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Tag: Ladigbolu

  • Ladigbolu lists benefits of Tinubu’s reforms

    Ladigbolu lists benefits of Tinubu’s reforms

    The chairman of Yoruba Unity Forum (YUF) and chieftain of Afenifere, Bishop Ayo Ladigbolu, has listed the benefits of the reforms embarked by the Tinubu administration.

    The retired Methodist, who also spoke at the conference of Southwest stakeholders in Akure, capital of Ondo State, urged Nigerians to cooperate with President Tinubu in his quest to reposition the country for excellence.

    He lauded the reforms, saying that the government cannot be subsidising everything in the country.

    Delivering a lecture titled: ‘A Reflection on Economic Restructuring and National Renewal,’ he warned against resistance to reforms.

    He listed 11 benefits that would accrue to the country, if the economic reforms succeed.

    Ladigbolu said: “It will make more money available to the government for infrastructure development and eventually reduce expenses.

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    “Electricity generation (for example) will improve, and we will need less petrol and diesel for powering our generators. More vehicles will also be powered by gas, thus reducing our reliance on PMS. The availability of cooking gas will reduce dependence on firewood and charcoal thereby protecting our environment from degradation.

    “Massive transportation facilities will be available like trains and buses thereby reducing the number of Heavy-duty trucks and tankers on our roads. This in turn will reduce our expenses on road repairs and maintenance nationwide.

    “Affordable healthcare services will be at our beck and call, while global standard education will also thrive.

    “The policies will drive massive local manufacturing and production (like we once had at Lafia Canning Industry, Apata, Ibadan).

    “We shall return to agricultural investments and the use of local products. Our engineers and technologists will embrace innovation and creativity, producing appropriate tools and machines for our small, medium and large-scale industries without needing to use the Dollar to import them from America or China or Korea.

    “Our flashy, show offish, and extravagant lifestyles will be curtailed, and more and more will live within their means. Wasteful, careless spending will be under control. Our number of personal vehicles and luxury automobiles will be curtailed and unnecessary travels avoided.

    “As we grow wiser (but not miserly) more Nigerians will ask questions from our Governments and make them accountable for the disbursement and management of public funds.

  • Ladigbolu, Awoyemi for Afenifere conference

    Ladigbolu, Awoyemi for Afenifere conference

    Chairman of Yoruba Unity Forum and member of Afenifere Elders’ Caucus, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, and governance expert, Dr. Ayo Awoyemi, are among the leading speakers at the forthcoming Southwest Stakeholders Dialogue scheduled to hold in Akure, Ondo State.

    The two-day regional forum with the theme: ‘Strengthening Democracy through Dialogue: Assessing Progress, Charting the Future’, will take place on October 29 and 30 at the International Conference Centre (The Dome), Akure.

    Convened by Pa Reuben Fasoranti, leader of Afenifere, the dialogue is designed as a citizen–government interactive town hall session that will bring together ministers, senior federal government officials, traditional rulers, civil society leaders and other stakeholders from across the six Southwest states.

    Ladigbolu will deliver a special address, while Awoyemi is billed to present the keynote address, both expected to provide thought-provoking perspectives on strengthening democratic governance and regional cooperation.

    The dialogue will be hosted by Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, with co-hosts including Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

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    Expected participants include current and former political leaders, professional associations, youths’ and women’s groups, civil society organisations, business leaders and traditional institutions.

    Discussions will focus on democratic consolidation, regional collaboration and the impact of federal policies on the Southwest.

    Programme highlights include Southwest Stakeholders Confab, Southwest Governors’ Forum session on ‘Regional Collaboration: Impact of Federal Government Reforms, Policies and Programmes on Southwest States,’ and a series of thematic engagement sessions aimed at defining a common development agenda for the region.

    Organised in partnership with Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, the forum seeks to foster cooperation among governments, institutions and citizens in building a more inclusive, accountable and prosperous Southwest.

    Enquiries are to be directed to Dr. Akin Onigbinde (SAN) and Dr. Seye Oyeleye, Director-General of the DAWN Commission.

    With Ladigbolu and Awoyemi leading key sessions, the Akure dialogue promises to generate far-reaching ideas on democracy, governance and future of development in the Yoruba-speaking Southwest states.

  • Ladigbolu lauds Olivet’s 80-year education legacy in Oyo

    Ladigbolu lauds Olivet’s 80-year education legacy in Oyo

    Chairman, Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, has celebrated Olivet Baptist High School’s transformative impact on education in Oyo Kingdom over the past eight decades.

    Delivering the anniversary lecture titled, ‘Western Education in the Heart of the Oyo Empire’ at the school’s original site in Isokun, Oyo, Ladigbolu highlighted the institution’s pivotal role in advancing academic, moral, and spiritual excellence.

    The lecture was part of activities marking the 80th anniversary of the Olivet Baptist High School Old Students Association.

    In recognition of his contributions as an elder statesman and advocate for education, the association’s National President, Dr. Wale Okediran, presented Ladigbolu with an award of appreciation.

    Tracing the roots of Western education in Oyo Province, Ladigbolu credited Christian missions with laying the foundation by establishing 154 of the 156 primary schools in the area by 1931.

    He lamented Oyo’s initial lag in education due to economic challenges, cultural conservatism, and limited support from traditional leadership. “Oyo’s educational revolution truly began with the founding of Olivet in 1945, which provided accessible, non-discriminatory education,” he said.

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    Ladigbolu extolled Olivet’s enduring mission to nurture students for service, leadership, and societal contribution.

    He lauded its notable alumni, including Prof. Wande Abimbola, Dr. Oba Otudeko, and Senator Monsura Sunmonu, as evidence of the school’s global impact. “Olivet has produced leaders of integrity, character, and competence, who continue to shape Nigeria and the world,” he stated.

    The archbishop called for renewed investment in Olivet’s future, urging stakeholders to prioritise digital education tools, vocational training centres, and modern infrastructure.

    He also emphasised the importance of mentoring younger generations to uphold and expand the school’s legacy.

    “Olivet stands as a beacon of educational excellence in Oyo Kingdom. Its story is a testament to the power of vision, dedication, and the unwavering pursuit of greatness,” Ladigbolu concluded.

  • Ladigbolu hails ex-ambassador on school’s anniversary

    Ladigbolu hails ex-ambassador on school’s anniversary

    Renowned cleric and Chairman, Oyo Metropolitan Development Association, Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, has eulogised the late Otun of Oyo and former Nigerian Ambassador to Congo, Chief Moses Oyedele Ogunmola, as Ladigbolu Grammar School, Oyo, marked its 60th anniversary.

     At  the event, Ladigbolu praised Ogunmola’s vision in establishing the school in 1965, describing him as a trailblazer whose contributions to education transformed the Oyo community.

     The milestone celebration, which featured a mix of academic, cultural, and sporting activities, included a public lecture delivered by legal luminary Femi Falana, SAN, and a keynote address by former presidential aide, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, who called for proactive leadership from the new Alaafin of Oyo.

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     The highlight of the event was the inauguration of landmark projects, including a reconstructed school gate, which was sponsored by the children of the late Ogunmola to honour his legacy and a new school road network constructed by the old students.

    Permanent Secretary and Inspector General of Education, Mrs Maria Karunwi, who representing Governor Seyi Makinde, commended the alumni and stakeholders for their dedication to the founder’s ideals and their contributions to the school’s development.

     The festivities also included a novelty football match, drawing alumni and students together in a spirit of camaraderie, and a reunion ceremony where Chief Ogunmola was posthumously honoured by the Old Students Association.

     Archbishop Ladigbolu, who served as Father of the Day and Chairman of the project inauguration ceremony, expressed pride in the school’s achievements over the past six decades, urging the stakeholders to sustain the vision of its late founder.

     The event concluded with heartfelt tributes, showcasing the enduring legacy of Chief Ogunmola and the transformative impact of Ladigbolu Grammar School on education in Oyo State.

  • Ladigbolu hosts Oyo Museum curator

    Ladigbolu hosts Oyo Museum curator

    Chairman, Oyo Metropolitan Development Association (Oyo Metro), Archbishop Emeritus Ayo Ladigbolu, has disclosed plans to rename Oyo Royal Archives, established by him, in honour of the late Otun of Oyo and former Nigerian Ambassador to Zambia and Malawi, Chief Moses Ogunmola.

    The deceased, who died on Sunday at 95, was also the chairman of the old Oyo Local Government and Western Nigeria Development Commission, WNDC (now known as Odu’a Investment Company Ltd).

    He also founded the famous Ladigbolu Grammar School, Oyo, in 1965 and administered it till 1976 when it was taken over by the government.

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    Archbishop Ladigbolu made this known while hosting the management of National Museum Oyo, led by the Curator, Mrs. Funke Afolayan, at his Forikori Villa residence in Oyo town.

    Ladigbolu described the renowned historian and culture enthusiast as an icon, a colossus, a giant and an embodiment of tradition and culture, who deserved to be immortalised.

    He said he was inspired by God to name the royal archives after the late Ogunmola, to reciprocate his good gesture of naming a grammar school after Alaafin Siyanbola Ladigbolu I.