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  • Atiku, Atilade call for true change

    Atiku, Atilade call for true change

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and National President, Christian Welfare Initiative (CWI), Archbishop Magnus Atilade, have asked Nigerians to be the real change-agents needed to enthrone good governance, fair play and justice in the country.

    They urged the citizens to rededicate themselves to the unity, equity, security and development of the Nigerian nation.

    In his New Year’s message to Nigerians, Atiku, who is an All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain, said Nigerians must support the Buhari government in his efforts to return the country to the part of greatness.

    He said it was crystal clear even to his harshest critics that President Muhammadu Buhari meant well for the country and intended to spend big and wisely in capital projects that would bring about needed infrastructure and public amenities that would in turn generate massive employment for ready hands.

    The former vice president said: “On behalf of my family, I urge Nigerians at home and abroad to reflect on and dedicate themselves to unity, equity, security and development as they welcome the new year of 2016.”

    Archbishop Atilade, at the organisation’s secretariat in Surulere, Lagos during an end of year news conference, called on Nigerians to take stock of the country’s achievements, shortcomings and the need for a true change.

    The respected cleric said: “No matter our collected believes and expectations, it should be agreed that change for the best is what we sincerely yearn for in Nigeria. And if we want to be sincere with ourselves, we have not seen many changes yet. Nigerians are expecting better living standards and we hope that the government that promised will make it happen.”

  • Atiku denies hosting political meetings in Dubai

    Atiku denies hosting political meetings in Dubai

    Former Vice President and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Atiku Abubakar has denied hosting political meetings in Dubai ahead of the 2019 general election.

    He said his present preoccupation was the success of the country’s APC-led administration.

    Atiku, in a statement by his Media Adviser, Mazi Paul Ibe, said enemies of democracy and the country were trying to create distrust between him and President Muhammadu Buhari to distract the government from achieving its set objectives.

    The former vice president asked those he described as political mischief-makers and enemies of unity to allow him enjoy his peace and desist from sinister propaganda designed to draw a wedge between him and Buhari.

    Atiku, who was reacting to insinuations alleging that he held political meetings at Burj Al-Arab, Dubai, explained that contrary to the rumours, he was in Dubai with his family for physiotherapy on his injured knee.

    He maintained that he was embarrassed by the deliberate falsehoods being spread against him by political opponents who, he added, were bent on causing distraction for Buhari at a time all energies should be channelled into helping the President actualise his change agenda.

    Describing those spreading the rumour as “ill-motivated busybodies that don’t wish the country well”, he explained that his medical treatment was his private affair, which should not be politicised by anybody to achieve sinister objectives.

    He said he was entitled to enjoy his private life, including the right to attend to his health, without being harassed and lied against.

    The Turaki added that contrary to insinuations by political opponents, the success of the Buhari administration had been his preoccupation.

    He noted that any true APC member should have the same zeal.

    According to him, rumour mongers seeking to cause distrust and distraction in Buhari’s government did not mean well for the APC administration, adding that with the challenges of providing good governance for the country and creating jobs for Nigerians, including reducing the impact of poverty, the President needed all the goodwill and support.

    “Whether at home or abroad, the Turaki is preoccupied with his unassailable support to President Buhari and his administration, especially in this critical time, as it works assiduously to turn the fortunes of our dear country around and make Nigeria work for Nigerians.”

  • Atiku to Nigerians: show love

    Atiku to Nigerians: show love

    Former Vice President and All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Atiku Abubakar has asked the citizenry to use the period of Christmas and Eid Maulud celebrations to show love to one another, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

    He said this must be done to reflect on the love of God, which, he added, “is always so abundant and overflowing”.

    In his Christmas and Maulud message to Nigerians by his media office, the former vice president said although the country’s economic situation was not rosy at the moment, Nigerians should celebrate with joy in the understanding that the future would be better.

    Congratulating Christians, the former vice president said the birth of “Christ shows God’s love for mankind as well as rekindles hope that the Creator wishes that his people will live a full and happy life on earth and hereafter, if they follow the examples of Jesus Christ”.

    He stressed that “the season is one of hope reborn just as hope and confidence are born anew in Nigeria with the ascension to power of a government that is preaching the gospel of change and renewal and have taken steps to show that a new era is here”.

    According to him, this year’s celebration was significant and special because it was in this year’s general elections that the 16-year-old prayer of Nigerians for a purposeful and more responsive government was answered with a new administration and a new party in power.

     However, in a separate message to Muslims on the celebration of Maulud, which is the birth of Prophet Muhammad, the former vice president asked them to emulate Prophet Muhammad’s shining virtues of compassion, tolerance and commitment to peace.

    A member of the Seventh House of Representatives, Opeyemi Bamidele, has felicitated with Christians on the occasion of Christmas, expressing confidence that 2016 would be a year for the country’s renaissance.

    Bamidele advised Christians to imbibe the culture of humility, love, togetherness and being one’s brother’s keeper as exhibited by Jesus Christ, for the nation to be at peace.

    Bamidele advised Christians to pray for the country during the Christmas season, for God to redirect the country’s nose-diving economic fortunes and take Nigeria to the path of glory.

    Another APC chieftain, Senator Gbenga Aluko, urged Christians to use Christmas festival to pray for a rebirth of Nigeria’s socio-economic growth.Aluko, who represented Ekiti South between 1999 and 2003 in the Senate, said it was through the renewal of spirit and behavioural rebirth that Nigeria could chart a new course.

  • Atiku demonstrates visual art

    Atiku demonstrates visual art

    Jelili Atiku has successfully established himself as one of the most revered performance artists in the world.  A visual artist by profession, he chose from day one to use his visual works as a platform to perform some series of art works on stage to capture his audience.  This was why he took his time to create his own form, style and message.  Today he is a brand.

    A performance artist well gifted in the area of conceptualization, so far he has won the Prince Claus award as Africa’s most consistent performance artist.  This Netherlands based award listed him as one of its 2015 laureates.  Awardees are chosen every year in the area of creative works emboldened by the artist himself.  To them, his works provoke debates on the issues of climate change, desert encroachment, oil spillage, environmental degradation and such ugly happenings that deplete the earth.

    To him, art is the best way to capture the world.  It is not only to draw, paint and sculpt or even do installations in different forms, but to try to condense the message of his art works through demonstrations, performances and acts.

    During the last Lagos Book and Art Festival, held at the Freedom Park, Lagos, Atiku’s works were spectacular in a way no other artist could equal him.  Indeed in the past two editions of the festival, Atiku’s visual works have been used to establish some landmark impressions of how a real performance fine artist should exhibit his trade.  The pictures of his shows, his own person and what he stands for, have been so conspicuous that Atiku himself has been accepted as a phenomenon.

    In a statement in the brochure of the festival titled they have asked us to smile, it described him as an artist “whose creative sensibility is directed towards using art to critically interrogate man’s actions.”  Today its resultant effects within socio-political, economic, cultural and environmental space have been quite remarkable.  Atiku asserts also that his art has been of immense use to take his numerous “viewers into the true realisation of the consequences of crises, human rights abuses, conflicts and wars.”

    This way, it has been easy for the people, mostly the uninformed to grasp the issues he raises, his approach to topical world issues, why he has chosen this route to demonstrate his art and so on.  “This way too, the world can come to understand the environment better, expand their experiences and consequently activate and renew their lives and the environment,” he said.

    For instance, this art has taken him to most parts of the world.  In those places, he introduces arts in a way to draw the people to him.  In Earth with Trees and Water I Am, Atiku takes three elements that are critical and intrinsic to the sustenance of life to showcase his concept.  What is the concept of life itself?  Why wouldn’t the earth and water be too intricately connected to give man his whole essence?

    Now resorting to the usage of his body as the conveyor of his message the artist in him comes to the fore.  Of course, his attitude is to show that this concept is approachable and should therefore be made to be closer to humanity.  His body is the medium as well as the embodiment of experiments.  To him, tree, earth and water can go hand-in-hand to give man his true bearing.  But man has to use them to achieve enduring environmental preservation.  It is man’s efforts that can maintain, sustain and preserve the environment.  And through his works in forms of demonstrations, it is quite obvious that these issues are brought closer to realisation.

    In other words, visual arts can be used in the way Atiku has formulated it to reach out to the world, campaigning to save the earth.  Environmental degradation has to be avoided.  And an artist has brought himself to the level where the oil companies and their allies have to listen to this sort of campaign formula.

    When he first took his work to Germany to do his stage stunt, most of his audience were to behold this noble and innovative approach to art.  His first demonstration kept them spellbound and showed too that this is what he can take further than that.  In truth, Atiku has furthered his art that today he is well accepted in many parts of the globe.  He is seen as a trail blazer in performance art.  He is even expected to go further than this since creative art needs to be explored continually.

    A graduate of Fine Arts from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, Kaduna State, and the University of Lagos, Atiku believes that expressive art is the most potent way to convince humanity.  “Its potency cannot be overlooked.  It brings visual art to the consciousness of the people and the society,” he said.

  • HID Awolowo, best First Lady Nigeria never had – Atiku

    HID Awolowo, best First Lady Nigeria never had – Atiku

    The former Vice – President, Abubakar Atiku, on Wednesday described the late Chief Hannah Idowu Dideolu (HID) Awolowo as the “best First Lady Nigeria never had.”

    Atiku said the deceased was not only loyal and supportive house-wife, but one that helped her husband, the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo to attain success in life.

    The ex-vice president spoke in Ikenne while presenting to the public, a book titled – In the Radiance of the Sage: The Life and Times of HID Awolowo, a biography of the late wife of Chief Obafemi Awolowo (SAN).”

    The 311 – page book written by Prof. Wale Adebanwi and reviewed by Prof. Adigun Agbaje, chronicled the life and times of HID Awolowo.

    The biography also discussed many key moments in the deceased’s life, the key roles she played in the life of her husband and the politics of the then Western Region.

    In attendance at the public presentation of the book are ex – governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Pa Olanihu Ajayi, Chief Ayo Adebanjo, Chief Ebenezer Babatope, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Hon. Ladi Adebutu and former Speaker of the House of Representatives,  Dimeji Bankole, among others.

    Atiku said:”I know it is a cliché to say that behind every successful man there is a woman. It may even sound somewhat sexist in this day and age when women’s achievements are deservedly receiving more recognition. However, it has long been known that ChiefAwolowo owed a large portion of his success to his beloved wife of 50 years.

    “Of course Chief Awolowo’s life was not only about successes and triumphs. He had his low and very challenging moments in life and politics – suffering state-imposed restrictions on his physical movement, exile in Lekki Island and imprisonment – all arising from political crises in the Western Region and attempts by his political rivals to seize those opportunities to weaken or destroy Awo politically.”

  • Atiku: Dantoro was advocate of peace, unity

    Atiku: Dantoro was advocate of peace, unity

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said the death of the Emir of Borgu, Alhaji Haliru Dantoro, has robbed Nigeria of a passionate advocate of peace, unity, religious tolerance and harmonious coexistence among the country’s complex ethnic diversities.

    Atiku, in a statement by his media office in Abuja over the weekend, noted that the late Dantoro was one of the greatest traditional rulers “one could ever encounter, and he always came across as a leader preoccupied with the peace, unity and progress of Nigeria.”

    According to the Turaki Adamawa, at whatever “age a man dies, what matters is not the length of years on the throne, or on earth, but the enviable legacy he had built for himself while he was privileged to serve his people.”

    He said throughout his life reign, the late emir had stayed out of controversy, adding that he only preoccupied himself with issues that promoted unity in the country, rather than divisiveness.

    The former vice president explained that the late Dantoro’s contributions to peace and unity were immeasurable.

    Nigeria would greatly miss such an “outstanding, decent and patriotic traditional ruler,” Atiku said.

    He extended his condolences to the family, the government and the people of Niger State over the death of the emir, praying to “Allah to grant the deceased an eternal bliss in paradise”

  • Don’t submit to terrorists’ blackmail- Atiku

    Don’t submit to terrorists’ blackmail- Atiku

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged Nigerians not to despair and give in to terrorists’ blackmail, saying the Boko Haram insurgents want to paralyze the country with fear and force Nigerians into submission.

    In a statement from his media office in Abuja, the former Vice President said the recent bomb blasts in Kuje and Nyanya areas was Boko Haram’s psychological tool for intimidating and forcing citizens into surrender and inaction.

    The former Vice President said it was evident that by targeting suburban Abuja, the Boko Haram terrorists wanted to persuade Nigerians to believe they are invincible, and thereby paralyse the country with fear and force it into submission.

    While asking Nigerians not to be deceived by such desperate tactics by the Boko Haram militants that primarily target non-combatants or innocent and defenceless civilians, Atiku said the Boko Haram terrorists have been militarily degraded by the new offensive strategy adopted by the Muhammadu Buhari administration, which have sent the militants packing from towns and villages they previously captured and occupied.

    He said further that the terrorists are bitter and frustrated that the Buhari administration is now taking the war to the enemy camp, which has forced them into disarray, explaining that the massive territorial losses suffered by the terrorists and the blockade of their weapons supply lines, have significantly reduced their operational capabilities in terms of direct confrontation with the counter-terrorism forces.

    He argued that the obvious intention of the Boko Haram militants was to unleash their frustrations on innocent civilians to whom they have easier access, insisting that by targeting civilians, the terrorists’ main propaganda objective was to strike paralysing fear into the hearts of Nigerians in order to turn public opinion against the government’s genuine and robust efforts to neutralise and defang them.

    The former Vice President stressed that the Boko Haram bandits were offering a last ditch resistance in desperate move to deceive Nigerians that they were invincible, adding that he was fully satisfied with the new rigorous and no-nonsense strategies introduced by the APC led Buhari administration.

    He appeals to Nigerians not to despair in the face of the latest terrorist intimidation and harassment through the deliberate and indiscriminate destruction of lives and said he was convinced, given the sincerity of the Buhari administration, the country would see the back of terrorism.

    He condole families of the victims, and his sympathies to the maimed and injured and call on Nigerians to be extra vigilant because terrorists exploit the slightest ignorance of the citizens about the behaviour, characteristics and stealthy moves of suicide bombers into unsuspecting crowds of people.

  • Independence: Nigerians deserve pat on the back – Atiku

    Independence: Nigerians deserve pat on the back – Atiku

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has said Nigerians deserve a pat on the back for their success and perseverance in preserving the country since independence despite the stress and strains of nationhood.

    Atiku also asked all the aggrieved persons in Nigeria to drop their agitations and take advantage of the improving political climate in the country, to seek accommodation in the larger and united national community that is fast unfolding.

    In his message to Nigerians on the occasion of the country’s 55th independence anniversary released by his media office in Abuja, the All Progressive Congress chieftain said the future of the country remain bright in view of anticipated changes in all aspects of the nation’s life.

    While congratulating Nigerians on the occasion of the independence anniversary, Atiku said this year’s celebration is significant because it coincides with a rare change of government when an opposition party took over power through a democratic, free and fair election.

    He stressed that having succeeded in deepening our democracy by making possible a peaceful transfer of power from one political party to another, the task before the people now is to work for national unity and peace in the land to lay the foundation for nation-building.

    Atiku identifies nation-building as the greatest challenge facing the country at this present time because Nigerians still need to improve the way they relate to one another, adding that there is the urgent need  for the people to begin to see themselves first as Nigerians, rather than one ethnic group or the other.

  • Atiku urges Nigerians to conquer hate, political intolerance

    Atiku urges Nigerians to conquer hate, political intolerance

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urges Nigerians to rid their hearts and minds of hate, intolerance and prejudice, which he said could promote violent conflicts and destruction of life and property in the country.

    In his passionate Sallah message on the occasion of Eid-el Kabir celebration, the former Vice President said every passing day he was saddened by the “deepening frenzy of hate, intolerance and bigotry”, which produce toxic effects on unity and harmony among Nigerians.

    According to the former Vice President, Nigerians should use religion to create a conflict free society, adding that “love is the universal language of all the world’s religions.”

    He urged Muslims and other Nigerians to be good ambassadors of the teachings of their own religions.

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar appealed to the Muslim faithful to pay greater attention to stemming and eliminating poisonous extremist tendencies by ensuring that people with violent ideologies are not allowed to influence the innocent in the wrong direction.

    Atiku said Muslims must speak with one voice against extremism because of the great harm its causing the image of Islam and its adherents.

    He said the greatest honour Muslims could do to their religion was to live by its virtues.

     

     

     

     

  • Atiku, Fayemi, Soyinka, Peterside mourn Mama

    Atiku, Fayemi, Soyinka, Peterside mourn Mama

    Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi and Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate Dr. Dakuku Peterside have described the late H.I.D. Awolowo as ‘epitome of honesty’.

    Atiku, Fayemi and Peterside, in statements yesterday, said the late Mrs Awolowo would be missed.

    Nobel Laureate Prof Wole Soyinka also mourned the late Mrs Awolowo.

    In a statement, he said: “An Era recedes. As solace, it leaves in its wake a treasured privilege for those who knew her, who experienced her indomitable spirit at first hand, and drank from her depthless fount of family embrace.”

    Atiku, who shares November 25th birthday with the deceased matriarch of the Awolowo family, said he was already looking forward to celebrating her centenary birthday.

    In a statement by his media office, he eulogised the departed YeyeOba Adimula of Yorubaland and ageless national icon.

    He said: “Mama HID (Awolowo) was mother to all and an epitome of honesty, integrity and dignity. She was a rare gem, a symbol of fineness and firmness, a woman of substantial depth on all matters, a devout and dedicated Christian, a successful business tycoon, a faithful and committed wife, and indeed a case-study for current generation of women leaders and those yet unborn.”

    The former Vice President, who is also the Aare Adimula of the Source, described the grandmother of Mrs. Oludolapo Osinbajo, wife of the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), as “an embodiment of primordial and contemporary history, symbol of traditional norms and virtues, a fashionista of repute and stickler to discipline and transparency; whose indelible imprints on the sands of time would be hard to erase.”

    Atiku urged wives of leaders and aspiring female politicians to imbibe and emulate the legacies of endurance, patience, honesty, integrity and dignity that Mama Awolowo, “jewel of inestimable value”, bequeathed to the nation, and the world at large, in the course of her century-old sojourn on earth.

    “I am deeply saddened and immensely touched to lose a mother, birthday mate, generous adviser and matriarchal legend, but glad that I had the privilege to drink from her fountain of abundant wisdom and knowledge.”

    Fayemi commiserated with the family of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo; the government and people of Ogun State and the Yoruba race on the demise of Mama Awolowo.

    Fayemi described the death of the late matriarch as a glorious end to a remarkable life devoted to the service of humanity.

    Describing Mama H.I.D Awolowo as a woman of remarkable grace, bravery and strength of character, the former Ekiti State Governor said the late matriarch remained a shining example of loyalty and devotion.

    Fayemi recalled the crucial roles played by the late Mrs Awolowo in providing the right support for the late sage during the period of his political activities and keeping the family together after Awo’s passage as well as working tirelessly for the unity and progress of the Yoruba race.

    He also recalled his many encounters with the late matriarch whom he described as a woman of immense grace who had and demonstrated great passion for the unity and wellness of the Yoruba in particular and Nigeria as a whole.

    Fayemi said: “In all, mama put in her very best and remained for us all a shinning example in leadership, courage and loyalty. Mama’s peaceful passage barely two months to her 100th birthday celebration after a fulfilled life, remains a cause for celebration.”

    “While mama would be missed for her wisdom, candour and as the conscience and custodian of the Awolowo dynasty, the fact that she lived a good life, impacted many lives and left a legacy of honour are sufficient reasons to celebrate rather than mourn her passage.

    “On behalf of my family, I want to express our heartfelt condolence to the Awolowo family, the people of Ogun state and Nigerians on the passage of this great woman.”

    Peterside described Awolowo as a great woman of substance said Nigeria will miss her interventions and wise counsel.

    His words: “Among the wives of First Republic politicians, HID was without any doubt, one of the most visible and outstanding women of that glorious era. The sage himself captured her real essence when he fondly described her as ‘My Jewel of Inestimable value’. That apt description, over the years, gave a hint on her real meaning, not just to the Awolowo family, friends and admirers, but to the entire nation.

    “A great Iroko has indeed fallen but like every mortal, she must travel this path. She will be remembered for her resourcefulness and carriage, and for being the pillar behind the great Awo.

    “Without HID, it is very doubtful if Chief Obafemi Awolowo would have become that enigmatic and successful politician who bestrode our nation’s political space for many decades.

    “HID, like Chief Awolowo, will never die. Surely, she will live forever, particularly in the minds of those who benefitted from her husband’s vision in human capital development.

    “She will be greatly missed. And for the living, particularly those in public office, we must all draw from her example of service, consistency and commitment to great ideals. May her soul rest in peace.”