The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Honour

  • 2015: Arewa asks Jonathan to honour agreements

    2015: Arewa asks Jonathan to honour agreements

    President Goodluck Jonathan got yesterday a piece of advice – he should respect agreements he entered into with stakeholders.

    This, to the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), is a way of addressing the problems within the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which conveys the impression that the party is at war.

    ACF spokesman, Anthony Sani, told The Nation exclusively that President Jonathan has enough time between now and 2015 to address the problem, adding that the events in the party are not healthy for the growth of democracy.

    The ACF is a pan-Northern socio-political organisation.

    Sani, who was reacting to the visit of Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and others to some past leaders, said the Forum believed that the governors want to be carried along in the management of the party.

    He said: “Our understanding of the G-5 governors is that they want governors to be carried along in the management of their party, they want internal democracy and they want an end to divisions as well as internal democracy within the party, and for President Jonathan to respect agreements he entered into voluntarily with stakeholders.

    Niger State Governor Babangida Aliyu, has said that President Jonathan entered into an agreement with Northern leaders to spend only one term in office.

    The Niger governor urged the President to honour the agreement by not seeking reelection.

    But Presidency official have denied the existence of such an agreement, insisting, however that the President is yet to declare interest in running for a second term.

    “The five governors may not be totally wrong, considering the happenings in the ruling party, which convey an impression that PDP is at war with itself, which is unhealthy. More frustrating is the inability of 35 governors to elect their leaders, which some people believe is pointing to what will happen in 2015. But I hope Mr President has enough time to bring the situation under control before 2015.”

    Sani said the registration of the All Progressives Congress (APC) by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would open up the democratic space and offer Nigerians alternatives during elections.

    Said Sani: “The registration of APC gladdened our heart because it could bring about a viable alternative platform to the ruling party, since democracy without a viable opposition is a sham.

    “More so that ACF has recommended a two-party system for the country, with clear choices on how to assume responsibility for real issues of real concern to real Nigerians. Before now, Nigeria claimed to operate a multiparty democracy, yet all the parties have been mere clones of one another.

    “As a result, the choice for the voters has been reduced from which party could deliver on the promise of democracy to which party had the capacity to win elections. We hope the registration of APC will arrest such a trend by enriching the polity with democratic tenets for public good”.

    Sani also said that the ACF believed that “President Obasanjo may not be totally wrong to submit that the feckless performance of leaders in our climes is at its worst with the younger generation, since the younger generations have been in the driver’s seat for quite some time now without sign posts to improvement.

    “All we hear are security challenges posed by insurgents, by armed robbers, kidnappers, baby factory, militant activism, piracy, unemployment and corruption, that have combined to steal Nigerians’ empowerment, their opportunities and their future.

    “That is why Nigeria carts home gold medals in Misery Indices and brings up the rear in Human Development Index. And this is made possible because the youths who are more in number and can bring about good leadership in a democracy have failed to make judicious use of their democratic rights and ensure that votes count so that the leaders who emerge would be accountable to the people. Once votes do not count, the leaders would not account to the people.”

    To Sani, the renewed killings by the Boko Haram Islamic sect, are “not surprising because terrorism is driven by the highest commitment of those who believe they have nothing to gain anymore in living on earth, but more to gain in death. “And so, nobody expected the task of subduing the sect would be a tea party.”

    “You recall when America overran terrorists in Iraq and deposed President Saddam Hussein, President George Bush boasted that it was, “Mission accomplished with precision”, without knowing that would be the beginning of more than 10 years campaigns that would cost America 4,400 soldiers and over $800 billion.Terrorism is still in Iraq after America has left.

    “We believe the government knows that the use of force that goes with declaration of state of emergency was meant to reclaim those local government areas seized by the sect, and not that the use of force could contain their activities to some satisfactory level.

    “And that is why there are still consciously directed efforts by the government to bring the sect into the negotiation table. And that is why ACF encourages the Federal Government to pursue the option of dialogue with those members of the sect who are agreeable to it in the hope that the extreme reluctant members may join as the process progresses.

    “We also call on members of the sect to stop the killings of innocent people and embrace dialogue as the only viable option that can address their perceived grievances. Force does not bring about peace because peace is not absence of conflicts but ability to resolve conflict peacefully.

    “ACF was among the groups which pressurised ASUU to dialogue with the government that brought about the agreement being bandied about. As a mark of good faith, one would expect the government to respect and implement the agreements with stakeholders.

    “But if the prevailing circumstance makes it almost impossible for government to implement the agreement, one expects ASUU to know and understand. It is against this backdrop that the ACF calls on both parties to come to terms with reality and make ASUU call off the strike in the interest of the students .

    The ACF recommended “the scrapping of the Joint Account, which has been abused by state governments at the expense of socio economic development of the people who are closest to local governments, provided some provisions are made on how state governments can make laws to help in effective and efficient management of local governments”.

  • Amosun, Aregbesola, others honour Adeeyo

    Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun and his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, were among dignitaries at yesterday’s 40 days Fidau for the late Alhaji Suleiman Ajasa Adeeyo in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

    Adeeyo died recently after a brief illness. He was 79.

    The guests were received at Gaso Events Centre. Prayers were offered for the repose of the deceased’s soul, after which guests were entertained.

    In his sermon, the Chief Imam of the Railway Central Mosque, Sheik Abdulrasheed Lawal, described the deceased as a God-fearing man.

    He urged individuals to emulate the late Adeeyo and be sincere in all they do.

    Also at the event were former Osun State Governor Isiaka Adeleke; Chairman of the Vintage Press Ltd. Mr. Wale Edun; Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao; Chairman of the Honeywell Group Oba Otudeko; former Ekiti State Governor Adeniyi Adebayo; Mr. Jimi Agbaje and the first grandchild of the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Mr. Segun Awolowo.

    Others include the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Mr. Bisi Onasanya; former Senate Deputy Minority Leader Olorunnimbe Mamora; former Minister of Industry Chief Nike Akande; businessman Chief Pius Akinyelure; the Osi Olubadan, Chief Omowale Kuye and the Asipa of Ibadanland, Chief Jibowu Owoade, among others.

    One of the deceased’s sons, Kayode, described his father as a peaceful, loving and caring man, who never kept malice with anybody.

    He said: “My father was a devoted Muslim and honest businessman. He was dedicated to the service of Allah and never missed any Jummat. He was loved by all and will be greatly missed for his kindness.”

    Amosun described the late Adeeyo as a man worthy of emulation, adding that he died a fulfilled man.

    He said: “Baba will be greatly missed for his endless prayers, love, advice and care. May Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest and take care of his children. He has left a great legacy for us and brought up his children in the way of Allah. They stand for principle, honesty and integrity. These are the things needed in life.”

  • Honour for NAFDAC in Anambra

    The hall was filled to capacity with eminent personalities tapping to background music.

    It was a fitting atmosphere for the National Agency for Food, Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), honoured that day with an award.

    It was organised by the National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP) in the state, led by John-Mary Ibeka in association with JMI, Home Ventures Limited.

    The group did not only honour NAFDAC Southeast Head, Charles Nwachukwu; the President-General of Agulu Peoples Union (APU) Chief Paulinus Aniagbaso was equally recognised.

    Ibeka said the awards were in recognition of what the recipients had done in the service of the people. The honour coincided with rendering account of his stewardship at NANTMP in the last one year.

    Nwachukwu chaired the event which held at the prestigious Sun-City Hotels in Awka. He described members of NANTMP as “healers of the society.”

    The award, he said was special to NAFDAC because the drug agency had been partners of PMI whose drugs are said to be safe for consumption.

    “I believe in the practice of herbal medicine; most of the raw materials we use in producing drugs emanated from plant sources; we are a tropical region and we are blessed because most of our plants have helped in curing some diseases

    “Most of the drugs from India and China are herbal; everybody is clamouring for their drugs because they are well-packaged and from good environment too. If we will do like them, I bet you, Nigerian drugs will be better than theirs,” he said

    The occasion equally attracted traditional rulers of Agulu, Igwe innocent Obodoako and his colleague from Inyi in Achi Local government area of Enugu State, Igwe Ambrose Osuigwe.

    Also, the Vice President, International UN-POLAC, Rev. Dr. Chidi Ehiriedo, and former Director of National Orientation Agency (NOA), Sir Jeff Ogbalu, among others.

    Speakers took turns to praise NANTMP members’ efforts in the state and indeed, Southeast, adding that some unscrupulous elements in the business had tried to ridicule the group with fakes.

    Speaking with Newsextra, the state coordinator of NANTMP, Ibeka said that the group is focused on four major areas: vision, idealism, right values and inspiration.

    However, the headache they are having, according to him, is for President Goodluck Jonathan to assent to the traditional medicine bill which has been passed by the National Assembly.

    Ibeka said: “NANTMP is an association of people who are genuinely interested and involved in healthcare delivery, education and scientific work as well as conservation and utilisation of medicinal plants.”

    ”Bearing this in mind, I have over the past one year, coordinated enlightenment and sensitisation programme with the result that these plant medicinal uses and curative effect on humans and other animals are becoming increasingly obvious as distinct from what was regarded as “Magic” or “fetish” claims of most traditional medicine practitioners’’

    “It is  important traditional medicine board was established in appreciation of the vision of NANTMP, with the sole aim of protecting the interest, as well as monitoring and humanising the activities of traditional medicine practitioners, so far, we have not fallen out of line’’

    “What we share in NANTMP is all about qualitative delivery through Phyto-medicine, which is as old as man on earth.”

    “Our forefathers used the various herbs for their medicine, cosmetics and as foods.”

    “Through my personal NGO, John-Mary Ibeka foundation, I have rendered selfless services, through health enlightenment programme in rural and urban areas, free computer laboratory tests and other medical services, scholarship to indigent youths, vocational empowerment progamme in the production of various herb as well as lectures on the importance of natural food and drugs,” he said.

  • Obasanjo, Gowon, Shonekan, others honour Akinkugbe at 80

    Personalities from all walks of life stormed Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yesterday to honour Emeritus Prof. Oladipo Akinkugbe at his 80th praise and thanksgiving service held at the All Saints’ Church, Jericho, Ibadan.

    In his sermon, the Archbishop of Ibadan Province and Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, Anglican Communion, Joseph Akinfenwa, described Akinkugbe as an enigma of intellect.

    He lamented the poor state of education in the country, describing the situation as hopeless.

    The cleric bemoaned the state of university education, saying government’s attitude towards improving the standard of public university was regrettable.

    He said: “We are not happy about the ongoing Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike. The condition of education is lamentable and unacceptable considering that President Goodluck Jonathan and Minister of Education Prof. Ruquayyat Rufa’i are university scholars.

    “Unfortunately, earning a degree in Nigeria has become a journey you don’t know when it will end”.

    Extolling the virtues of Prof. Akinkugbe, he said: “God has given you a peculiar insight. Your work as a parent and mentor are not ended yet.

    “We have seven days in a week, so eight means a new beginning for you. You have to be more relevant to people, who are looking up to you. Akinkugbe has fulfilled his earthly potential. He has led such a productive life. He is a real foreman in terms of quality and quantity. He is a blessing not only to Nigeria but also to humanity.

    “He became a Professor at 35, Dean of college at 37 and Vice-Chancellor at 42”.

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who described Akinkugbe as an achiever and a great success, said: “The celebration is not for Prof. Akinkugbe and the family alone. I am the second celebrant. The history of Nigeria would have been different; the worse would have happened, but for the interventions of the like of Prof. Akinkugbe and Almighty God. The economy of the country was down but we overcame the challenge. They helped in saving the situation”.

    Gen. Yakubu Gowon described Akinkugbe as an epitome of humility and a blessing to humanity.

    He said: “I celebrate him. He is a man of honour and a pride to Nigeria”.

    The Esama of Benin, Gabriel Igbinedion and Dr. Oba Otudeko said he was a simple and well-loved person. Igbinedion said: “He has made a mark as an illustrious personality”.

    Governor Abiola Ajimobi described Prof. Akinkugbe as an accomplished man, a symbol of abundance, grace, blessing, intellectualism, industry, nobility, humility and success.

    He said: “He stands for style and did well in Government College, Ibadan. This gathering is intimidating because of the presence of three heads of state. We have here two generals and a renowned industrialist”.

    Oba Otudeko said despite Akinkugbe’s supernatural gifts, he was a simple and down-to-heart person.

    Prof. Babatunde Salako, one of the students of the celebrant, described him as a very humorous person, adding that they learnt character and many things from him.

    Among the dignitaries were the former Head of the Interim National Government, Chief Ernest Shonekan; Chairman, Subsidy Reinvestment and Empowerment Programme, Dr. Christopher Kolade; Governors Ajimobi and Olusegun Mimiko.

    Others are the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Abdulazeez Arisekola-Alao; Chief Akintola Wiliams; Prof. Akin Mabogunje; former Ekiti State Governor, Segun Oni; Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Prof. Isaac Adewole; Chief Folake Solanke (SAN) and Chief Akintola Williams.

    Akinkugbe, a Professor of Medicine, was born in Ondo on July 17, 1933.

    He attended Government College, Ibadan and became a professor at 35, Dean, College of Medicine at 37 and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ilorin at 42.

    He also served as Vice-Chancellor, Ahmadu Bello University, Pro-Chancellor, University of Port Harcourt, Foundation Chairman of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, Chairman, Management Board, University College Hospital, Ibadan.

  • Aregbesola, lawmakers, others honour ACN spokesperson

    Osun State Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has blamed corruption for the country’s retarded growth.

    He spoke at Topmost Hotel, venue of this year’s AbdulRauf Lai Mohammed Ramadan Lecture organised by the Publicity Secretary of the newly formed All Progressives Congress Party (APC), Alhaji Lai Mohammed.

    The bumpy, sleepy and predominantly agrarian community of Oro, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara State was agog for the lecture.

    The hotel, which is located on Ajase Ipo-Oro road, was filled with politicians of merging parties of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) and All Nigerian People’s Party (ANPP).

    Aregbesola urged Muslims to live a chaste, upright, undiluted and holy life and be shining examples to others.

    He hoped that with the scintillating performance of the ACN-led governments, APC would emerge victorious in all the Yoruba-speaking states in 2015.

    Another speaker, Mallam Abdullateef Bello bemoaned the inequality in the apportioning of punishment to corrupt public office holders.

    Bello said: “The punishment being meted out to convicted corrupt public office holders that have the backing of the government is like a slap in the wrist while those that do not have the backing of the government receive grave and grim sanctions. That is too bad and patently unjust,” he said.

    Among the dignitaries at the event were Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly Mrs. Monsurat Sumonu, five lawmakers from the Lagos State House of Assembly and six council chairmen from the state.

    Others include the two ACN members from the Kwara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Hassan Oyeleke and Mr. Temitope Olayonu, 2011 governorship candidates of the ACN and CPC, Mohammed Dele Belgore (SAN) and Alhaji Abdulrahaman AbdulRasaq, the state CPC chair, Alhaji Suleiman Buhari, state Caretaker Committee Chairman of the ACN, Sola Iji, party supporters, loyalists and sympathisers.

  • Honour my mother by ensuring peace, says Tinubu

    Honour my mother by ensuring peace, says Tinubu

    The setting was awesome. Golden lights gleamed through the length and breadth of the hall, turning the expensive facility into a mass of gold. On the right side stood a live band. Beside it was a big stage, covered with purple satin clothing.

    Welcome to the refurbished Expo Hall of Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, venue of the special interdenominational service in honour of the late Alhaja Abibatu Asabi Mogaji, mother of former governor of Lagos State and National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Alhaja Mogaji’s huge portrait formed part of the giant size pictures hung at the back of the stage and also in strategic parts of the venue.

    Guests were ushered in by a bevy of beautiful women clad in purple “old school” native dress.

    Women traders added a unique touch to the gathering. They made a statement with their purple head gears on white iro and buba.

    The choir, comprising men and women shone in their purple gown, entertaining the large gathering at intervals.

    Asiwaju Tinubu and other dignitaries sat in the middle of the hall, facing the stage; the clerics beside them.

    The two hours 30 minutes event began with a prayer. It featured choruses, an opening hymn, a Bible passage, testimonies and special prayers for the children, family, Lagos State, traders and Nigeria.

    It was anchored by the trio of Revd Tunji Adebiyi, Revd Funmi Akitoye-Braimoh, both Governor Babatunde Fashola’s aides, and Mrs Yetunde Akinluyi.

    Pastor Kunle Ajayi sent the crowd on to the dance floor after prayers. He thrilled the gathering with his saxophone.

    Some of the officiating ministers showered encomiums on the deceased and Asiwaju Tinubu.

    General Evangelist, Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide, Pastor Kayode Abiara, expressed satisfaction with the life of the late Alhaja Mogaji and urged God to grant the family the power to continue with the good example she had shown.

    “God who gave us Mama will stand by us. We pray that He’ll save the family she left behind from any form of affliction and be with them always. We hope through Jesus Christ to get the blessings which you have given to the woman we are celebrating today to impact on us.”

    The Archbishop of the Ecclesiastical Province of Lagos Anglican Church, Revd Adebayo Akinde, said Mama set a standard for the children to follow and they should not be found wanting because the lessons are there for them to learn from.

    The clergy, who called for the restoration of peace in the country through divine intervention, said if most leaders imbibe the example of Tinubu, the country would be better for it.

    “Asiwaju has followers because he shares with people, communicates with them and does not close his door behind the people. He is always ready to share whatever he has with the people, no matter the discomfort it is going to cause him. This, we believe, are qualities of good leaders which the late Mogaji bequeathed to mankind.”

    Revd Mercy Ezekiel urged all women to follow her example of being a good samaritan.

    “When people die, we need to be comforted; God will comfort her family. This is a woman who passed on at 96; yet, people are still saying she is too young to die. They have said so because of the enormous impact she made in their lives. She had been catering for many people and had transformed their lives; reason they would not want her to go even at that age,” she said.

    Other men of God who prayed for the repose of the late Mogaji called on those present to think of how they could make impact in the lives of mankind. According to them, they would gain if they live a selfless life and follow the teaching of Christ as Mama never discriminated.

    Asiwaju Tinubu began his vote of thanks by urging the gathering to shout Halleluyah three times.

    While acknowledging guests one after the other, he jokingly described Senator Chris Ngige as the shortest man in the hall.

    “Chris, get up and shout Halleluyah,” Asiwaju said. The hall erupted in laughter. Ngige stood up and shouted “Halleluyah!”

    The ACN leader said the best way to honour his mother was to embrace peace and imbibe the good example she bequeathed.

    He said the late Alhaja Mogaji believed much in the power of prayers and always prayed for the country.

    He explained that his mother, who believed in fairness, was instrumental to some of the policy thrusts of the administration of Lagos when he was the governor.

    He said: “I remember when my mother had to urge me to pay school fees for some pupils who could not afford their examination money. I had to assist in this dimension and initiated the idea of paying WAEC fees for students.”

    Tinubu recalled the role the late Alhaja Mogaji in his life, especially when he was in exile. She prayed for him and never discouraged him from the struggle.

    “My mother never for once asked me to come back home, but few days to her death, when I was out of the country, when we spoke, she said ‘what was I still doing overseas and whether I won’t come home again’. I was worried by this statement and had to cut short my trip to be with her.”

    “Her death has robbed me of a precious mother … no matter how I had fed, I must eat Mama’s amala. I thank God for the life of Mama; she was never at any point in time a burden to us. She was a blessing to us and passed on peacefully,” he said.

    Present at the event were: Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola; his Ekiti and Osun counterparts Dr Kayode Fayemi and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande; deputy governors of Osun, Lagos and Ekiti Otunba titi Laoye-Tomori; Mrs Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire and Prof Modupe Adelabu; governors’ wives – Mrs Abimbola Fashola (Lagos); Mrs Florence Ajimobi (Oyo) and Mrs Funsho Amosun (Ogun).

    Also in attendance were Senators Tinubu; Ngige; Gbenga Obadara; Olorunnimbe Mamora; Ajayi Boroffice and John Akpaudoedehe; House of Representatives members Abiodun Faleke; Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Jumoke Okoya-Thomas; Oyetunde Ojo and Folasade; Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly Adeyemi Ikuforiji and Mayowa; former Inspector General of Police Alhaji Musiliu Smith; Prof Oserhiemen Osunbor; Chief Pius Akinyelure; Demola Seriki; Chairman, Toyota (Nigeria) Limited Chief Michael Ade.Ojo; Lagos former Deputy Governor Mr Femi Pedro; Lagos Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs Ademorin Kuye; his Transportation, Home Affairs and Culture counterpart Kayode Opeifa and Oyinlomo Danmole.

    Also there were Alhaji Ibrahim Balogun; ACN National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed; Erelu Abiola Dosumu; Prof Pat Utomi; Mr Joe Igbokwe; Revd Samuel Ogedengbe; Dr Leke Pitan; Bishop Lanre Obembe; Revd Adewale Martins; Prophet Kayode Abiara; Prophet Gabriel Fakeye, Prof Yemi Osinbajo; Pastor Ben Akabueze; one time Lagos Finance Commissioner Wale Edun, Hon Wale Oshun, former Lagos Commissioner for Information and Strategy Mr Dele Alake; Hon Lola Akande; Mrs Derin Disu; Mrs Kemi Nelson; Comrade Olabode Ola; Alhaji Moshood Tijani (A.k.a Tijaco); Kehinde Bamigbetan; Yetunde Arobieke and Dr Samuel Adedayo.

  • Arisekola, Amosun, others honour Adeeyo

    Arisekola, Amosun, others honour Adeeyo

    Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) yesterday paid glowing tributes to the late Alhaji Suleiman Ajasa Adeeyo, who was interred yesterday .

    Alhaji Adeeyo died on Tuesday after a brief illness. He was 79 .

    Guests were at the Inalende , Ibadan home of the Adeeyos where prayers were offered for the repose of the soul of the deceased before the body left for the cemetery at the Ultimate Private Cemetery, opposite Yanaty Flour Mills, Sanyo, along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

    The remains of Alhaji Adeeyo were interred at 3.15pm.

    Before the interment, prayers were offered by Shiek Abdulraheed Lawal, the Chief Imam of Railway Central Mosque .

    He urged all to reflect on the good deeds of the late Adeeyo and how he devoted his life to the service of Allah.

    He prayed to Almighty Allah to grant him allejanah.

    Present on the occasion were the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Azeez Arisekola Alao, Governors Ibikunle Amosun ( Ogun), Rauf Aregbesola ( Osun) and Abiola Ajimobi( Oyo), who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Dr. Deolu Akande, the Chairman , Vintage Press, Mr. Wale Edun, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarunmi, Chief Lekan Alabi, the Founder, Guarantee Trust Bank, Mr. Fola Adeola, Dr Segun Oshin, former governorship aspirant in Lagos State Mr. Jimi Agbaje, among other dignitaries.

    Governor Amosun described the late Adeeyo as a father and a mentor .

    He said: “We are not happy that he is leaving us so soon, not that he is not old enough, but for us, we would have loved him to be with us longer than this . But it is the Almighty Allah that gives and takes at anytime. The most important thing is even if it is a few years that you live in life, it is how you live that matters. This is a man that lived very well and everybody noted it yesterday. We will miss his prayers, we will miss his advice and his love and warmth. Definitely we will miss him, the gap will be there. We will continue to pray that may the Almighty Allah grant him eternal rest”.

    Agbaje said Alhaji Adeeyo left enduring legacy that would live forever.

    “Like I just said, today’s event speaks volume . When a man dies at a ripe age , he leaves a legacy . So, today what we do is to honour the man. But we don’t honour him alone, we also honour his legacy in his children because when the children are good you will see and when you look around, you see the friends that are here. It is all part of the honour that you give, not just to the old man but to those he has left behind. I think the man lived a good life and he has left a good legacy.

    “The greatest contribution a man makes is in those that succeed him. It’s not the material things alone, people are blessed in different ways. If you are blessed materially, you live materially, but there is something that we owe and that is to those that we bring to this world and that is we give them enduring legacy and that is value system . I think that is where I will say that Baba has done very well when you look at his children. He has brought them up well. They stand for principle, they stand for honesty and they stand for integrity. These are things that are needed in life,” he said.

  • Dignitaries honour Tinubu’s mum

    Dignitaries honour Tinubu’s mum

    Sundays are usually calm in Alausa — the seat of the government of Lagos State. Low traffic as well as shut offices.

    But yesterday was an extra-ordinary Sunday. It was the funeral of the mother of the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

    Alhaja Abibatu Asabi Mogaji died at her Alausa home on Saturday evening, aged 96. She would have been 97 in October.

    Since the news broke, all routes to the home have been busy, as dignitaries pay their last respects to the President-General, Association of Nigerian Market Men and Women (the Iyaloja of Lagos and the Iyaloja General).

    The presence of a large detachment of policemen and men of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in their combat-gears, officers of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA), men of the state Ambulance Service (LASAMBUS), officers of the Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI Brigade), among others, bore witness to the power of the loss.

    The late Alhaja Mogaji’s influence explains the attention her burial received. Only recently, the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, during its 50th anniversary, honoured her, alongside former Military President Gen. Ibrahim Babangida and former Chief of Army Staff Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, with a doctorate degree.

    At about 8.45am, Asiwaju Tinubu, in company of his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, family members and associates, left his Bourdilion Road, Ikoyi, home in a convoy to her late mother’s residence in Alausa.

    There, he met a huge crowd and praying sympathisers.

    Among guests at the home were Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi. Moslem faithful gathered in the packed premises, praying for the repose of the deceased’s soul.

    In the room where the late Alhaja Mogaji was laid in-state in a white casket, the former governor, his wife and other family members gathered, tears dropping from their eyes as the reality of their mother’s death stared at them.

    ACN National Chairman Chief Bisi Akande joined them, expressing his condolences and urging the family to be strong.

    There were pushing and shoving, but security agents did their utmost to ensure prayers were done without much distractions.

    The full effect of the crowd was felt as the body, at exactly 9.38 am, was driven to the Central Mosque in Lagos. It was one of the longest convoys ever witnessed in the city.

    The Third Mainland Bridge brought to mind a typical rush-hour Monday morning. It was packed with hundreds of vehicles taking guests to the mosque for prayers before the final funeral rites.

    There was fanfare. Many policemen and LASTMA officials led the way on motorbikes. Sounds of sirens rent the air.

    At the mosque, a huge crowd had gathered. Lagos Island residents lined the road through CMS, Tinubu and Broad Street, among others, waving at the long line up of vehicles.

    At the mosque were House of Representatives Speaker Aminu Tambuwal, Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Senator Isa Muhammed, former Lagos State Governor Lateef Jakande, former Supreme Court Justice George Oguntade, and ThisDay Publisher Prince Nduka Obaigbena, among others.

    The session lasted less than 30 minutes. Tinubu, dressed in a white agbada and a dark sunshade, waved at the ecstatic crowd as he stepped out of the mosque with the dignitaries.

    The Osolu of Oposolu Kingdom, Oba Abideen Adekambi, captured the sentiments of those weeping. He said: “We love you mama.”

    The late Alhaja Mogaji was interred in accordance with Muslim rites at about 12:40pm at the Vaults and Gardens, behind the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Ikoyi – the final resting place of the rich and powerful. Lagos banker Tayo Aderinokun, among others, was buried there. It is a beautiful garden of bright flowers and lush green grass with narrow but clean walkways . The body was brought to the cemetery at exactly 12. 20 pm in a Mercedes Benz marked TOS 7 of the TOS Funerals.

    Leading the graveside prayers, the Chief Missioner of Lagos Central Mosque, Alhaji Mujitaba Giwa, who stood in for the Chief Imam, prayed for Allah to be merciful to the late market leader and grant her soul peaceful repose. Speaking in Yoruba, the cleric described the late Alhaja Mogaji as a good citizen who lived a good life and left good legacies behind.

    “We are gathered here to bid our mama goodbye. As an individual, she came into this world well, lived well and left well,” the cleric said.

    With Tinubu at the graveside were Tambuwal, Governors Amosun (Ogun), Ajimobi (Oyo), Aregbesola (Osun), Dr. Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti), President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Mohammed and National Legal Adviser Dr Muiz Banire.

    Others are: Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, Lagos Assembly Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Secretary to Osun State Government (SSG) Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, former Minister of State for Defence Demola Seriki, former Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Dele Alake, Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Strategy Yusuf Olaniyonu and Lagos ACN chieftain Cardinal James Odumbaku.

    Others include members of the Lagos State Executive Council, Local Government Council chairmen and representatives of traditional rulers, party chieftains, traders, youth groups and many other sympathisers.

    Immediately after the interment, the party headed for The Blue Roof, LTV 8, Alausa, Ikeja, where a special prayer for the late Alhaja Mogaji was observed. The prayer, which lasted for about an hour, also featured two special lectures – one each in Yoruba and English languages. Alhaji Giwa, who delivered his lecture in Yoruba, said death is certain for all. He advised everybody to live in a way that will make departure a thing to be celebrated than what men and women would agonise over. He urged those present to strive to leave behind, whenever the last hour comes, good legacies and hope for good reward hereafter.

    “We would all die, but what would be our reward? “ Giwa asked. He pleaded with those left behind by the late Alhaja Mogaji to keep her legacies alive.

    The National Missioner of Ansar-udeen Society of Nigeria described death as a long process, which grows with man as he grows older every day. Death, he said, is the only thing that is certain in life, adding that money, power, connection and fame cannot buy or delay death forever. It is for this reason that every living being must be prepared and live a life that will elicit commendation and not condemnation, said the cleric.

    Members of the Conference of Chairmen of Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas, Lagos State (CONFERENCE 57) and their wives wore aso ebi.

    Itinerant drummers were everywhere entertaining the crowd and praise-singing some dignitaries.

    Two big portraits bearing the picture of Alhaja Mogaji were placed on the right and left sides of the stage.

    The stage was occupied by a horde of Islamic clerics from various parts of Lagos – different mosques and organisations were well-represented.

    Inside the packed expansive hall, were many other dignitaries, including Chief Akande, Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole, former Foreign Affairs Minister and ACN chieftain Tom Ikimi, Lagos State First Lady Dame Abimbola Fashola, Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, Alhaji Femi Okunnu SAN, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Lagos State ACN Chairman Henry Ajomale, Lagos State ACN Publicity Secretary Joe Igbokwe and a large army of party supporters.

    Also in attendance were former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku; Aremo Olusegun Osoba; Hon. Oyetunde Ojo and wife Folashade; Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola; Mrs. Olufunso Amosun; Mrs. Florence Ajimobi; traditional rulers; white cap chiefs; Baba Adinni of Lagos Sheikh Abou Afeez; Secretary to the Lagos State Government Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule; Alhaja Fatima Bintu Tinubu; Alhaji Kola Oseni; Mr. Kayode Opeifa; Mr Wale Edun; Senator Ajayi Boroffice; Oba Olatunji Hamzat; Chief of Staff to Lagos State Governor Alhaji Lanre Babalola; Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor Gbenga Oyetola and wife, Kafayat and others.

    Giving the vote of thanks, Aregbesola expressed gratitude to all and sundry for their show of love and prayed Almighty Allah to reward them bountifully.

  • Honour for Tambuwal, Ajomale in Ekiti

    The first-year coronation anniversary of the Alawe of Ilawe Kingdom in Ekiti State, Oba Adebanji Ajibade Alabi, is billed for Saturday. The anniversary coincides with the town’s 2013 Unity Day and the launch of its proposed N500 million ultra-modern civic centre. Chieftaincy titles will also be conferred on some deserving Nigerians

    Those to be honoured include the Speaker of the House of Representatives Aminu Tambuwal, who will be honoured with the Bobagunwa of Ilawe title, while the chairman of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) in Lagos State, Otunba Henry Ajomale will become the Gbobaniyi of Ilawe.

    Others include: Babatunde Babalola, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of First Deepwater Group (Otunba Bobaselu) and John Femi Jegede, a Permanent Secretary in the Presidency (Bobajiro).

    According to the Chairman, Planning Committee, Mr. Dele Adesina (SAN), special guests expected at occasion are: Governor Kayode Fayemi, Tambuwal and the Minority Leader in the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

    The event which, according to its Chairman, Publicity Committee, Chief Gbenga Agbona, will hold at the Corpus Christi College Playing Ground, Ilawe, will start at 11am.

    A pre-event dinner and an interactive session, he added, would hold at the monarch’s palace in the evening of Friday.

  • SNG seeks honour for June 12 heroes

    The Save Nigeria Group (SNG) has urged the Federal Government to immortalise the late Chief MKO Abiola, winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election and other June 12 heroes.

    It spoke during the 20th anniversary of the annulment of the election. The group said the event was held to assess democratic practices.

    The programme, which took place in Lagos, was tagged: ‘Democracy Audit 2013’. It had in attendance former Abia State governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, former member, House of Representatives, Dino Melaye, Abiola’s eldest son, Kola, Mr. Jimmy Agbaje, among others.

    The Federal Government was represented by the Minister of Information, Labaran Maku.

    SNG’s spokesman, Mr. Yinka Odumakin, said the democratic audit became necessary “to access our democracy 20 years after MKO Abiola was denied his mandate.”

    He said the uninterrupted 14 years of democracy “has not moved us far because the operators have not bought into the dreams the late Abiola had for the country.”

    The convener of the group, Pastor Tunde Bakare, said from the available record, the present day Nigeria is far from the Nigeria Abiola died for.

    Said he: “We are yet to enjoy uninterrupted electricity supply after $16 billion was wasted by the Olusegun Obasanjo administration. More money is still being spent on power. The road network is in a bad state. Nigerians are going to bed hungry.”

    Odumakin said for the majority, there is no hope, adding that the hospitals are not equipped and politicians, who are the beneficiaries of June 12, travel abroad for medical treatment.

    Bakare said corruption has become endemic and the government seems overwhelmed or does not have the will power to challenge it.

    According to him, unemployment, insecurity and failed or non-existent infrastructures are threatening the existence of the nation.

    He said the democratic audit became necessary “to examine where we are, compared to where we were 20 years ago when Abiola was denied his mandate.

    Maku said Abiola’s death was everybody’s problem, as it affected all Nigerians.

    He said Nigeria’s case was complicated and pleaded for understanding as the President Goodluck Jonathan administration was doing everything to transform the country.

    The Information Minister said government is taking steps to rid the country of corruption.

    Kola Abiola enjoined the citizens to believe in one Nigeria as they did during his father’s time and work towards achieving it. He urged the leaders to show leadership qualities in all aspects of national life.

    Melaye said corruption is worse than Boko Haram insurgency. He asked why the Petroleum Minister should remain in office after she had been indicted six times by six bodies.

    Agbaje urged civil society groups to rise up and engage the government more positively. “The people need to do more, it is wrong for us to always accuse,” he added.