Ahead of 2027 general election, scores of Muslim and Christian clerics have gathered to offer prayers for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, describing the session as an avenue to seek divine intervention for the president as the poll’s date draws near.
The prayer session organised by members of the Presidential Coalition Council (PCC), served as an avenue for the clerics to invoke divine guidance and protection for the president as he pilot the country’s affairs towards attaining growth as well as development and seek for another four years mandate from Nigerians.
They prayer session held in Ikeja yesterday was attended by PCC National Coordinator and lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal constituency, Abiodun Faleke, Lagos State former deputy governors, Adebisi Sosan, Pa Abiodun Ogunleye, former speaker of the state house of assembly, Jokotola Pelumi, former Minister of State for Defence, Musiliu Obanikoro, Lagos APC former chairman, Henry Ajomale, former Lagos State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Oyinlomo Danmole; council chairmen and others.
Addressing the gathering, the PCC Administrative Secretary, Abdulrasheed Abiodun Mafe, stated that the prayers and religious rites were meant to seek divine intervention for President Tinubu’s second-term bid
Mafe, the former Chairman of Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Lagos, added that the prayer session served as the spiritual cornerstone for the official take-off of the PCC activities for the year.
He added that the gathering was aimed at securing God’s guidance and smooth political transition in 2027.
“This prayer session brings together members of the PCC and clerics from both faiths to seek divine support for our leader, President Bola Tinubu’s re-election.”
The Kogi State Government has commended James Abiodun Faleke, Member Representing Ikeja Constituency in the House of Representatives, for his unbending commitment to the security and wellbeing of his home state, describing him as “a patriotic Kogite who leads by example.”
Faleke, an indigene of Kogi State, recently donated a brand-new Hilux patrol vehicle to support the operations of the newly commissioned Smart Police Divisional Headquarters in Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area. The high-tech facility which was facilitated by the Nigeria Police Trust Fund in its collaboration with the Government of Kogi State to ensure security at every corner of the state by modernizing and digitizing security operations in the state.
Speaking with reporters, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Femi Fanwo, conveyed the appreciation of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo to the federal lawmaker, stating that Hon. Faleke has demonstrated what it means to place security above politics and people’s well-being above personal ambition.
“The Government of Kogi State wishes to reecho the open commendation earlier given by His Excellency during the commissioning of the Smart Police Divisional Headquarters,” Fanwo said.
“As a Government, we appreciate the demonstrative contribution of Hon. James Faleke to the security architecture and infrastructure of the state. This is how to lead the people with emphasis on security above politics, patriotism above scheming with the lives of our people.”
Fanwo added that Faleke has played key underground roles in support of intelligence, logistics, and coordination with security agencies, working quietly but effectively with the State Government to ensure lives and property are better protected in Kogi State.
The Commissioner expressed confidence that Faleke’s latest intervention would significantly strengthen security not only in Ijumu but across Okunland, Kogi West, and the entire state.
“This is one intervention that we are sure will improve the security of Ijumu, Okunland, Kogi West, and Kogi as a whole. This is how to make an impact without playing to the gallery. What the people need are concrete interventions that can save lives, not selfish arrangements that protect personal interests at the expense of the people.
“The people know those who are genuinely working for their security, those working closely with the State Government to achieve lasting peace in Kogi State. They also know those who are merely playing politics with the lives of the people.”
The government urged political and business leaders of Kogi origin to emulate Hon. Faleke’s sense of responsibility and selfless service to the people.
“Hon. James Faleke has set an example for others to emulate. He has shown that the lives of his people matter. He is not doing all of these to protect a personal interest or his investment or the investment of his friends. He is doing it to protect the Kogi people, his people”, he said.
Fanwo also disclosed that the Government is closely monitoring the activities of illegal miners and their collaborators, vowing that those compromising the security of the state through economic sabotage will face stiff consequences.
“We are aware of the activities of illegal miners and their enablers. Let it be known that the state will not tolerate any action that puts the lives of our people at risk. We are taking bold steps to ensure that criminal actors do not jeopardize the peace we are working hard to build.”
The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with patriotic stakeholders like Hon. James Faleke in its mission to secure every corner of the state and preserve the gains already made in law enforcement and public safety.
Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, James Abiodun Faleke (APC-Lagos), has said that the tax reform bills currently before the National Assembly will be acceptable to all Nigerians.
Faleke, who spoke with newsmen after the consideration and adoption of the report of his committee on the four tax bills, said the laws will revolutionize Nigeria’s tax system.
The bills are the Nigerian Tax Bill, the Tax Administration Bill, the Revenue Tax Board, and the Nigerian Revenue Service Establishment Bill.
He said, “These bills took three full days of public hearing, where we took memoranda from more than 80 critical stakeholders. After the three days, we resorted to a retreat for eight days, debating all the clauses in each of the bills.
“I am glad that members of the house saw that we had done a thorough job and have approved all our recommendations.
“We want to appreciate our members and all Nigerians who showed interest in these bills, and we assure that the laws that will come after these bills acceptable by all Nigerians,’ he said.
Faleke appreciated the leadership of the house for entrusting the committee with the responsibility of processing the tax bills and to lay them before the house, while l commended the President for considering it worthy to amend tax laws, saying that some of our tax laws are as old as 1959.
He said the nation cannot continue to operate with tax laws that are archaic to meet our demands for survival, business, and the revenue target that we seek to achieve.
Deputy Chairman of the committee, Saidu Abdullahi (APC-Niger), said no bill in the 10th Assembly had generated as much controversy as the tax reforms bills, adding that under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, the House was able to build consensus among all the stakeholders.
Abdullahi said that interest groups from each geopolitical zone and regional leaders were drafted into the committee to allay the fears of the people, adding that the recommendations of the committee were an offshoot of all the inputs of the various stakeholders.
“There were never seen as a perfect document, there were proposals from the Executive and the puli hearing provided Nigerians the platform to make the better and from what we have seen today, the whole country represented by the lawmakers have assented to it,’’ he said.
Ikeagwuonu Ugochinyere (PDP-Imo) described the process of the bills as transparent as the consultants and the executive all made adjustments to reflect the will of the people.
He said, “Even though we are from the opposition, we are so proud of this historic moment that is going to bring more people in the tax net, create more revenue for effective running of government.
“There is going to be efficiency in the tax collecting system, and even small businesses are well protected; for me, this is very historic, and that is why all of us worked with the government and our colleagues to ensure it sailed through today.”
Another member, Benson Babajimi (APC-Lagos), said that the issues raised by relevant stakeholders, ranging from inheritance tax, derivation, VAT, etc, were considered by the house.
“It is a good day for Nigeria, the injection that Nigeria needs to move into the comity of nations had been applied and the House of Reps have sanctioned it so we wait on the Senate to do the same,’’ he said.
The bill is now awaiting third reading and eventual passage by the House before harmonization with the Senate.
House of Representatives member representing Yagba East/West/Mopa-muro Federal Constituency of Kogi state, Hon. Leke Abejide has exonerated Chairman, House Committee of Finance, Hon. James Abiodun Falake of any divisive political manoeuvre in his constituency ahead of 2027 general elections.
He counselled his supporters across the state to leave Faleke out of ongoing unhealthy politics in his constituency.
Abejide while reacting to political comments allegedly linked to Faleke in a statement in Abuja said promoters of the divisive comments failed, as he would not be distracted from governance and how to better the lives of his constituents.
Describing those behind the divisive political narratives ahead of the 2027 elections as political jobbers, Abejide expressed confidence that Faleke cannot be involved in such destructive politics.
He said: “Please and please leave Hon Abiodun Faleke out of this unhealthy politics some people started in 2024 December for an election that is still 2027 in Yagba Federal Constituency.
“I am very sure and confident Hon. Faleke did not send them to utter all those words credited to him that he sent them a message to deliver to Yagba. They are only using his name to curry favour to themselves.
“Please forget about all the noise and let us concentrate on how the lives of our people will be better not politics of destruction some people started so early in 2024.
“As for me I am only ready to face governance to alleviate the suffering of our people. My first budget for my second term has not even been executed and some people who have nothing to do except being a political jobbers will drag me into politics and distract me never!”
The former governorship candidate of African Democratic Congress (ADC) advised political stakeholders in the state to steer clear of actions that could disrupt progress and unity within the constituency.
He reassured his constituents that he is focused on prioritizing the welfare of the people in Yagba Federal Constituency.
Political associates including former Lagos council chiefs, well-wishers and stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday joined family members at a special prayer session organised for House of Representatives member, James Abiodun Faleke.
The prayer session came a day after friends and thousands of constituents from the Ikeja Federal Constituency converged on the expansive De Blue Roof, within the premises of LTV8 for a Worship and Praise session that went on for hours.
Before the kick-off of the prayer rains, the various groups within the constituency took turns to testify to Faleke’s benevolence. They presented the celebrator with souvenirs.
At the event were representatives of the APC. They include the National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka and, his deputy/one-time House of Representatives member, Durosinmi Meseko, among others.
One-time Lagos Deputy Governor, Mrs. Adejoke Adefulire-Orelope also graced the special prayer session.
Mrs. Adefulire-Orelope attested to the generousity of the celebrator. Accoring to her, Faleke has been a good ambassador of the party since his days as council chairman.
Faleke, who was the pioneer chairman of the Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA), chaired Conference 57 – League of Lagos State Local Government Chairmen.
•Mrs Orelope-Adefulire; Faleke and his wife Olubunkola
The two services were parts of a five-day programme organised to mark the 65th birthday of the lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency.
Cash grants to selected constituents at the same venue will tomorrow drop the curtain on the anniversary, which many describe as “very impactful”.
The anniversary opened last Friday with training and empowerment for 1,423 artisans who went home with poverty alleviation and economic starter packs.
The artisans were given generating sets, deep freezers, industrial sewing machines, tyre pumping machine for (vulcanizers), barbing and hair driers as well as welding machines among others.
Ten tricycles were also given out.
The beneficiaries, including the physically-challenged constituents were full of appreciation to the lawmaker, who they described as “Friend of the masses”
On Saturday, it was the distribution of food palliatives to more than 20,000 constituents.
Nasirudeen Agoro, who spoke for the Ward chairmen in the Federal Constituency, said there was no regret having Faleke as the lawmaker representing the area in the National Assembly.
Alhaja Kokumo Olusola spoke for the chairmen of Ikeja Local Government, Ojodu Local Council Development Area and Onigbongbo Local Council Development Authority.
She expressed gratitude of the APC in the Federal Constituency, saying that Faleke has lived up to the Atunluse-Akorede of Ikeja Land chieftaincy title conferred on him and the Yeye Atunluse-Akorede of Ikeja Land conferred on his wife, Bukunola Esther, jointly by the royal fathers in the three councils making up the Federal Constituency.
On his motivation to always empower constituents, Faleke said it was his own way of reaching out to Nigerians resident in his constituency.
According to him, political affiliations, ethnicity and social status are never considered in picking beneficiaries in any of his empowerment programmes.
“What a constituent needs to partake is the presentation of his/her valid Voter Card”, he said.
He said he counted himself lucky to have shared the same birthday with Jesus Christ.
“By the grace of God, I will be 65 on Wednesday (yesterday). I was born on December 25. I’m priviledged to share the same birthday with the Lord Jesus. So, my job is to do the assignment given to me by my maker to serve humanity,” Faleke said on Friday.
•Faleke flanked by Meseko (left) and Morka
He took time to encourage the sub-nationals – states and local governments to compliment the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at lifting the living standards of Nigerians.
He allayed the fears being entertained in some quarters over the Tax Reform Bills, explaining that the reforms come with a rare opportunity to redistribute national wealth.
Faleke said the right application of improved allocation to all the tiers of government by those in the saddle would catapult Nigeria to the comity of flourishing nations.
According to him, the stoppage of petrol subsidy payment and the blockage of loopholes by the Tinubu administration have triggered improved revenue which are being shared through the Federation Accounts and Allocation (FAAC) committee.
He said those at the helms of affairs no longer have any excuse on non-performance following the Supreme Court verdict on autonomy and better revenue allocation.
•Tricycles (Keke Marwa) distributed to supporters•Sewing machines for constituents•Gridding machines for constituents PHOTOS: MUYIWA HASSAN•Palliative distributed by Faleke in Lagos
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has extended warm congratulations to the lawmaker representing Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, James Abiodun Faleke, on today’s celebration of his 65th birthday.
The President also felicitated a pioneering figure in Nigeria’s advertising and marketing communications industry and Chairman of Troyka, Dr. Biodun Shobanjo, as he celebrates a landmark 80th birthday.
President lauded Faleke’s enduring loyalty, leadership, and service to Nigeria.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, President Tinubu noted that “Faleke has been an invaluable supporter and leader over the past two decades”.
He recalled the lawmaker’s years of partnership during pivotal moments in Nigeria’s political landscape.
Faleke, who has represented Ikeja Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives since 2011, was also lauded for his earlier service as chairman of the Ojodu Local Council Development Area (LCDA) from 2003 to 2011.
President Tinubu highlighted Faleke’s pivotal role in leading the 2022-2023 presidential campaign, crediting his strategic vision and tireless efforts for the success of the Renewed Hope administration.“His incisive input in national discourse and leadership in the National Assembly continue to benefit Lagos and Nigeria as a whole,” the President said.
In another statement yesterday in Abuja by Mr. Onanuga, President Tinubu described Dr. Shobanjo as a trailblazer whose achievements continue to inspire professionals across the country.
“Dr. Shobanjo’s remarkable journey as a broadcaster, entrepreneur, and advertising guru exemplifies discipline, integrity, and dedication,” the statement said.
Shobanjo began his illustrious career at the Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) before joining Grant Advertising in 1971, where he rose to the position of Deputy Managing Director.
In 1980, he founded Insight Communications, a firm that revolutionised Nigeria’s advertising landscape.
Under Shobanjo’s leadership, Insight grew into a marketing powerhouse, spanning Quadrant, the country’s first public relations consultancy, and All Seasons Mediacom, its first media-independent company.
He later consolidated these entities under the Troyka Organisation, which also includes Halogen Security, founded in 1992.
President Tinubu acknowledged Dr. Shobanjo’s pivotal role in advancing marketing communications, a sector he noted is crucial for driving economic growth and social development.
“His visionary contributions have fostered progress not only within the industry but across Nigeria’s broader development landscape,” the President said.
Faleke, who is the House Committee Chairman on Finance, clarified that the congratulatory advertisement was not designed for publication yesterday but on July 10, the 55th anniversary of his wife’s birthday.
He told family members and well-wishers that whatever confusion the hasty publication by his media office might have caused was unintended.
In a statement he personally signed, Faleke said: “I have noticed a publication in today’s (yesterday) edition of The Nation on Page 11, which mistakenly congratulates my wife on her birthday.
“I would like to clarify that my wife’s birthday is on July 10th, not June 10th, as incorrectly stated by my media team.
“This error which was caused by my Media Office is highly regrettable and I apologise for any confusion it may have caused.”
Bukola Faleke, wife of the Honourable member Representing Ikeja Federal Constituency; Hon. James Abiodun Faleke, has once again taken her love for fashion to another height.
Recently, the stylish woman opened a tastefully built and furnished 6-floor upscale fashion hub named Chic & Style located on the very busy Ogunnusi road, opposite Omole Phase one, Lagos on Sunday April 7, 2024.
The building oozes class and allure as friends, family and associates converged to open the fashion store with top female and child apparel instore for purchase as Remi Hamzat; wife of the Lagos State Deputy Governor cut the golden ribbon to deliver the place open for proper business.
It was gathered that Bukola had been a sophisticated fashionista from her heyday. She is known for indulging in beauty pageants and also facial advertisements for top brands before coming in contact with her hubby.
While she opened the luxury fashion hub, Society Rendezvous also gathered that she dedicated some part for her children to sell kiddy outfits which makes it a complete fashion hub for not only women but for kids as well. Hon. James Faleke and his friends were also around to cheer and support his wife.
Faces spotted at the opening include Senator Florence Ita-Giwa, Hon. Kafilat Ogbara, Iyalaje Toyin Kolade, Seun Olagunju, Jumoke Oyeneyin, Eniola Badmus, Remi Talabi and a host of others.
Member of House Of Representatives, Abiodun Faleke, has continued to receive praises and prayers from the constituents of Ikeja Federal Constituency, that he represents and of course, several socio-political and non-governmental organizations.
Last Saturday at Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, Faleke held a mouth-watering empowerment that has been described as one of the biggest and impactful in recent times.
In a statement by a group under Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), it said: ‘‘Abiodun Faleke has set a benchmark for other individuals and organisations in empowering the indigent and less privileged in the society.
“He has touched people, whose lives, would never remain the same again. That’s what you can get from a man with a heart of gold,” it noted.
It noted the empowerment is line with efforts of President Bola Tinubu to make life better for citizens.
Over 5,000 received grinding machines, juice making machines, laptops, hairdressing machines, industrial sowing machines, pop corn machines, freezers and generators, mini-bus, tricycles, cars, buses, motorcycles and other items.
Some patriotic Nigerians, under Young Professionals for Tinubu (YP4T), have declared their support for the yearly empowerment of James Abiodun Faleke, representing Ikeja Federal Constituency of Lagos State.
The programme, holding tomorrow at Police College, Ikeja, Lagos, will the public receiving grinding machines, juice excreter, industrial sowing machines, pop corn machines, freezers and generators, mini-bus and others.
YP4T is renowned for its socio-economic initiatives, and empowered widows during Christmas.
