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Tag: Bisi Akande

  • Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Akume others eulogise Akande at 87

    Tinubu, Sanwo-Olu, Akume others eulogise Akande at 87

    • Quality education will end insecurity — Ex-Osun governor

    Nigerians from all walks of life yesterday paid glowing tributes to former Osun State Governor and elder statesman, Chief Bisi Akande.

    Chief Akande, who clocked 87 on Friday, received birthday greetings from prominent Nigerians, including President Bola Ahmed Tinubu; Lagos State governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume; Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola; a former member of the House of Representatives who represented Ife Federal Constituency at the National Assembly, Rotimi Makinde, among others.

    President Tinubu and Akume described Akande as a pillar of Nigeria’s democratic evolution.

    They spoke at the 87th birthday celebration of Chief Akande held in Ila-Orangun, Osun State, where they praised his lifelong commitment to democratic ideals, principled leadership and selfless service to the nation, noting that his contributions to Nigeria’s political development remain enduring and invaluable.

    Tinubu’s goodwill message was delivered by Senator Akume at the ceremony.

    In the message, the President described Akande as a mentor whose wisdom and counsel have guided generations of political leaders through difficult moments in Nigeria’s democratic journey.

    According to a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Secretary of the Government of the Federation (SGF) on Media and Publicity, Yomi Odunuga, he said the nation owes the elder statesman a debt of gratitude for his sacrifices and steadfast belief in democratic governance, praying for continued good health, strength and peace for him.

    President Tinubu also expressed confidence that Akande’s legacy of integrity and patriotism would continue to illuminate Nigeria’s path towards unity, stability and progress.

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    In his personal goodwill message, Akume described Chief Akande as an embodiment of courage, humility and unwavering commitment to democratic values, noting that his service to the nation has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s political history.

    Recalling their political collaboration, Akume said they jointly launched a deliberate strategy aimed at dismantling the dominance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South-West.

    He explained that the effort was driven by a shared belief in progressive governance, discipline and grassroots mobilisation.

    According to him, the strategy reshaped the region’s political landscape and laid the foundation for the emergence of a formidable opposition that later evolved into the All Progressives Congress.

    Akume also commended Akande’s tenure as Governor of Osun State and his role as the interim National Chairman of the APC, noting that his leadership helped shape Nigeria’s political landscape and strengthened democratic governance.

    He added that Akande’s vision, integrity and wisdom continue to inspire leaders across generations, stressing that Nigeria’s democratic journey would be incomplete without recognising his immense contributions to national development.

    Sanwo-Olu celebrates Akande 

    The Lagos State and the Chairman of the South-West Governors Forum, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, congratulated Akande.

     He described the former Osun State Governor as an advocate of good governance, an epitome of true federalism, a true democrat and a respected political icon who has impacted many lives positively in Nigeria through politics and governance.

     According to a statement signed by the Lagos governor’s Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, Gboyega  Akosile, Akande, popularly known as ‘Baba Omo kekeke’, is a role model to many people for his courage and dedication to the public interest.

     The governor also commended Chief Akande for his commitment to public service, especially during his tenure as the first Governor of Osun State in the current Fourth Republic, adding that he remains a beacon of hope for younger generations in a country where many believe that politics is a means for personal acquisition.

     The Governor further praised Chief Akande for the significant role he played in the formation of the ruling All Progressives Congress as the first interim National Chairman of the party. He also commended him for the elderly role he has been playing to sustain APC in Osun State, the South-West and Nigeria at large. 

     He said: “On behalf of my family, the government and the people of Lagos State, as well as the leaders and members of the All Progressives Congress, I congratulate our father, Chief Bisi Akande, on his 87th birthday.

     “Chief Bisi Akande is a true democrat and a respected political icon who has remained in the progressive camp and contributed immensely to political development and governance in Nigeria for over five decades. He is an advocate of good governance, restructuring and true federalism in Nigeria.”

    Marine and Blue Economy Minister eulogises first Osun governor

    Adegboyega Oyetola, the Honourable Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, also congratulated Akande.

    The Minister stated this in a press statement signed by Bolaji Akinola, his Special Adviser on Media, on Thursday.

    In the statement, the Minister described Akande as a towering figure in Nigeria’s democratic evolution and a principled leader whose life of service, integrity, and courage has left an indelible mark on governance and party politics in the country.

    “Chief Bisi Akande remains one of the finest examples of purposeful leadership and unwavering commitment to public service,” Dr Oyetola said.

    “His contributions to the development of Osun State, his role in strengthening progressive politics in Nigeria, and his mentorship of generations of political leaders stand as enduring legacies worthy of celebration.”

    He added that Akande’s wisdom and steadfast guidance have continued to shape the direction of progressive politics at both state and national levels.

    “Even at 87, Baba remains a voice of reason, courage, and clarity in our political space. His counsel is invaluable, and his life continues to inspire those of us privileged to follow in his footsteps,” the Minister stated.

    The Minister prayed for God’s continued grace upon Akande, wishing him good health, renewed strength, and many more years of purposeful living in service to humanity and the nation.

    Quality education will end insecurity

    Meanwhile, Chief Akande has said that investing in quality education remains a lasting solution to insecurity in Nigeria.

    This is just as he warned institutions that lowering cut-off marks in tertiary institutions would weaken academic standards and leave Nigerian students ill-prepared to compete with their counterparts globally.

    Speaking on Friday in his hometown, Ila-Orangun, at an event to mark his 87th birthday, added that merit-based admission and rigorous assessment are essential for producing graduates who can thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

    Akande, proffering solutions to challenges of insecurity, said the menace cannot be eradicated overnight or by cutting corners, but can be gradually eliminated through quality education.

    Now, look at Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping, let people study very deeply, and all of this insecurity will become a thing of the past.

    ”Although your generation cannot eradicate it, it can be eradicated gradually if you adopt deep education.”

    He cautioned that lowering the cut-off marks of institutions will not improve educational standards in Nigeria, adding that the practice will make the country less competitive globally.

    Akande said, “Good education will make you competitive with the global world if you offer 25% as a pass mark in the University, you can’t compete with China, which will expect you to score 80%, where they do absolute meritocracy.

    “When you cut corners, pass 25%, admit 20%, you cannot compare with people like China, who, if you have never achieved, you can’t become a member of the Communist party, and only members of the Communist party can vote and be voted for, this is absolute merit.

    “Here in Nigeria, it’s cut corners, Americans threatened the other time, went to Venezuela to pick the president, and take him away, that’s the power of knowledge, which we are trying to cheat by saying things called 25% 20%. You won’t have that knowledge, you won’t be able to compete with the advanced world, and you will be enslaved, your land will be taken over by the strangers.”

    President Bola Tinubu described the event as a rare privilege to celebrate a life wholly dedicated to the service of the nation, marked by integrity, courage and devotion to democratic ideals.

  • Quality education will end insecurity —Akande 

    Quality education will end insecurity —Akande 

    …’institutions lowering cut-off marks will make Nigeria students less competitive globally’

    The pioneer chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande has said that investing in quality education remains a lasting solution to insecurity in Nigeria. 

    This is just as he warned institutions that lowering cut-off marks in tertiary institutions would weaken academic standards and leave Nigerian students ill-prepared to compete with their counterparts globally. 

    Speaking on Friday in his hometown, Ila-Orangun at an event to mark his 87th birthday, added that merit-based admission and rigorous assessment are essential for producing graduates who can thrive in an increasingly competitive world.

    Akande, a former governor of Osun State, proffering solutions to challenges of insecurity, he said the menace cannot be eradicated overnight or by cutting corners but can be gradually eliminated through quality education.

    Now look at Boko Haram, banditry, Kidnapping let people study very deep, all of this insecurity will become a thing of the past. 

    ”Although, your generation cannot eradicate it, it can be eradicated gradually if you adopt deep education.”

    He cautioned that that lowering the cut-off marks of institutions will not improve educational standards in Nigeria, adding that the practice will make the country less competitive globally.

    Akande, a former governor of the state, said, “Good education will make you competitive with the global world if you offer 25% as pass mark in the University, you can’t compete with China that will expect you to score 80% where they do absolute meritocracy

    “When you cut corners pass 25%, admit 20%, you cannot compare with people like China, who if you have never achieved you can’t become a member of the Communist party and only members of the Communist party can vote and be voted for, this is absolute merit.

    “Here in Nigeria, it’s cut corners, Americans threatened the other time, went to Venezuela to pick the president, and take him away, thats power of knowledge which we are trying to cheat by saying things call them 25% 20%. You won’t have that knowledge, you won’t be able to compete with the advanced world and you will be enslaved, your land will be taken over by the strangers.”

    Meanwhile, President Bola Tinubu, described the event as a rare privilege to celebrate a life wholly dedicated to the service of the nation, marked by integrity, courage and devotion to democratic ideals.

    The President who was represented by the Secretary to the Federation, George Akume, said,“This is a privilege to honour and celebrate the live that have been dedicated to the service of our nation, the live filled with humility and unwavering Commitment to democracy.

    “The history of our Nations progress towards democracy is incomplete without the special place preserved for you.”

  • Buhari was patriotic, ‘angel in human flesh’ – Bisi Akande

    Buhari was patriotic, ‘angel in human flesh’ – Bisi Akande

    The pioneer national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Osun state, Chief Bisi Akande, has described the late President Muhammadu Buhari as “a patriotic leader” whose spirit will live forever because of his good works for Nigeria.

    Akande, who led a delegation of political associates to Kaduna on Wednesday to condole with the Buhari family, said the former president’s passing was a painful personal loss.

    He recalled their last meeting in Daura before Buhari relocated to Kaduna, saying, “I first heard that he died when I was abroad. Before then, I met him in Daura after our feast. We had a nice time together. He was looking robust, he was healthy, very strong,” Akande said.

    The elder statesman said their conversation on that occasion gave no hint of death.

    “In a joke, I said I was going back to my village. He, too, said he was enjoying his village in Daura. By the time he moved to Kaduna, I was planning to come and see him here, and they told me he had travelled,” he recalled.

    According to him, the news of Buhari’s passing came as a shock.

    Read Also: Adeleke meets with APC’s Bisi Akande amid local government tussle

    “I didn’t ask questions, and I travelled through. But when I was abroad, I learned that he had passed. Very painful, very, very painful,” Akande lamented.

    He explained that his first duty on returning to Nigeria was to visit Kaduna and commiserate with the family.

    “When I came back, I thought the first thing I should do was to come and meet the family, commiserate with them and pray with them. And that’s what I have come here to do today,” he said.

    Akande hailed Buhari’s legacy, describing him as a rare leader. “He was a great Nigerian. He was patriotic. Maybe he was an angel coming in human flesh, and he had done his bit. He had passed,” he said.

    He stressed that Buhari’s influence would endure long after his death. “His spirit will continue to live forever because of the good work he did in Nigeria,” Akande declared.

    The condolence delegation included Senator Abu Ibrahim, former Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, APC chieftain Alhaji Mahmud Abdullahi, Director-General of the National Directorate of Employment, Mr Silas Agara, and Convener of the Arewa Think Tank, Mohammed Alhaji Yakubu.

    They were received at the Kaduna residence of the late president by former First Lady Hajiya Aisha Buhari and the eldest son of the family, Yusuf Buhari.

    In his response, Yusuf Buhari expressed deep appreciation to Chief Bisi Akande and his entourage for their solidarity with the family at such a painful moment.

    He also conveyed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring a befitting burial and dignified send-off for his father.

    “We are grateful to President Tinubu for standing with us and giving our father the honour he deserved. We also appreciate all Nigerians for their prayers, their messages, and their visits. The support we have received has been overwhelming, and we do not take it for granted,” Yusuf said.

    He assured that the Buhari family would continue to uphold the values of integrity, discipline, and service that the late President stood for, while keeping alive his legacy of patriotism and sacrifice.

  • Adeleke meets with APC’s Bisi Akande amid local government tussle

    Adeleke meets with APC’s Bisi Akande amid local government tussle

    Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, visited the pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande, on Tuesday and held a two-hour closed-door meeting with the elder statesman.

    Adeleke, who visited Akande’s residence in Ibadan, the capital of Oyo State, was accompanied by Osun Assembly Speaker Adewale Egbedun, Secretary to the State Governor Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of Staff Kazeem Akinleye, Attorney General Wole Jimi-Bada, and Information Commissioner Kolapo Alimi, among others.

    The Nation learned that the visit was not unconnected to the recent tussle over control of local government areas between APC-reinstated chairmen and newly elected executives from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    It was gathered that Adeleke’s visit to Akande, a former governor of Osun State, was linked to his second-term bid.

    Meanwhile, the spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, confirmed that Adeleke and Chief Akande held a two-hour-long closed-door meeting to discuss issues related to the local government tussle.

    According to Rasheed, “Adeleke launched a statewide briefing of stakeholders on the recent controversies over local government leadership in the state. The Governor is scheduled to visit and update key leaders of thought on the development in a special briefing session with the state Council of Traditional Rulers on Thursday.

    “Today, Governor Adeleke visited elder statesman and former governor of the state, Chief Bisi Akande, at his Ibadan residence to kickstart the briefing programme. 

    The Governor, accompanied by top state officials, also discussed pressing state and national issues.

    “On the local government issue, the Governor narrated the position of the state government over recent legal controversies and restated his commitment to the rule of law for the resolution of the issues.

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    “On national politics, the Governor further conveys the support of the Osun state government for the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, informing the elder statesman that the state government enjoys a warm partnership with the Federal Government across all sectors.”

    He stated: “Chief Akande commended the Governor for the visit, describing the development as a welcome one despite differences in political affiliations. Chief Akande said he had listened to the presentations from the delegations even as he urged continued upholding of peace and rule of law for the collective benefits of the state.”

    Meanwhile, Osun APC through its Director of Media and Information, Kola Olabisi berated the visitation of Adeleke and the top government officials to Akande’s residence, saying, Adeleke is running helter-skelter to beg the distinguished democrat for a soft landing on the prevailing political logjam on the reinstated council chairmen and councillors in the state.

    He noted: “We want to believe that there are knowledgeable political lieutenants of Governor Adeleke who should guide him aright that the proper place for him to go if at all he has any case for redress after the Akure verdict of 10th of February, 2025, is the Supreme Court.”

    According to him “It was strange that Governor Adeleke and his cohorts could find a way to Pa Akande’s residence after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) thugs, acting on the governor’s body language, had killed one of the reinstated local government council chairmen, Hon Remi Abass, in Ikire and other members of the opposition party in the other parts of the state a few days ago.

    “We want to impress it on Adeleke and his co-travellers that Pa Akande is a Democrat, and no amount of under-the-table arrangement would make the former governor of the state work against the interest of his party.

    “Our golden advice to the troubled Governor Adeleke is that he should partner with the reinstated council chairmen and councillors to ensure a dividend of democracy cut across the length and breadth of the state.”

  • Torrents of tributes for Akande at 86

    Torrents of tributes for Akande at 86

    Tributes poured in yesterday for pioneer National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chief Bisi Akande, who turned 86.

    Those who showered encomiums on the one-time Osun State governor included President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and National Secretary of the APC, Senator Ajibola Basiru.

    In his congratulatory message, Tinubu described Akande as a dedicated Awoist, a champion of progressive politics, and a tireless advocate for democracy and nation-building.

    In a statement by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu said: “Selfless service has been Baba Akande’s watchword since he entered politics.”

    Underscoring what he called the elder statesman’s enduring commitment to Nigeria’s development, the President remarked: “Chief Akande’s illustrious career spans decades, including roles as Secretary to the Government of Old Oyo State, deputy governor and governor of Osun State from 1999 to 2003.

    “His leadership extended to the national stage as the Interim National Chairman of the APC, where his pioneering efforts contributed to the party’s historic 2015 victory and subsequent successes.”

    The President Tinubu also highlighted Akande’s pivotal role in the pro-democracy movement, recalling their collaboration in the defunct National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) during struggle for the revalidation of results of the June 12, 1993 presidential poll.

    “His leadership, direction, integrity, and wisdom were indispensable in our collective efforts to advance progressive governance,” Tinubu noted.

    As Chairman of the Governing Board of the University of Ibadan, Chief Akande continues to contribute to national development and inspire younger generations.

    Read Also: Tinubu applauds Okonjo-Iweala, Adeola, Adesina on UNILAG honorary doctorates

    Tinubu expressed gratitude for his wise counsel and unwavering support throughout his political journey, including his rise to the presidency.

    He noted: “Your contributions to our democracy and the APC’s success are immeasurable. As you celebrate this remarkable age, may you continue to enjoy grace, strength, and good health.”

    He’s a true democrat

    Sanwo-Olu praised the APC founding chairman for his significant contributions to Nigeria’s democracy as he marks his 86th birthday.

    In a message posted on his X account, Sanwo-Olu lauded Akande as a “true democrat, seasoned administrator and respected statesman,” while highlighting his dedication to public service.

    According to him, Akande’s remarkable leadership and integrity have greatly influenced Nigeria’s political landscape over the past four decades.

    Sanwo-Olu said: “Chief Akande is a true democrat, seasoned administrator, and respected statesman who has served in various public offices with passion and integrity.

    “His unwavering commitment and significant contributions to Nigeria’s politics and governance over the past four decades have greatly shaped the country’s democratic landscape and inspired many young leaders to follow in his footsteps.”

    The Lagos helmsman wished Chief Akande continued good health and success in his future endeavors.

    A bridge between old, new breeds of progressives

    Senator Basiru described Akande as “a one in a million politician, a huge and accessible bridge between the old and new breeds of Progressives politicians.

    He said: “Baba Akande remains one of the very few of the old brigade of the progressives transiting from the years of AG through the UPN, AD, AC, CAN, and now, APC.

    “And one thing about Baba is he has been generous with his experience to some of us who believe in the ideal and core values of progressives politics.”

    A member of the House of Representatives, Okunjimi Odimayo, described Akande as an icon of exemplary leadership.

    According to the lawmaker representing Okitipupa/Irele Federal Constituency, Akande’s contributions to Nigeria’s political and socio-economic development remain unparalleled.

    Odimayo lauded Akande’s enduring commitment to good governance, simplicity, and his patriotic approach to addressing national issues.

    He said: “Pa Akande’s principled leadership has set a standard for political office holders, inspiring younger generations to emulate his values of service, integrity, and dedication.

    “His immense contributions to Nigeria’s democratic growth and his unwavering advocacy for sustainable development continue to serve as a beacon of hope for the country.”

  • Sanwo-Olu commends Chief Bisi Akande’s contributions to democracy

    Sanwo-Olu commends Chief Bisi Akande’s contributions to democracy

    Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has praised the founding Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande for his significant contributions to Nigerian democracy as he marks his 86th birthday. 

    In a message posted on his X account, Sanwo-Olu lauded Akande as a “true democrat, seasoned administrator, and respected statesman,” while highlighting his dedication to public service. 

    He underscored that Akande’s remarkable leadership and integrity have greatly influenced Nigeria’s political landscape over the past four decades. 

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    “Chief Akande is a true democrat, seasoned administrator, and respected statesman who has served in various public offices with passion and integrity. 

    “His unwavering commitment and significant contributions to Nigerian politics and governance over the past four decades have greatly shaped the country’s democratic landscape and inspired many young leaders to follow in his footsteps.” 

    The governor wished Chief Akande continued good health and success in his future endeavors.

  • Akande urges empowerment of women, youths

    Akande urges empowerment of women, youths

    A former governor of Osun State and National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande on Saturday called for strong developmental initiatives to empower women and youths in the country.

    The APC chieftain made the call during his speech at the inauguration of the Titi Tomori-Ponnle Foundation (TTPF) held at the Olagunsoye Oyinlola Hall, Osun State University, Osogbo.

     The foundation was established by a former deputy governor of Osun State, Chief( Mrs)  Titi Tomori-Ponnle.

    He said: ‘‘Let us join hands, ladies and gentlemen, to stimulate our selfless emotions in creating a brighter future for all our youths and women. Today, the Titi Tomori-Ponle Foundation is beginning to lead us into the centers of the human mind in a way, possibly, to unravel the root causes of the battles between the human body’s instincts and his/her conscious reasonings! Certainly, the instruments being adopted on this occasion have to do with learning in education and skill acquisition – the unconquerable threats always militating against illiteracy, ignorance, and unemployment! And this is why initiatives like this are so critical. Let me therefore congratulate Your Excellency, Mrs Titi Tomori-Ponle on this bold initiative. It is a beacon of hope and opportunity for women and youths that comes from the selfless benevolent parts of your mind.”

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     I’m excited that, from the extra surplus of your gathering and acquisitions, you want to recreate your own altruistic and patriotic kind among the youths and the women folks within our society.

    Speaking further, Akande said: ‘’As a person who had spent the greater part of life in a career that is people-oriented and also as a former Governor, I have witnessed firsthand the transformative power of education, skill acquisition, and entrepreneurship. I have seen how empowering women and youths can unlock the full potential of our communities, driving growth, innovation, and prosperity. I have also seen the naked realities of poverty, inequality, and unemployment that afflict many of our citizens. I have seen how women and youths, in particular, face unique challenges in accessing education, job opportunities, and very basic resources. I must sound a note of advice to the initiator of this laudable enterprise that for this Foundation to stand the test of time, all efforts must be geared towards follow-up and sustained monitoring. We need to work together; we must work together to create a society that values and empowers women and youths.

  • The universities and the farmers

    The universities and the farmers

    Text of Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Ibadan, Chief Bisi Akande at the institution’s 76th Foundation Day anniversary and 2024 Convocation

    Protocols:

    Naturally, Man is a most purposeful producer of his needs. Water and food are the most basic needs of man and his essential wants are food, shelter and clothing. Following scavenging, man discovered agriculture or farming as his first major occupation for the production of his needs. That is to say, man’s first main occupation has been farming specifically for the production of the foods he eats. Also, byproducts of agriculture provide the materials for the construction of his house, for the making of his clothing and the herbs for the treatments of his health challenges. Hence, man meets his basic needs from his efforts in farming.

    The regularity of man’s productivity in farming depends on the robustness of his health which, in turn, determines his strength and his energy to carry out his tasks as a farmer. The quality and the level of the working of man’s mind determines the type and the quantum of the yields of his products. The degree of the level of the development of man’s mind also determines the fashion and the sophistication of the tools he would fabricate for his farming. Here comes the impact of the standards and the quality of the types of his education.

    Primarily, for man, the object of production is consumption. Therefore, man is first and foremost the producer and the consumer. It is only when there are surpluses over and above his immediate needs that he keeps something apart for his secondary objective, which is to assist him in building the capital necessary for his future productions. In other words, it is after having enough for himself that man’s economic interests begin. It has been a well recognized fact, therefore, that man, as an economic activist, is supposed to be the initiator, the innovator, the accelerator, the investor, the producer, the consumer, the exchanger, the distributor and the creator of his own needs and wants and, also, of the tools he uses to achieve them.

    Nigerian peasant, representing some 80% of the population, still uses the farming tools consisting of the hoes and cutlasses which were fashioned in the shapes now variably prevalent in our different cultures since the global spread of iron roughly between the eighth and the fifth centuries before Christ. Any wonder, then, that the Nigerian Youths are not enthusiastic in undertaking the drudgery of using such archaic farm implements? And any wonder, therefore, that our people are now hungry and starving? And where are the impacts of the Nigerian educational systems, up to the University level, in all these deficits in the types of Nigerian farmers’ affordable tools and in the production innovations in agriculture that now make the farmers poverty ridden and the citizenry hungry?

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    But are we saying that there are so much disconnects between the Nigerian Universities and the Nigerian agriculture that our farmers are so incapable of feeding our nation? Just as the government collaborates with the investors to found computer villages in some cities, may I suggest that our educational institutions together with the investors should collaborate with every state to found farming-villages in every local government with a view to attracting our young graduates into agriculture? The multiplier effects would result in the innovative fabrication of modern farming implements, in the illustration of practical demonstrations of the essence of academic institutions in using sciences, technologies and management techniques for the promotion of plenteous nutritional agricultural yields and in the attractiveness of business investments in profitable agro-allied industries among the generality of our society.

    Ladies and Gentlemen, thank you for being part of our University’s 76th Foundation Day Anniversary and of the 2024 Convocation Ceremonies; and, thank you for listening.

  • Akande donates entitlement as UI Pro-Chancellor to indigent students

    Akande donates entitlement as UI Pro-Chancellor to indigent students

    Chairman of the Governing Council of the University of Ibadan, Chief Adebisi Akande, has directed all payments and benefits due to him be applied to deserving, indigent students of the institution offering Science courses in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry and Biology only.

    Akande said he considers his appointment as the Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council as a national call to service from which he does not intend to earn any remuneration.

    He said his allowances should be kept as a form of endowment for the award of scholarships or any other form of awards to cover the cost of accommodation and other financially approved levies charged for the deserving students.

    Akande said the Adebisi Akande Foundation would augment any shortfall arising from any commitments from the awards to prevent any of the beneficiaries of the endowment becoming stranded.

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    He spoke during the inaugural meeting of the Council on Friday.

    The meeting was attended by all statutory members except one appointee of the Federal Government who was out of the country.

    The Council considered some pertinent issues already awaiting it.

    It considered the reviewed schedule of levies for newly admitted and returning undergraduate students in the 2023/2024 academic session and approved as recommended by the Senate of the University.

    The Council advised students yet to pay and complete their registration exercises to do so on or before Wednesday September 4 2024, to enable departments download lists of registered students in preparation for the first semester examinations.

    The Council sympathised with the students but noted that the review was necessary in view of the current economic realities and the University’s commitment to ensuring quality teaching and research.

    It directed that students be encouraged to take advantage of the students’ loan fund (NELFUND) and sundry scholarships instituted by the University and other well-meaning philanthropists to cater for indigent students.

  • How forces tried to stop President’s inauguration, by Bisi Akande

    How forces tried to stop President’s inauguration, by Bisi Akande

    • Alia: Our diversity should be our strength

    Former All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande yesterday reflected on concerted efforts by forces to stop President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29, last year.

    He said there were serious spiritual threats and political maneuvering to stall the handover to him by former President Muhammadu Buhari after the Supreme Court affirmed his victory.

    Akande, who chaired a lecture organised by a group, ‘Arewa Think-Tank,’ to mark President Tinubu’s first year in office in Kaduna, recalled that the activities of the opposition generated tension and threats, with a view to aborting the inauguration.

    The theme of the lecture delivered by Benue State Governor Hyacinth Alia was: “Our Diversity, Our Strength.” It was hosted by Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani.

    Alia and Sani  said Nigeria was on track, adding that the policies of the Tinubu are yielding positive results.

    Read Also: President condoles with Jimi Agbaje over son’s death

    Elder statesman Akande, a Tinubu ally, said the posturing by the opposition was not surprising.

    Going down memory lane, he recalled that even before independence in 1960, some opposition elements never wanted a united country.

    He reminiscensed: “Since 1953, when a motion for Independence was first moved in the parliament by Chief Tony Enahoro, our polity has been moving from tensions of one threat to another that Nigeria must not be allowed to continue as one and united country.

    “Towards the last elections, the prophecy was thick that Bola Ahmed Tinubu would not become the APC candidate, he did become. Religious clerics of one belief and the other became sleepless for him not to win the presidential election. He won.

    “Thereafter, spiritual threats and political maneuvering began that he would not be inaugurated as a Nigerian president. He assumed the presidency.

    “The battle then shifted to the judicial sword-crossing that he should be removed from the presidency. His presidency became upheld Other prediction was that he would have no health to manage the office. He remained divinely healthy.

    “Then, the agitation that Nigeria would not survive his political agenda. Nigeria has been waxing stronger and stronger as one and united country. One Nigeria is a major part of what we are now celebrating.

    Akande, former governor of Osun State, urged Nigerians to dedicate themselves to the cause of one Nigeria.

    Rev. Father Alia, stressed the need for unity, saying: “Our religions should not be a dividing factor to us.”

    The governor said Nigeria must not fail, warning that its failure would negatively affect the African continent.

    He stressed: “We should not take our diversity for granted. Our diversity should be our power, strength and unifying force that hold us together as one people. Diversity should not be a source of conflicts and tension; it should rather build more robust and prosperous Nigeria. If Nigeria fails as a nation, the entire countries in Africa will fail.

    “Tinubu has brought hope of unity, irrespective of our differences in religion, ethnicity and social status, and he stepped up progress or otherwise on infrastructure, education, health, agriculture and every possible parameter of social engineering. “

    Sani, who also called for unity of Nigerians, said  with unity of purpose, Nigeria would achieve the desired peace and progress.

    He recalled that the President was one of those that fought for the enthronement of democracy as  one of the financiers of pro-democracy movement during the military period.

    Sani urged Nigerians to support the President because he holds Nigerians and Nigeria high.

    The convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Yakubu said: “The objective of the event is to canvass support for the ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ of President Bola Tinubu, which is working for the country.”

    He added: “The one-year stewardship of President Tinubu has recorded remarkable and impressive achievements in many aspects of governance, considering the level of mismanagement and unfavorable security situation he inherited from the previous administration”