The Nation Newspaper

Tag: dignitaries

  • Dignitaries honour Obasanjo at 76

    President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday described former President Olusegun Obasanjo as “a true nationalist and promoter of national unity’’.

    Jonathan spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, at Obasanjo’s 76th birthday celebration.

    The President, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mike Ogiadomhe, said Obasanjo is “a true elder statesman and peace loving person”.

    He said: “Your success is well placed in the history of our dear country. We celebrate with you as you continue to contribute to the growth of Nigeria.

    “You demonstrated a rare trait during the military regime, when you ushered in democracy in 1979.

    “You served Nigeria diligently and with total commitment when in 1999, after unfortunate incidents in our country, you were beckoned upon to serve as an elected president.

    “You did so with passion, introducing reforms in our socio-political and economic fronts with the determined spirit of a true soldier.

    “Nigeria is ever grateful for that. You remain a true lover of our democracy and our great country. You are committed to its ideals, sustainability and prosperity.

    “Today, we all come here to reassure you of our admiration’s trust and confidence as we continue to celebrate you as a true promoter of our nation’s ideals.

    “Your glory has continued to grow greater, even after you left office. I join other Nigerians in wishing you a very happy celebration.”

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun described Obasanjo as “a special gift to the state, Nigeria and Africa’’.

    Amosun said: “Whether you love him or hate him, Baba is a true nationalist that laboured selflessly for the unity and progress of this country.”

    Obasanjo said he would continue to thank God for sparing his life.

    He said: “Whenever you pray, that is if you pray at all, always remember to pray for me.’’

    The former president advised public office holders to be selfless and upright in the discharge of their duties.

    He said: “If you are in public service and you expect commendation from the people, you may be the most disappointed human being on earth.

    “So, if commendation does come, take it as it comes and accept it and if it does not come, do not worry.

    “Some people made it a point of duty to run this place (Presidential Library) down even before it started.”

     

  • Osun residents, dignitaries in seven-km walk with Aregbesola

    Thousands of residents of three local governments joined Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Saturday for the ninth edition of “Walk to Live”, the government’s initiative to encourage physical exercises among the citizenry.

    A representative of the Ekiti State Governor was there. So was Deputy Governor Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori. Secretary to the State Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Chief of Staff Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and many others were there.

    Chief Femi Akande from Okuku and former Super Eagles Coach Chief Adegboye Onigbide participated in the walk.

    Scores of traditional rulers from Aagba, Inisa, Ekosin, Ororuwo, led by the Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Rauf Adedeji; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Ayotunde Olabomi; the Olona of Ada, Oba Abimbola Abioye and the Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Oluronke Oyebode, were also present.

    Nollywood stars also added glamour to the programme.

    After a seven-kilometre-walk, which started from Ada in Boripe Local Government Area, Aregbesola addressed a crowd at the open field of the Akinorun Grammar School in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government Area.

    He said the crowd that came to welcome him in Ikirun was “a clear testimony of the total acceptance” of his administration.

    The governor said with the support and cooperation of the people, his administration would continue to initiate people-friendly policies and programmes.

    He said: “The large number of people that trooped out to welcome us is a clear sign that you people still support our government. This is an undoubted testimony that people still believe in us and our programmes and policies.

    “I am promising you today that we will always put your interest at heart in discharging our responsibilities.”

    Aregbesola emphasised the need for people to keep their environment clean, eat nutritious food and exercise regularly to stay healthy.

    The Akinrun, who spoke on behalf of the traditional rulers, praised the administration for its people-oriented programmes in all sectors.

    He said ongoing road projects across the state would improve the its fortune.

    Trade organisations, dressed in colourful attires, danced and walked with the governor through Ada, Iragbiji and Ikirun.

    Each of the groups displayed symbols of their trade.

    They said they had benefited from the grassroots development programmes and policies of the Aregbesola administration.