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Tag: Folarin

  • Folarin urges massive voter registration to boost Tinubu’s chances

    Folarin urges massive voter registration to boost Tinubu’s chances

    The Oyo State Ambassador for Renewed Hope, Sen. Teslim Folarin, has urged eligible citizens and residents of Oyo State and South-West to fully participate in the ongoing Continuous Voters Registration (CVR) exercise by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    He described voter registration as the bedrock of democratic participation, adding that it will also boost chances of re-electing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 general elections.

    Speaking during continuation of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors’ 14–Federal Constituency Tour in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Folarin said massive voter registration would enable Oyo State to significantly improve on its 2023 electoral performance for Bola Ahmed Tinubu by at least 35 per cent. 

    He stated that an expanded voter base would strengthen democratic legitimacy and ensure a clearer expression of the people’s will at the polls.

    The APC chieftain noted that Oyo State remained strategically important to national electoral outcomes, adding that coordinated grassroots mobilisation would position the state to deliver record-breaking results in the South-West and across Nigeria. 

    Read Also: Folarin calls for probe into alleged shooting at APC unity rally in Ogbomoso

    According to him, the region’s long-standing reputation for political consciousness can only be sustained through early registration, sustained civic engagement, and disciplined participation.

    Folarin urged youths, first-time voters, and residents yet to update their voter records not to miss the CVR window, describing registration as both a civic responsibility and a critical step toward consolidating democratic gains. 

    He however reaffirmed that as the tour progresses, Renewed Hope Ambassadors remained committed to mass mobilisation, unity of purpose, and active citizen participation to ensure the South-West emerges as a decisive voting bloc in Nigeria’s democratic journey toward 2027.

  • 2027: Former Oyo APC guber candidate Folarin meets Adelabu in Ibadan

    2027: Former Oyo APC guber candidate Folarin meets Adelabu in Ibadan

    …as meeting parks talks of renewed APC alliance ahead of 2027

    The 2023 governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin, on Sunday, paid a courtesy visit to the minister of power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu, at his Iyaganku residence in Ibadan.

    The meeting between the former Senate leader and the minister has triggered political reactions, with many interpreting it as a possible move toward rebuilding alliances ahead of the 2027 general elections in the state.

    Read Also: Troops nab notorious kidnapper Umar Geyi in Taraba

    Confirming the visit, an aide to Adelabu, Otunba Femi Awogboro, described Folarin as “an elder brother who came to visit his junior,” adding that both leaders discussed the need to set aside past differences and work together toward returning the APC to power in 2027.

    The development comes just days after Folarin reportedly met with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to discuss the state of the APC in Oyo.

    Folarin and Adelabu have been political rivals since 2019, when Adelabu emerged as the APC governorship candidate to succeed the late former governor, Abiola Ajimobi.

    In 2023, Folarin clinched the party’s ticket, prompting Adelabu to defect to Accord for his own governorship bid before later returning to the APC.

  • Lagos ‘Band A’ residents plead Ikeja Electric over prolonged blackout, faulty transformer

    Lagos ‘Band A’ residents plead Ikeja Electric over prolonged blackout, faulty transformer

    Frustrated by the prolonged blackout caused by a faulty transformer supplying power, residents and business owners on six streets — Raji Oba, Awoyemi, Folarin, Ajala, Olonade, and Akinshola — in the Alimosho area of Lagos State have decried and lamented the over three-month power outage.

    According to them, the power outage which occurred since second week of March 2025 is crippling businesses and severely impacting the quality of life in the communities.

     The residents called on Ikeja Electricity Distribution Company (IKEDC) to urgently look into the situation and address the prolonged power outage, especially fixing the faulty transformer.

    The aggrieved consumers said the streets fall under the Band A consumers’ category, and that they should enjoy a daily power supply of 20 to 24 hours. They complained that this has not been the case for over three months, since the transformer was removed.

    The residents said the prolonged absence of electricity has made them vulnerable to attacks from marauders who operate under the cover of darkness.

    READ ALSO: How we survived herdsmen attack that claimed 200 lives in Benue community – Residents

    One of the residents, Michael, said the lack of power supply had worsened commercial activities in the community, adding that access to water had also been affected.

     Michael said: “So, we are pleading as a community, as one, for Ikeja Electric and the appropriate authorities to listen to our cries to save our communities. Olonade-Akinsola and other streets have always been a good community, and we want it to remain like this.”

     “We have been struggling in darkness,” another resident who identified herself as Mama Chioma said.

     “We have been in total blackout for over three months, crippling businesses. We are pleading with IKEDC to urgently address this,” she further pleaded.

     In a letter dated March 16 and addressed to IKEDC by the Olonade-Akinsola community titled: “Urgent request for Band A intervention on prolonged power outage in our community”, noted that several efforts and reports have been made to IKEDC’s customer service and local office, but the situation remains unresolved.

    The community association noted that the sad situation had also grounded businesses and other activities that rely on electricity.

    It partly reads: “The power failure has severely impacted our daily activities, businesses, healthcare services, and overall well-being in these six streets.

    “We are yet to receive a clear response regarding an estimated time for restoration. The continuous blackout has caused significant discomfort, economic losses,and  security concerns within our community.

    “In the light of the above, we respectfully request urgent intervention and a directive to the appropriate department to expedite the resolution of this issue.”

    The community further called on the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) and Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to urgently intervene.

  • Four years after, Folarin, Dare, Adeyemo, Olaniyan, Zach, others converge on Ajimobi’s home

    Four years after, Folarin, Dare, Adeyemo, Olaniyan, Zach, others converge on Ajimobi’s home

    Dignitaries from all walks of life yesterday stormed the Oluyole, Ibadan home of the late former Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for the fourth year annual memorial fidau.

    A renowned Islamic cleric, Sheikh Muhydeen Bello, called on all political associates and party members of the late Ajimobi to be united and be together in honour of the former governor.

    In his brief sermon, Sheikh Bello urged the political class to be mindful of their actions, especially years after leaving office, noting that many people gathered at the event on account of what the late Ajimobi did while in office.

    He advised the people to live a life that would speak better things about them.

    The cleric called on the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) 2023 governorship candidate, Senator Teslim Folarin, to retrace his steps and be the rallying point for other members of the party.

    Read Also: Nigerians and silver bullets

    High point of the event was a prayer session and presentation of N200,000 grant to 25 indigent Oyo State students in tertiary institutions in the country.

    The presentation, made by the widow, Dr. Florence Ajimobi, was done through the Senator Abiola Ajimobi Foundation (SAAF), in the presence of guests, family members, political associates and party chieftains, who gathered to honour the first two-term governor of Oyo State.

    Some of the dignitaries, who attended the event, included the younger brother of the deceased, Wasiu Ajimobi; former Deputy Governor Alake Adeyemo; ex-Deputy Governor to Governor Seyi Makinde, Rauf Olaniyan; Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service, (FIRS), Zacheus Adelabu; Oyo 2023 APC governorship candidate, Senator Folarin; the three serving senators- Sharafadeen Alli (Oyo South), Fatai Buhari (Oyo North), Yunus Akintunde (Oyo Central) and a former Secretary to Oyo State Government, Olalekan Alli.

    Others were: former Sports Minister, Chief Sunday Dare; ex-NCC board Chairman, Prof. Adeolu Akande; former Oyo APC Chairman, Chief Akin Oke; Akeem Agbaje; ex- Health Commissioner, Dr Azeez Adeduntan; former ALGON Oyo chairmen, Prince Abass Aleshinloye, Yekeen Popoola, Kolapo Kola Daisi, Bisoye Fagade, Seyi Adisa, Kehinde Subair, Azeez Bolaji, Olayemi Ariba and Olatunji Olawale.

    The list also includes party chieftains, traditional rulers, former political appointees, ex-aides, family, friends, political associates, religious leaders, among others.

  • Sheriff Folarin: Life of a genius

    Sheriff Folarin: Life of a genius

    By Dupe Oluwasanmi

    In the annals of academia, Professor Sheriff F. Folarin, an esteemed Nigerian-born scholar and international relations expert whose journey unfolds as a tale of academic excellence, journalistic prowess, and transformative leadership. Born on August 15, 1973, in Kaduna, Nigeria, Professor Folarin’s life has been marked by a relentless pursuit of knowledge and a commitment to shaping the future of academia.

    Hailing from the illustrious Ilawo clan in Ogun State, Nigeria, Professor Folarin embarked on his educational journey in the diverse landscapes of Nigeria. From LGA Primary School in Kaduna to Oro Nursery and Primary School in Kwara State, his formative years were shaped by a dynamic blend of cultures and experiences. His secondary education saw him traverse through Tilley Gyado College Makurdi and Government College Makurdi, where his intellectual prowess began to shine.

    Undeterred by societal expectations, he chose to study history at the University of Ibadan, defying his father’s push towards law. His university years were marked by academic excellence, distinguished leadership in campus journalism, and a fervent commitment to community service.

    With over two decades in academia, Professor Folarin has left an indelible mark. Starting his teaching career at the University of Ibadan, he later became the first professor of international relations at Covenant University, contributing nearly 19 years to shaping young minds. His global footprint extends to institutions like the University of South Carolina, Ithaca College, and Texas State University, where he currently imparts his knowledge.

    His academic accolades include the Carnegie African Diaspora Fellowship Program in 2015 and the Study of United States Institute Fellowship in 2007. Professor Folarin’s expertise is evident in his editorial roles, notably as the Deputy/Associate Editor-in-Chief of the Good Governance Worldwide journal and his pivotal role in establishing the Covenant University Journal of Politics and International Affairs.

    A prolific author, Professor Folarin boasts a portfolio of around 100 publications, including impactful books like “Declining Hegemonical Foreign Policies of Nigeria” and “Rwanda’s Radical Transformation since the end of the 1994 Genocide.” His commitment to academic mentorship is reflected in supervising over 50 Ph.D. theses and serving on numerous doctoral dissertation panels.

    Professor Folarin’s stellar contributions have earned him numerous awards, such as the Outstanding Role Model Award in 2021 and the Lecturer of the Year Award at Covenant University. His recognition extends beyond borders, securing the Science Communication Award in 2020 for his thought-provoking articles.

    Beyond academia, Professor Folarin is a devoted family man, married to Dr. Oluwafunke Folarin, a fellow scholar with a doctoral degree in leadership. Together, with their children Femi, Fola, and Folademilade, they embody a harmonious blend of intellectual pursuits and familial bonds.

    In his rare moments of leisure, Professor Folarin indulges his passions for reading, writing, and soccer. His commitment to fostering national dialogue is evident through his contributions to newspapers, radio, and television networks globally.

    Professor Sheriff F. Folarin’s life journey encapsulates resilience, intellectual brilliance, and a commitment to shaping the narrative of global affairs. As a visionary leader and academic luminary, his impact reverberates through the halls of academia, leaving an enduring legacy for generations to come.

  • Tinubu, Ajimobi, welcome Akala, Folarin, others to APC on Oyo governor’s 68th birthday

    Tinubu, Ajimobi, welcome Akala, Folarin, others to APC on Oyo governor’s 68th birthday

    The National Leader  of  All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, two other governors and other chieftains  of the party yesterday formally received  the immediate past  governor of the  State, Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate leader, Senator  Teslim Folarin and other top politicians  to the APC.

    Alao-Akala’s deputy while in office, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja, the only Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) member of the House of Representatives from the state, Dokun Odebunmi, and a host of others to the party were received at a massive rally at Mapo Hall, Ibadan

    The rally was to also celebrate the 68th birthday of Governor Ajimobi.

    Addressing the huge crowd of party supporters and others who defied the scorching sun to witness the event, Tinubu said the APC has all it takes to accommodate the political heavyweights joining its fold.

    Other defectors were a  former Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Ayodele Adigun, the immediate past PDP State Chairman, Yinka Taiwo and five Accord Party members in the state House of Assembly.

    Also joining the APC were  former Speaker of the state assembly, Ashimiyu Alarape; a former member in the House of Representatives, Kamil Akinlabi; a former Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Kehinde Olaosebikan; Senator  Brimoh Yussuf; former PDP woman leader, Mrs. Olanrewaju Otiti, Folake Olunloyo, Rauf Olaniyan, Lukeman Oorelope and Kemi Jaiyeoba, among others.

    With the calibre of the new members, Tinubu and Ajimobi said opposition was dead in the state.

    The rally was attended by Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola and his Ondo State counterpart, Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, the National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Chief Pius Akinyelure and the Deputy National Chairman (South), Segun Oni.

    Tinubu said the APC has “a stainless kitchen” that is large enough to accommodate as many cooks as possible.

    Allaying fears on how to manage the political differences of the political heavyweights joining the party, Tinubu noted that the APC has a variety of menu in the political kitchen for the future of the country.

    He said: “We have a stainless kitchen and we can accommodate as many cooks as possible and because we have a variety of menu in the political kitchen of planning this future, we love those bigwigs and we can accommodate them all. It is in the same forest that you find a hippo that you find an elephant and you will find a rabbit. In political platforms, you must look for the addition not the minus.

    “You can see that the opposition is dead in Oyo State.  Today is important for us because it is the birthday of the Governor Ajimobi and things that have never happened in the history of Oyo State have started happening.

    “Thank God for my friend Alao-Akala and the others for seeing the light. All of you that joined will also join in building the party. The APC house is great for all of us. We are proud of you for joining us. APC is the only progressive party in Nigeria and Africa.”

    He pointed out that it has become very clear that APC would win in 2019.

    While welcoming the defectors in their separate remarks, Aregbesola and Akeredolu said  that the resources and experiences of the individuals would be useful to build a more formidable party ahead of the 2019 general elections.

    Odebunmi said as the only elected PDP officer from Oyo State, his defection to the APC signaled its final death.

    The lawmaker said he has found out that only the APC and Ajimobi have good programme for youths.

    Alao-Akala said dynamism in politics requires that politicians move with time.

    His words: “To God be the glory. I am moving with time. There is dynamism in politics. We have only one party now in Oyo State. To God be the glory.  There is no more PDP in Oyo State. Everywhere, it is APC. By God’s Grace, Oyo State is now fully APC. I thank Governor Ajimobi for making all the defection possible.

    “He opened his arms all the way and supported efforts to bring people into the fold. By God’s grace, all the defectors have worked under me. The room Ajimobi gave us made all these possible. We shall work with him to move the party forward. We shall be good party members.”

    Ajimobi described the event as one of the unprecedented incidents marking his tenure.

    He called on politicians to forgive themselves of past sins and assured that they will not regret joining the APC.

    Akala, Arapaja, Folarin and Odebunmi later held the APC flag and waved it to the crowd as a seal of their membership of the party.

    APC Chairman in Oyo State, Chief Akin Oke welcomed the defectors, saying they should feel at home.

    He said the presence of national officers and the governors at the welcome rally was significant.

     

  • APC ready for Akala, Folarin others

    APC ready for Akala, Folarin others

    All is set for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State to welcome former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, former Senate Leader Teslim Folarin, Rauf Olaniyan, and other top politicians from opposition parties this weekend.

    In a statement by its spokesman, Olawale Sadare, Oyo State APC said the top politicians would be received officially at the historic Mapo Hall in Ibadan, the capital, on Saturday.

    With the calibre of defectors, the APC said opposition activities in the political dispensation would be further grounded.

    Other politicians to officially join the APC are: former Deputy Governor Taofeek Arapaja, of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP); former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Chief Ayodele Adigun, of Accord and member of House of Representatives, Segun Odebunmi, of the PDP.

    Others include Ayoola Makanjuola and Alhaji Rasaq Gbadegesin.

    They will lead their supporters into the APC at what the party called a mega rally.

    APC described the defection as the mother of all defections in Oyo.

    The party added that some of the bigwigs had joined its fold since last year while others were just joining.

    The statement reads: “With the calibre of active and experienced political players coming on board to reinvigorate our great party ahead of the 2019 general election, it is pertinent to state here that the battle for the soul of the state to determine who takes over from the trail blazer, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, would be fought and won only within the APC.

    “With all intents and purposes, we crave for a viable opposition as a necessary impetus for good governance and democracy growth in the Pacesetter State, but what the combination of the PDP, LP and Accord had offered in the last couple of years fell below the standard, thereby necessitating the need for the ruling APC to activate its check and balance mechanism for the good of the process.

    “Apparently, the sterling performance of Governor Ajimobi in the last six years, coupled with his exemplary leadership qualities, must have appealed to the patriotic zeal in the new entrants, who are coming in to strengthen the APC and thus put paid to irresponsible politics of opposition, which some lazy bones and few unscrupulous elements still promote to actualise selfish goals.”

  • Folarin canvasses help for the poor

    Folarin canvasses help for the poor

    A former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, yesterday called on wealthy Nigerians to give to poor citizens in the spirit of the Eid-el-Kabir.

    Folarin made the call in an interview with The Nation in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    The former senator said the season is an opportunity for Nigerians who are comfortable to spare a thought for fellow citizens who are struggling as a result of the economic recession.

    But he expressed optimism that the country would overcome the economic challenge, saying most developed nations have also experienced it in the past.

    According to him, the tough economic condition calls for collective efforts by leading by example and thinking differently.

    He said: “We must begin to live by example. It is a time people who have as a matter of obligation begin to share with people who do not have. These are trying time. But the country will overcome it. Every nation at one time or the other in their history passed through this experience.

    “We need to work together to overcome it. We need to begin to think outside the box, think differently and we shall overcome it.”

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Disharmony in Oyo PDP playing out at national, says Folarin

    Disharmony in Oyo PDP playing out at national, says Folarin

    •Ex-Senate Leader: budget padding a ruse 

    A former Senate Leader, Teslim Folarin, has pointed out that the disharmony within the Oyo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is what is playing out at the national level.

    Folarin, who said this in an interview with The Nation at the 8th day Fidau of his mother, Alhaja Sidikat Folarin, explained that the failure of the party to win the last presidential election was the problem plaguing its fold.

    He noted that in the present political equation, there is no overall leader figure who PDP members can easily submit to in Oyo State and at the national level.

    “The party was able to conduct its affairs and maintain its leadership structure when there was an overall leader. Now that no individual is seen as an overall leader, members who parade divergent views are unable to forge a common front to move the party forward,” Folarin said.

    He said the present problem has been plaguing the Oyo State chapter of the party before now.

    But the ex-Senate Leader hinted that the various factions would soon come together and speak with one voice in the party’s interest.

    The ex-Senate leader: “The PDP will overcome its current challenge. It is a phase that will pass. It is a party that used to have Mr. President and, suddenly, there is no such figure again. It is the same problem we have in Oyo PDP. But we are going to put our acts together.”

    Folarin also said the idea of budget padding was a mere ruse.

    The House of Representatives is embroiled in controversy over allegation of padding of the 2016 budget by its leadership.

    The former House Committee on Appropriation Chairman, Abdulmumin Jibrin, accused House leadership of padding the budget with constituency projects to the tune of over N40 billion.

    He added that his refusal to compromise as the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee led to his removal.

    But the House Speaker, Yakubu Dogara and other principal officers have denied the allegation.

    Folarin explained that the provision for constituency projects for lawmakers is an acceptable norm, adding that it was not possible for lawmakers to smuggle strange items into budget proposals.

    He said: “I don’t understand what padding means. When people say ‘padding’, what do they mean? When the Executive submits the budget to the parliament, the lawmakers are expected to go through the budget. They are not robots that will just rubber-stamp whatever the Executive brings. In their wisdom, they can increase or decrease it. So, I don’t understand. But once it is established that the budget has not been used for personal thing, I don’t understand.

    “It is not possible for any legislator to smuggle strange items into the budget. Before you pass a budget, legislators have to look at the items one-by-one. In that process, if anyone sees anything suspicious, they raise an alarm. So, I don’t understand what they mean by padding.”

    The former lawmaker expressed gratitude to Governor Abiola Ajimobi and other dignitaries, including members of the Olubadan-in-Council for their presence at the occasion.

    He said their presence showed the world that irrespective of political affiliations, Ibadan indigenes relate as members of one big family.

  • ‘I didn’t remove transformer’

    ‘I didn’t remove transformer’

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in last Saturday’s election in Oyo State, Senator Teslim Folarin yesterday debunked rumours of retrieving electrical transformers from Sabo, saying the transformers were donated in good faith.

    Rumours were rife that Folarin had called for a return of the transformer donated to the Hausa community before  last Saturday’s elections in Ibadan.

    In a statement by the Director-General of his campaign team, Alhaji Asimiyu Alarape, Folarin wondered why such actions would be credited to his personality. He urged the people to remain steadfast as his decision to serve remains unshaken.