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Tag: Lanlehin

  • Oyo APC to Lanlehin, others: prepare for defeat at polls

    THE  Oyo State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has advised those who defected to other parties as their governorship or National Assembly candidates to prepare for defeat in the February 16 and March 2 elections.

    In a statement yesterday in Ibadan, the state capital, by its Publicity Secretary, Dr Azeez Olatunde, the APC said no amount of name-calling and political brickbats would save their political careers.

    The ruling party stressed that the defectors left the most popular party with the best internal democracy for less popular parties.

    Some APC members joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and other political parties last year to contest this year’s general elections.

    The ADC governorship candidate, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, also left Accord and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for ADC.

    But the APC said the defectors would not be able to revive their political fortunes by joining new parties.

    The party said Lanlehin, the Oyo South senatorial candidate, Senator Soji Akanbi and other ADC candidates “entered political wilderness and lost their political bearing and relevance the moment they left APC, which is the party with the best people-oriented programmes”.

    The statement noted that Lanlehin went to the Senate on the platform of defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) before it metamorphosed into APC and left with another serving senator.

    It said the duo lost their quest to return to the National Assembly as they were floored at the polls by candidates of the APC.

    The APC said Lanlehin and the other senator were in a better position to explain their travails to the people, adding that they had lost their political relevance.

    The party also said the politicians got themselves in different political squabbles since their departure from APC, the party he described with the best internal democracy.

    It reads: “Senator Lanlehin contested for the seat of Oyo South Senatorial District in 2015 and we all know the result. It is amazing to see someone who cannot win an election in nine local government areas aspiring to win the governorship election where there are 33 local government area.

    “We will like to remind Senator Lanlehin that he won the election in 2011 based on the strength of our party, the then CAN, and not on his personality or popularity. The same thing happened to Senator Akanbi in 2015, when he rode on the popularity of the APC and the laudable achievements of Governor Abiola Ajimobi to win the Oyo South senatorial seat in the National Assembly.

    “We want to tell them and their ilk that no amount of name-calling, brickbats and mudslinging can revive their political career. The people of the state have shown their preference for APC and its candidates.”

     

     

  • Aggrieved Oyo ADC governorship aspirants withdraw suit against Lanlehin

    Five of the aggrieved governorship aspirants who filed a suit against the candidature of Oyo State African Democratic Congress (ADC) candidate, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, have withdrawn from the case to work for his election on March 2.

    They are: Taofeek Arapaja and Chief Lowo Obisesan, Senator Gbenga Babalola, Chief Oluseye Opatoki and Wale Adegoke.

    They said the decision to withdraw the suit was taken by the concerned parties.

    The aspirants declared their withdrawal and support at the weekend at a rally of the party at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, the state capital.

    The development brought a reprieve to Lanlehin and other chieftains of the party in the state.

    Three of the ADC aggrieved aspirants – Dr Kola Balogun, Dr Nureni Adeniran and Mr Rauf Olaniyan – had joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), leaving nine others behind.

    Chief Sharafadeen Alli also left the party to pick the ticket of the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP).

    It was learnt that a former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola brokered the peace with Lanlehin.

    Arapaja and Obisesan said the decision to withdraw the suit was borne out of their interest to ensure success for ADC at the polls as well as the gentlemanly disposition of Lanlehin, who they said they had nothing personal against.

    Arapaja said: “There is nothing like do-or-die in our own politics. All power belongs to God. The strife is over and the battle done. In politics, we have often times used consensus arrangement to select candidates. But the problem came when one of the leaders started playing hide and seek with us.

    “We were bitter about the whole thing, but not to the extent of going after each other’s life. Those of us who slugged it out with our brother, Senator Lanlehin, for the governorship ticket of ADC have, therefore, discontinued with the case we instituted against the emergence of Senator Lanlehin.

    “Only bastards will not be angry the way we were and only bastards will shun entreaties when appealed to. I can assure you that all of us jointly took the decision to withdraw the case. We have decided to support our brother, Senator Lanlehin.”

    Oyinlola hoped ADC would form the next government in the state, judging by the formidability of the party and the calibre of its candidates.

    The former governor urged ADC members to work hard and win the state, saying: “It is when the party forms the next government in the state that there can be gain for all members.”

  • Lanlehin: I will fulfill my campaign promises

    At a huge crowd of supporters, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin and other candidates kicked-off their campaigns for the elections.

    Addressing the crowd Lanlehin said the ADC was in the race to win, describing it as a credible alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

    He promised to use the resources of the state to better the lot of the people, stressing that he would run a people-oriented government. He said his government would make people happy by embarking on simple projects that will address their needs.

    Lanlehin said: “We will not go into huge wasteful contracts. We will not go into things that are not good for the development of our people. We will do simple, straightforward, realistic projects that will enhance the welfare of our people.” He promised.

    He added:  “We are going to do things that will make you happy, that will make you live a decent life.

    “Everything we’re going to do will not but be geared towards the progress and welfare of our people. What we want to do is to make sure that our people are well fed, well educated and housed.

    “We will make people friendly policies and make the people of the state happy. We will set up and help small scale businesses. We don’t need to go overseas. Everything we need is here.

    “Our policies will be centered on the people. The most important thing is to see the to the happiness of the people. So all policies, all activities, all actions will be geared towards reducing the suffering of our people and ensuring their progress.”

    Lanlehin pledged to concentrate on agriculture to rejuvenate the economy of the state, adding that he would improve inter-city roads to facilitate better transport of goods and people.

    “To a large extent, we’ll concentrate on agriculture which will bring food to the table of our people and concentrate on cottage industries which will process and add value to some of the farm products produced by our people so that at the end of the day, they will be self sufficient.

    “I will make sure that there’s interconnectivity between the towns. The roads between the towns are so bad. We must make sure they are in good order,” Lanlehin stated.

    Earlier, during a courtesy visit to Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba AbdulGaniyu Salau, Lanlehin promised to build a tertiary institution in Iseyin.

    He said: “We will build a befitting tertiary institution in Iseyin because Iseyin people are learned”. He said.

    He also promised to construct new roads in Iseyin and other parts of Oke Ogun if given a chance.

    In his response, Oba Salau expressed his appreciation to the party leaders for choosing Iseyin for the flag-off and wished the candidates well.

    In his welcome address, the National Chairman of the party, Chief Ralph Nwosu, described ADC as a party of peaceful people. He urged members and supporters to conduct themselves peacefully.

    The candidates for the National Assembly and Oyo State House of Assembly elections were also given flags at the rally.

    In attendance were party leaders and chieftains, including the deputy governorship candidate Alhaji Saheed Alaran, Sen. Monsurat Sumonu, Senator Soji Akanbi and Hon. Dapo Lam-Adesina.

     

  • Lanlehin, others pull crowd as Oyo ADC flags off campaign in Iseyin

    With a huge crowd of supporters, the governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Sen. Olufemi Lanlehin and other candidates of the party flagged off the party’s campaign for the 2019 election in Iseyin at the weekend.

    Addressing the crowd of party members and supporters at the rally, Lanlehin said the ADC was in the race to win, pointing out that it was the credible alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the country.

    If voted, the governorship hopeful promised to use the resources of the state to better the lot of the citizenry, stressing that he would run a people-oriented government. He said his government would simply make people happy by embarking on simple projects that will address their needs. “We will not go into huge wasteful contracts. We will not go into things that are not good for the development of our people. We will do simple, straightforward, realistic projects that will enhance the welfare of our people,” he promised.

    He added:  “We are going to do things that will make you happy, that will make you live a decent life.

    “Everything we’re going to do will be geared towards the progress and welfare of our people. What we want to do is to make sure that our people are well fed, well educated and housed.

    “We will make people friendly policies and make the people of the state happy. We will set up and help small scale businesses. We don’t need to go overseas. Everything we need is here.

    “Our policies will be centered on the people. The most important thing is to see to the happiness of the people. So all policies, all activities, all actions will be geared towards reducing the suffering of our people and ensuring their progress.”

    Specifically, Lanlehin pledged to concentrate on agriculture to rejuvenate the economy of the state, adding that he would improve inter-city roads to facilitate better transport of goods and people.

    “To a large extent, we’ll concentrate on agriculture which will bring food to the table of our people and concentrate on cottage industries which will process and add value to some of the farm products produced by our people so that at the end of the day, they will be self sufficient.

    “I will make sure that there’s interconnectivity between the towns. The roads between the towns are so bad. We must make sure they are in good order,” Lanlehin stated.

    Earlier, during a courtesy visit to Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba AbdulGaniyu Salau, Lanlehin promised to build a tertiary institution in Iseyin if voted. “We will build a befitting tertiary institution in Iseyin because Iseyin people are learned”. He said.

    He also promised to construct new roads in Iseyin and the entire Oke Ogun if given a chance.

    In his response, Oba Salau expressed his appreciation to the party leaders for choosing Iseyin for the flag-off and wished the candidates well.

     

     

     

  • Ladoja’s exit won’t stop Oyo ADC from winning 2019 poll, says Lanlehin

    The exit of former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) will not stop the party from winning next year’s governorship election, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin said yesterday.

    Lanlehin, who is the party’s governorship candidate, addressed reporters for the first time after the exit of his leader, Ladoja, from ADC to Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) a fortnight ago.

    Ladoja dumped ADC for ZLP on claims that members of the Unity Forum, which broke away from the All Progressives Congress (APC) to ADC, were imposing candidates on the party.

    The former governor had supported Lanlehin to become ADC’s governorship candidate but left him behind.

    He said the ADC candidate refused to see reasons why they needed to leave the party for members of the Unity Forum.

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    Lanlehin defected from the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as a serving senator to join Ladoja in Accord (A) party in 2014.

    He moved with the former governor to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last year and to ADC in May.

    The ADC governorship candidate assured the party faithful that he would defeat the APC candidate, Adebayo Adelabu, in the next year election.

    He added: “The struggle to unseat this government is certain. That is the government that must be sent out. And by the grace of God, it will be achieved.”

    Lanlehin, who represented Oyo South between 2011 and 2015, said it was certain that Governor Abiola Ajimobi’s tenure will end on May 29, next year, and anyone who wants to continue with his “legacy” would not be accepted by the people of the state.

  • Oyo ADC candidate Lanlehin to ‘run people-oriented govt’

    The National Working Committee (NWC) of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has declared Senator Olufemi Lanlehin as its governorship candidate in Oyo State.

    The Chairman of the Screening and Primary Committee, Peter Oyewole said Lanlehin won a keenly contested primary involving 13 aspirants.

    Oyewole urged the people to support the senator to enable him to win the seat.

    ADC’s National Chairman Ralphs Nwosu said he was happy the party had produced a strong candidate.

    He said: “I call on great members of our great party to support our governorship candidate in the interest of the party and the good people of Oyo State. Ours is a very vibrant party, as shown by the intense activities surrounding the primary in the state. We are one and will work with one voice to win the election in 2019.”

    Lanlehin promised to run a people-oriented, “inclusive government and carry out projects that will impact the lives of the people and make the state a pacesetter again”.

     

  • Ajimobi, Lanlehin provide healthcare for the poor

    Ajimobi, Lanlehin provide healthcare for the poor

    Nigerians living in the rural areas have suffered neglect due to lack of access to basic primary healthcare services. OSEHEYE OKWUOFU reports that efforts by governments and public-spirited individuals in Oyo State is changing the ugly trend

    Millions of people dwelling in rural communities in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital who, before now lacked access to basic primary healthcare services now heave a sigh of relief. This is because of the intervention of Oyo State government.

    Primary healthcare defined as “essential healthcare based on practical, scientifically-sound and socially-acceptable methods,” is practically not possible in most communities.

    As a result of non-availability of functional healthcare centres, rural dwellers have employed traditional healthcare methods to address critical healthcare needs.

    However, basic primary healthcare goes beyond the traditional healthcare method that focuses on health, equity-producing social policy.

    Basic primary health includes all areas that play a role in health such as access to health services, environment and lifestyle. In this, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, right from the inception of his administration, has shown commitment to the provision of various facets of basic healthcare for the people across the 33 local government areas of the state.

    A clean people are a healthy people. Today, the city of Ibadan and the entire state are a reflection of a real model state.

    Sensitisation campaign on the need for clean environment and massive urban renewal and beautification programme of the state government underscore the principle for basic primary healthcare.

    Supported by his wife, Chief Mrs. Florence Ajimobi whose pet programme, Access to Basic Health Care Foundation (ABC), the governor’s effort at promoting basic healthcare for the people received a boost by Senator Olufemi Lanlehin’s free medical services across Oyo South Senatorial District.

    A mammoth crowd of rural and urban dwellers were offered free medical services.

    At local government levels, healthcare clinics have been rejuvenated and are offering free basic healthcare services to the poor.

    This ideal model of healthcare delivery was adopted in the declaration of the International Conference on Primary Healthcare held in Alma Ata, Kazakhstan in 1978 known as the “Alma Ata Declaration”, and became a core concept of the World Health Organisation’s goal of health for all.

    Most places visited in Ibadan and its environs, hundreds of people have been benefiting from the free healthcare services made available in different parts of Ibadan and extended into isolated rural areas through construction of health posts and centres that offer basic maternal-child health, immunisation nutrition, first aid, and referral services.

    At Omi-Adio, in Ido Local Government in Ibadan less city, a health post constructed by the governor’s wife, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi has provided people unfettered access to free basic primary healthcare services.

    The health post, according the Nurse in charge, Mrs. Bukola Aderibigbe serves more than 15 rural communities.

    She said: “This health post is a huge relief to hundreds of people who live nearby communities but do not have health centres. As you can see, every day we record over 50 patients who visit this centre and were free drugs and treatment courtesy of the Access Basic Health Care Foundation of governor’s wife.”

    Senator Lanlehin, in his effort to bring basic healthcare services to the rural poor, partnered with a United States-based non-governmental organisation (NGO), LABAKCARE which offered free healthcare services to over 6,000 people in nine local governments of the state.

    Speaking on the five-day health programme, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin expressed joy that many could now access free medical services in the state, but noted that there is still much to be done to assist the people .

    The leader of the United States medical team and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of LABAKCARE Organisation Inc., Dr. Omolabake Fadeyibi said the programme has really assisted the poor people who could not afford cost of medical treatment in no small measure.

    While describing the turn-out as highly impressive, Dr Fadeyibi said her team of medical practitioners have been able to diagnose, treat and provide drugs freely to people.

    “Labakcare organisation uses preventive medicine technique to take care of the people who will not be able to afford healthcare. That is, to take care of poor people. We do this mission here in Nigeria. We were here last year, and this year, Senator Lanlehin invited us to come.

    “We bring in some donated medicines by the American government and some we purchased with our money. On the other hand, Senator Lanlehin provided accommodation, transportation and feeding.

    “It was my dream to give back to my country; a reason I founded Labakcare. But I can’t give everybody because I don’t have much to give everybody. At least, I can help people to better understand how to take care of themselves. So, when we come, we screen for chronic health problems and educate people. We screen for high blood pressure, we screen for diabetes, screen for infection in women, we do blood glucose, we have done HIV test in the past, and healthcare education so that people can take good care of themselves, letting them know the medication we are giving them will not last long.

    “So, it is their responsibility to seek needed care that is also cheap from any local doctor because they don’t have money and healthcare is least on their agenda. So, that is what we have been doing since we started. We took care of pregnant women, we gave them prenatal vitamins that were donated by some companies in the US,” she said.

    The Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial District, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin expressed delight on the turnout, saying it was a true reflection of the healthcare needs of the people.

    Lanlehin, who was represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Mr. Kayode Aremu said: ”If you look at the situation of our people; especially at the rural areas, you will see that there are some things that should be provided by the government. Quality healthcare is one of them. This is lacking. Because of this poverty situation, a lot of people could not afford quality healthcare. It is not all deaths that are natural. In most cases, it is due to lack of resources to care for their health. But when we have people in government, they can provide things like free medical care for the people because of the love for their people.

     

  • PDP crisis inevitable, says Lanlehin

    PDP crisis inevitable, says Lanlehin

    The senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district, Olufemi Lanlehin, has described the crisis rocking the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as inevitable .

    The PDP, he said, deserves what it is getting.

    He spoke with reporters in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital yesterday during the inauguration of two blocks of six classrooms at Yejide Girls Grammar School, Molete and Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Salvation Army. Lanlehin said the crisis in the PDP was self-induced.

    He said: “ The crisis in the PDP really portends a bad signal. I mean what is happening in PDP is inevitable. PDP has taken the country for a ride for too long. They have taken the country for granted for too long. You know, they asked for people’s votes, they get it rightly or wrongly.

    “ Now, they are beginning to take each other for granted , having taken the country for granted for too long , having taken the country for a ride for too long , they are beginning to rip each other and there is implosion.

    “Believe you me, if this madness is not well managed, the nation’s democracy may go down the drain because the two feuding sides are really poised for battle and at the end of the day, it is the country that suffers.”

  • Ajimobi, Lanlehin visit Ibadan fire victims

    Ajimobi, Lanlehin visit Ibadan fire victims

    •Reps to empower NEMA

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi yesterday visited victims of Monday’s fire in Inalende, Ibadan, the state capital.

    A fuel-laden tanker spilled its content in the area on Monday evening and it resulted in a fire.

    Senator Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South District), Ibadan North West Local Government Caretaker Chairman Alhaji Wasiu Olatunbosun, social workers and community leaders also visited the victims.

    Ajimobi assured the victims of the government’s assistance. Moved by the extent of the injury sustained by one of the landlords in the area, Alhaji Yinusa Ajibade, the governor directed the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Muyiwa Gbadegesin, to arrange for his treatment at the government’s expense.

    Inspecting the affected houses and shops, many of which were completely burnt, Ajimobi described the incident as “most unfortunate”.

    He said he felt the pains of the victims because he had a similar experience in 1992, when his newly-built home in Lagos was reduced to rubbles by fire.

    The governor urged the victims to thank God that no life was lost.

    He said: “My coming here is not to exploit the incident to campaign, but to sincerely sympathise with you. I know how painful it is to lose one’s means of livelihood in a fire, because I once experienced it, but we should take solace in the fact that no life was lost. You should also have faith that God can replenish your lost property in multiple folds.”

    Ajimobi said he had told some government officials to compile the names of the victims and indicate the property lost.

    One of the leaders of the community, Mr. Joel Adewumi, thanked the governor for his concern and assured him that residents would maintain a clean environment.

    Lanlehin urged the Federal Government, through the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to assist the victims.

    Pledging to help the victims, he said: “Something urgent needs to be done to ameliorate the pain of the loss. I hope this does not happen again. I see sadness on the faces of the people because they have lost their life-long investments and houses, but let us thank God that no life was lost.

    “Of course, some people were injured, and I am sure they will be taken care of. The state government will obviously assist the victims. I will also do whatever I can to get the Federal Government to help through the appropriate agency.”

    The House of Representatives also sympathised with the victims. It considered making a law that would make NEMA more responsive to emergency situations.

    This followed the adoption of a matter of urgent national importance raised by Mr. Abiodun Awoleye (Ibadan North Federal Constituency), who regretted that NEMA did not respond to the fire until the following morning.

    He said: “The fire consumed over 50 houses, 35 shops, two mosques, vehicles and motorcycles. It is disturbing that only the State Fire Service responded to curtail the fire. NEMA did not respond until Tuesday morning.

    “In view of this, it would serve the nation better, if the House could mandate the Committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to come up with a legislation that will make NEMA more proactive to disaster management.”

    Awoleye said though those critically injured had been taken to hospitals, the casualty figure could have been lower, if assistance came on time.

    He also urged the House to mandate the committee to visit the scene of the fire and commiserate with the victims.

    The prayers were adopted after the motion was put to voice vote by the Speaker, Aminu Tambuwal.

     

  • Amnesty: Lanlehin, cleric urge Boko Haram to ceasefire

    SENATOR Olufemi Lanlehin (Oyo South) and the Bishop of Ibadan Anglican Communion, Archbishop Joseph Akinfenwa, have appealed to members of the Boko Haram sect to ceasefire before the proposed amnesty by the Federal Government takes off.

    They said there would be no meaningful dialogue as long as the sect continues to carry out terrorist attacks.

    They spoke at the 3rd session of the 20th synod of the Anglican diocese, held at All Souls Church, Bodija Ibadan yesterday.

    Lanlehin advised the Amnesty Committee of the Federal Government to insist Boko Haram members lay down arms before meaningful negotiation takes place.

    According to him: “If there is going to be an amnesty at all, they should first of all ceasefire from both sides.

    “That is when the Armed Forces can arrest miscreants and armed robbers taking advantage of the situation to perpetuate their evil acts”.

    He urged Boko Haram members to state their grievances, stressing plans to Islamise Nigeria will never work.

    Akinfenwa appealed to them to come out of hiding for dialogue to commence.

    The cleric stated: “We appeal to them to lay down their arms and then come out. There is nothing that has no solution.

    “Until you know who is fighting you that is the only time you can have a meaningful discussion with him.”