The Nation Newspaper

Tag: immortalises

  • Fayemi immortalises Afenifere leader, three others

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has named four newly established secondary schools in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital, after four prominent citizens.

    The four secondary schools, which are billed to open for academic work by September, were established to cater for the dire need of the growing population of students in Ado-Ekiti.

    A statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Yinka Oyebode, said the four schools are to be named after four illustrious sons of the state, including Afenifere leader and Second Republic Senator, Pa Ayo Fasanmi.

    Others are: Chief Deji Fasuan, a former Permanent Secretary and Chairman, Committee for the creation of Ekiti State; Prof. Banji Akintoye, renowned historian and Second Republic Senator; and David Oke, a linguistic Professor and a member of the Senate during the Second Republic.

    The state government said the new schools would provide alternatives to secondary school students, who trek long distance on daily basis to attend school.

    The secondary schools are being established in critical areas of the capital city. One of the schools, Banji Akintoye Comprehensive High School, is sited on Emirin Junction, Federal Poly Road, Ado-Ekiti. The Ayo Fasanmi Comprehensive High School is situated on EKSU/Iworoko Road in the capital city.

    Also, the Deji Fasuan Comprehensive High School is sited on Old Iyin Road, beside Police Children’s School and the David Oke Comprehensive High School is located on Ikere Road, Ado-Ekiti.

    Fayemi said his administration would keep placing high premium on education’s growth and do everything possible to restore the state’s lost glory.

    He added that his administration would also keep celebrating positive contributions of citizens – both old and young – to the state’s socio-economic and political growth.

    The governor, who has also given approval for the establishment of two additional secondary schools next year, has also commenced arrangement for the upgrading of three technical colleges in partnership with the World Bank.

    Fayemi urged parents to take advantage of his administration’s free and qualitative education programmes by ensuring that their children attend schools regularly.

  • Lagos immortalises ex-deputy governor with Park

    Former Lagos State deputy governor, the late Alhaji Rafiu Jafojo, has been immortalised by the government. Last week, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration named the renovated Shasha recreational park after the late Jafojo, who served with the first civilan governor, Alhaji Lateef Kayode Jakande.

    Ambode, who was represented by the Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare, said it was in line with his government’s idea of recognising leaders that have contributed to the meaningful growth of the state, making it first choice destination among the states.

    Besides, Ambode said the transformation of the state is one of the cardinal policies of his administration, adding that his administration is committed to transform Lagos into Africa’s smart and industrial haven where individual economic and social aspirations can be met always.

    The governor, while inaugurating the Park, explained that the state was  embarking on massive landscaping and greening projects, as well as establishing more recreational parks and gardens with the ultimate desire to establish parks and gardens in all the 57 local government areas in the state.

    In a similar vein, Special Adviser to the Governor on the Environment, Mr Babatunde Humpe, described Shasha Recreational Park inuaguration as another landmark achievement of the present administration aimed at consolidating the smart city status of the state.

    According to him, the hustle and bustle experienced by the residents within the metropolis   daily  require that the state evolves a strategy to improve the general well-being of the people to reduce  stress that people go through while searching for their daily bread.

    Hunpe gave an insight into the features of the park.

    “Shasha Recreational Park occupies approximately a total land area of 15,447 square meters with soft and hard landscaping and recreation facilities for basketball, children playground, gazeboes, and water fountain and commercial stand, among other facilities.

    Also adorning the facility are ornamental plants, palms, garden seats, trees of various types, rotunda, garden lights, gazeboes with seats, multipurpose court, children playing ground, irrigation facilities, toilet facilities and parking area.

    The administration, he said,   emphasises on the need to implement policies and programmes that would enhance the aesthetic of the environment and promote health and wellbeing of the citizenry.”

    The Special Adviser said the objectives of the new Environmental and Urban renewal laws, including the campaign on tree planting, are designed to achieve a serene, healthy, beautiful and conducive environment and reduce stress on the citizens.

  • UNN immortalises founding fathers with postage stamps

    UNN immortalises founding fathers with postage stamps

    The University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) in partnership with the Nigeria Postal Services (NIPOST) has unveiled new postage stamps with the image of former Premier of Eastern Region, the late Nnamdi Azikiwe.

    The stamps also bear the images of first UNN Vice-Chancellor (VC), Dr George Johnson, and the current VC, Prof Benjamin Ozumba. The stamps, which were unveiled at Princess Alexandra Auditorium, also have the logo of the just-concluded West Africa University Games (WAUG) hosted by the UNN.

    Prof Ozumba said the stamps were commemorative icons to mark the 55th anniversary of the university.

    He said that stamps would serve as instruments to honour the institution’s founding fathers and export the nation’s cultural identities to the world.

    He said: “It is our belief that these commemorative stamps would carry the visions and missions of the UNN not only to other parts of Nigeria, but to the world over.”

    Ozumba hailed the university alumni association and NIPOST for supporting the initiative, which he said would be a testimony of the institution’s successful hosting of the WAUG.

    National president of the alumni association, Chief Andrew Oru, said the initiative was a major step towards projecting the high academic standard of the university to the world. According to him, the stamps are made to honour the people whose vision and hard work led to the establishment of the university.

    Oru said the alumni association had a responsibility to provide the needed support to the institution to position it as the best in Africa.

    The Acting Post Master General of the Federation, Arch Enoch Ade-Ogun, praised the university management and the alumni association for recognising the value of postage stamps as powerful medium of communication that could stand the test of time.

    He said: “NIPOST management is proud to partner with the UNN in the period of its 55th anniversary, which led to the launching of the commemorative postage stamps. The university made wise decision by choosing postage stamps to immortalise its heroes, because stamps are seen as mini encyclopedia and living reminders of past events and people.”

    Ade-Ogun said UNN was qualified to feature in Nigeria’s postage stamps, because of its honour to be the first indigenous university in the country. According to him, the stamps would be circulated throughout the 200 members of the Universal Postal Union.

     

  • Bayelsa immortalises Abacha

    BAYELSA State Governor Seriake Dickson yesterday explained the state government’s reason for immortalising the former Military Head of State, the late Gen. Sani Abacha.

    Dickson said Abacha deserved honour for creating Bayelsa State 16 years ago.

    He spoke during Nigeria’s 52nd Independence Day and the state’s 16th anniversary celebrations.

    Dickson praised those who fought for the state’s creation and thanked the people for their support for his administration.

    He said: “I understand the impact of the decision made by the late Abacha in creating Bayelsa State against all odds.

    “Irrespective of whatever opinion other people may hold of the late Abacha, by virtue of the creation of Bayelsa State, he has earned a place in the hearts of the Ijaw.

    “To this end, the government will lay the foundation stone of a 150-duplex housing estate named after the late Abacha.

    “Also, the government, in partnership with the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has named the main auditorium of the INC building after him.

    “In addition, the government will invite his family to plant a memorial tree in his honour at the Heroes Garden, which I have just established.”

    Dickson praised former Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and the late Umaru Yar’Adua, as well as others, whose actions have impacted positively on the people of the state.

    He said: “The state is indebted to worthy Nigerian leaders like them and we will honour them in due course.”

    Dickson said the state has “great hopes for a bright future”.