ashafa preaches peace

    The Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Senator ‘Gbenga Bareehu Ashafa has enjoined all Muslims  to use this year’s Eid-el Maulud as another opportunity to relate with one another in peace and seek the progress of Nigeria at all times.

    Ashafa who represents Lagos East  also urged  Muslims to follow the exemplary leadership of the Holy Prophet Mohammed by promoting peaceful co-existence among tribes, religions and in other various segments of the society.

    “Nigerians, irrespective of our religious and ethnic differences, must at occasions like this, and always, reflect on matters that will strengthened our Nation to a greater height, which we all crave for,”  he said in a statement.

    He wished all the Muslims and the Nation a hitch-free and Happy Eid-El-Maulud.

  • 2015: Year of change Nigerians desire, says Ashafa

    2015: Year of change Nigerians desire, says Ashafa

    Senator Gbenga Ashafa has described 2015 as a year of the change that Nigerians have been yearning for.

    Speaking when he donated some medical items to the Ikorodu General Hospital on Wednesday, Ashafa said 2015 holds a lot of promises to Nigerians and their country.

     He said despite the challenge of 2014, Nigerians remained steadfast.

    Ashafa, who represents Lagos East Senatorial District, said: “Of course, we faced some problems and serious trials in 2014, including atrocious terrorist attacks and natural disasters but we have managed to remain steadfast. This steadfastness has become a reminder of how close we all are.

    “The year 2015 holds a lot of promises for everyone – and collectively as a nation, we must ensure the fulfilment of those promises. Most importantly, the promise of change that will be effected when the general elections hold in the next two months.

    “2015 is indeed a set time. One that cannot be stopped. The wish for change has been reflected in the yearnings and aspirations of Nigerians who have watched their dear country wallow for too long in the cesspool of pity amongst the comity of nations. “ He said

    While lauding Ashafa’s gesture, the Medical Director/ CEO , Dr Mobolaji Olukoya, said it was good and timely.

    “Just three days ago the lawmaker visited us in company of his friend and promised us that he would donate some items which he did today and also promised to donate a utility bus next year. We are very pleased with these items, May God Almighty grant him his heart’s desires as well,” he said.

  • Ashafa preaches love at ‘Xmas

    Ashafa preaches love at ‘Xmas

    The  lawmaker representing Lagos East, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, yesterday enjoined Christians to emulate the life of Jesus Christ, just as His birth is being remembered.

    In a statement from the lawmaker’s constituency office, Ashafa said: “In this Christmas season,  it is important for the people to keep in mind that as they exchange gifts and attend parties to celebrate the season, the central theme should not be watered down. The birth of Christ, which the story of Christmas revolves round, epitomises love, kindness, sacrifice, forbearance and humanity – virtues that we as a people, regardless of religion or tribe, ought to demonstrate  in deeds and words.”

    He advised all and sundry to open their hearts with love in relation to one another and pray for the unity of the country.

  • Buhari/Osinbajo ticket will eradicate corruption, say Fashola, Ashafa

    Buhari/Osinbajo ticket will eradicate corruption, say Fashola, Ashafa

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and the lawmaker representing the Lagos East Senatorial District, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, has hailed the choice of Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as running mate of the All Progressive Congress Presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, saying the combination will help eradicate corruption in the country.

    Governor Fashola spoke at the swearing-in ceremony of three High Court Judges of Lagos State held at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Lagos State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.

    Addressing the large gathering comprising judges, lawyers traditional rulers, religious leaders, relatives of the newly sworn-in judges and their well-wishers, Fashola described Osinbajo as the brain behind the transformation of the state judiciary.

    According to him, “Prof. Osinbajo has contributed tremendously to the state judiciary, the vision of building an efficient and incorruptible judiciary started under his watch as the Attorney General of Lagos State. So as I wish my brother and friend Prof. Yemi Osinbajo the very best in the journey.”

    Ashafa on his part, said the combination of Gen. Buhari and Prof. Osinbajo would eradicate corruption which has eaten deep into the nation’s fabric.

    He explained that the duo would make the change that Nigerians have been clamouring for, adding that Nigerians now have the opportunity to make change and allow men of unblemished records to lead them.

    “The duo of Buhari and Prof. Yemi Osinbajo is the real change that we are talking about. That is the hope that Nigerians, especially the youths have been crying for. I’m telling you without any iota of doubt that the two of them will rescue Nigerians and Nigerians should be ready to embrace a brighter rewarding future and the only way to do this is to shine their eyes and ensure they vote against the tyranny of the PDP,” the Senator said.

  • Ashafa empowers over 1,500

    Ashafa empowers over 1,500

    The lawmaker representing Lagos East, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, has empowered the All Progressives Congress (APC) members in Ikorodu. The event was held at the Ikorodu Town hall, where over 1,500 members benefited.

    It was attended by APC chieftains.

    The empowerment was a platform where many, who had lost hope, smiled, following the tools given them by Senator Ashafa.

    They included sewing machines, vulcanising machines, grinding machines, barbing kits, generators, dryer machines, tricycles, cars, among others.

    The legislator said the programme was not the first and would not be the last because he was never tired of empowering his people.

    “It is pertinent to say that this mega empowerment programme was launched on August 21 at Ibeju-Lekki Local Government and Lekki Local Council Development Authority (LCDA). This was followed by two mega empowerment programmes at the Somolu secretariat for the people of Somolu and Bariga on September 2 and the people of Epe, Eredo and Ikosi-Ejinrin at Epe secretariat on September 3.

    “Fifteen thousand, two hundred and forty-two members, who are artisans, traders, farmers and others have benefited from the programmes,” he said.

  • Ashafa to re-present Bill

    Ashafa to re-present Bill

    The Senate last week deliberated on the second reading of the Bill to amend the treaties (Making Procedure, etc) to enable him consult with the National Assembly as a mandatory treaty-making procedure to treaties entered into between the country and any other country or body.

    The Bill was delivered by Senator ‘Gbenga Ashafa, representing Lagos East.

    It was stood down, following the contribution of Ita Enang, representing Akwa Ibom North East.

    The senator there was still more work to be done on the Bill before its amendment could scale the second reading.

    But Ashafa explained that the intention of the Bill was to ensure the active participation of the Whole or a committee of the Senate in the initiation and treaty-making.

    The Bill, if passed into law, will facilitate the easy and quick comprehension of such treaties. It will also accelerate their approval by the National Assembly.

    Ashafa said: “The central aim of this bill is to ensure that treaty-making is a concurrent function as it is the case in other countries. The measure also puts a check on presidential power as well as to have representatives of the states and of the people, make inputs at the negotiation and ratification stages of treaty making.”

  • Ashafa seeks end to vices

    Ashafa seeks end to vices

    The senator representing Lagos East, ‘Gbenga Bareehu Ashafa, yesterday urged Muslims pray for Nigeria to overcome its sundry socio-economic vices.

    “As the celebration continues, we should all reflect on the ideals of good living, which all religions preach; avoid any form of violence and promote peace, harmony and religious tolerance among all men, regardless of ethnic, colour and religious affinity,” he said.

    The lawmaker noted that “having undergone the rigours of the holy month of Ramadan with its concomitant diverse ibadah (acts of worship), we should thank Almighty God and live according to His dictates among family members, friends and associates as well as the larger society to enable us have a country that is free from the shackles of social vices as a result of injustice, inequality and hate”.

     

  • She has left a vacuum, says Ashafa

    A lawmaker representing Lagos East, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, has said the late Alhaja Abibatu Asabi Mogaji has left a vacuum that would be difficult to fill.

    He sympathised with the deceased’s family.

    He described her as a courageous and kind woman, who lived her life caring for others.

    Senator Ashafa said her struggle for the progress of women would not be forgotten.

    The legislator described Alhaja Mogaji as a loving and caring mother, who was accommodating to everyone.

    He said: “Mama Abibatu Mogaji, the Iya Oloja General of the federation, will be remembered for touching the lives of many. She influenced many people. She was a rare gem. She was loving, caring, accommodating and industrious. Mama passed on at this moment that we needed her most.

    “I sympathise with the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu family, market men and women, Oba Rilwan Akinolu and other monarchs in Lagos State.

    “I pray that Almighty God will give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. May Allah grant Mama Alijannah Firidauz.”

     

  • June 12 is unforgettable, says Ashafa

    June 12 is unforgettable, says Ashafa

    As Nigerians mark the 20th anniversary of the June 12, 1993 presidential election today, the lawmaker representing Lagos East, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, has urged citizens to recognise the day as the true Democracy Day.

    In a statement, he said the contributions of the late Chief MKO Abiola to the enthronement of democracy in the country could not be quantified.

    Ashafa, who is the Vice- Chairman of the Senate Committee on Housing and Urban Development, said Chief Abiola sacrificed his life for democracy.

    “Abiola sacrificed his life to ensure the survival of Nigerian democracy. The courier was killed, but the message can never be killed,” he added.

    Senator Ashafa enjoined Nigerians to fight for justice, fair play and equity, adding that they should rededicate themselves to genuine democracy and work for a better Nigeria.