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Tag: Olagunsoye Oyinlola

  • Kidnapping, terror attacks on schools worsening out-of-school crisis in Nigeria — Oyinlola

    Kidnapping, terror attacks on schools worsening out-of-school crisis in Nigeria — Oyinlola

    …as Alolade Oyinlola College of Health, ICT matriculates 90 students

    Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has warned that frequent kidnappings and terror attacks on schools are worsening Nigeria’s out-of-school children crisis.

    Speaking at the second Matriculation of Alolade Oyinlola College in Okuku, Odo-Otin local government area, Oyinlola, who is also the proprietor of the institution, stressed that parents will continue to keep their children at home unless the Federal Government urgently restores security and public confidence in the education system.

    He said, “If parents are not sure that the children will go to school and come back safely, why allow them to go? The Federal Government must address terrorism, kidnapping, and related threats to encourage children, especially in the North, to attend school. That is the only way to reduce out-of-school children.”

    On the occasion, Oyinlola congratulated the matriculating students, noting that they represent a diverse mix of backgrounds, cultures, and aspirations from across Nigeria.

    The Chairman of the College Council, Prof. Sola Akinrinade, revealed that 90 students were admitted and urged them to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits.

  • Golfers play kitty for Oyinlola at 74

    Golfers play kitty for Oyinlola at 74

    The former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has enjoined Nigerians to embrace sports, especially golf, saying ‘playing golf keeps one alive, hearty and healthy.’

    Addressing journalists during the special golf tournament held at Ile-Ogbo Golf Club-Osun State, to mark his 74th birthday, Oyinlola called for regular physical exercise and full participation in sporting activities saying it is essential to always keep fit.

    Oyinlola also lauded Lanre Leke Sports Academy for providing one of the privately-owned equipped establishments and an enabling environment for sports to thrive in the country.

    This was even as prominent Nigerian golfers including Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Edo and Delta states, Chief Olatunde Badmus; former Osun Deputy Governor, Benedict Alabi; former National Vice Chairman, People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo; former Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Prince Adebayo Adeleke; Justice Jide Falola (rtd) and others participated in the  18- hole Golf Kitty tournament organised in honour of Prince Oyinlola’s 74th birthday.

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    The occasion was also graced by Olu of Ile-Ogbo, Oba Habeeb Adetoyese; former Osun Deputy Governor and golfer, Benedict Alabi; Federal Commissioner representing Osun at the National Population Commission NPC, Abuja, Dr. Amidu Tadese; APC Chieftain, Chief Shuaibu Oyedokun; politician and insurance magnate, Dr. Akin Ogunbiyi; former Special Adviser on Water Resources and Energy, Engr. Adeniran Ibitoye; member Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Elisah Oderinwale; former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Kazeem Adio and others.

    “Playing golf keeps the heart strong and healthy because it involves every part of the body. It works all the muscles of the body as the golfer walks through the golf course, breathing in fresh, clean air. It is true that we live in a busy world but everyone must make out time to exercise and one of the easiest ways is golfing, ” Oyinlola advocated.

    “I must confess that I am overwhelmed by the decision of the founder of this academy, Engr. Olanrewaju Adeleke to honour me on my 74th birthday with this golf kitty. I have always been encouraged whenever I am honoured this way.

    “To me citing a golf course in this environment has placed the town on the world map. The products of this academy will tomorrow bring glory to the town, the state and the country at large as they will be known globally”, Oyinlola stated.

    In his remarks, Engr. Olanrewaju Adeleke, founder of Lanre Leke Sports Academy, Ile-Ogbo, and Managing Director, Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Limited, felicitated the celebrant on the occasion of his 74th birthday.

    Describing sports as a veritable tool to foster unity, peace, and harmony across the globe Adeleke said sports can be used to curb youth restiveness and it is an avenue for youth to develop their God-given talents.

  • My father warned his 64 children against inheritance – Ex-Gov Oyinlola

    My father warned his 64 children against inheritance – Ex-Gov Oyinlola

    Former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola has explained why he and his siblings have refrained from sharing the late father’s property 64 years after his demise.

    He revealed that his father, who reigned as the Olokuku of Okuku, gave stern warning to his 64 children not to contemplate inheriting his wealth as anyone thinking of doing so was wasting his or her own time.

    Oyinlola, who disclosed this during the orientation programme organised for the pioneer students of his newly established institution, Alolade Oyinlola College of Health Sciences and Information Technology, Okuku, Osun State, noted the importance of education in ever dynamic world.

    Addressing the students, he said “We are laying the foundation for excellence in Health Science and Information Technology Education, and your names will forever be etched as the pioneers of this institution.”

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    He added: “This is my own contribution to education. When I was young, before my father who was a king died, he told us that if any child thinks he will inherit any wealth after his demise, such child is wasting his time because all he was giving in terms of wealth and inheritance is education.

    “We are 64 children with me 43rd and it was his vision of being committed to education that sustained the family till today. My father has been dead for 64 years, nobody has even thought of sharing any of his property.”

    He urged the students to stay focused, committed, and be disciplined in their studies, assuring that “innovative curriculum, hands-on learning experiences, and dedicated faculty are designed to arm you with the skills and knowledge to make a lasting impact in today’s evolving world.”

    He disclosed that, “For Alolade University, I believe that we will scale through the approval stage, we are just waiting for Federal Executive Council’s approval.”

  • Obasanjo to PDP: purge yourselves of bad eggs ahead of 2023

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to purge itself of “bad eggs and hypocrites” who “lack the commitment” to return the opposition party to its lost glory.

    Obasanjo rued that many of the PDP leaders still preoccupy themselves with what ministers to “their pockets and stomach”.

    He wondered why some of them left the party and others lost hope as soon as the results of the 2019 presidential election were announced.

    The former president spoke on Sunday evening when Southwest PDP leaders, led by the party’s National Vice Chairman (Southwest), Dr. Eddy Olafeso, visited him at his Pent-House Residence within the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library (OOPL), Abeokuta, Ogun State.

    At the meeting were: Senate Minority Leader Mrs. Biodun Olujimi; senators-elect Kola Balogun (Oyo South); Ayo Akinyelure (Ondo Central); House of Representatives member-elect Ajibola Muraina (Ibarapa North and Central); former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Minister for State for Defence Erelu Olusola Obada and the PDP candidate in Ekiti State during the 2018 governorship election, Prof Olusola Eleka.

    Obasanjo told his guests that Nigeria’s situation demands a vibrant voice and opposition in PDP to engender a virile democracy.

    The former leader also bemoaned the failure of leadership in the country, saying Nigeria “can’t move forward if we continue the way we are”.

    Obasanjo, whose Coalition for Nigerian Movement (CNM) failed to dislodge President Muhammadu Buhari and his All Progressives Congress (APC) at the centre, urged the opposition PDP to purge itself of “hypocrites and bad eggs”

    He noted that the purge would put the party on a higher pedestal to scout for those he called “critical mass of committed people,”  who “would be ready to stand with the party come rain, come shine”.

    Obasanjo said:  ”I knew PDP would lose election in 2015 because it was clear. And I knew PDP will need to be rebuilt after losing the election.

    “You need what I call critical mass of committed people and come rain, come shine, they are committed. With that, you can make Nigeria better.

    “You see peoples’ faces beautiful but you don’t know what each person harbours inside of him. If you discover a bad egg, remove such a person. And if such person has learnt his or her lessons, there can still be room to accommodate the person.

    “Politically speaking, you can’t be my friend if you don’t buy into the Nigeria project. For me, till death, I will continue to push for a better Nigeria.

    “I said if you compare the two of them (referring to Atiku and Buhari); with what I know and all I have written about the incumbent, which they have decided to cover up, Atiku is better than the incumbent by far. That’s the point I am making. And nobody is perfect.

    “I am not a perfect person. I have my shortcomings. If I deny my shortcomings, it means I am not being truthful to myself. But, my shortcomings have nothing to do with my love for Nigeria. It has nothing to do with being greedy or selfishness.”

    Earlier, Olafeso had explained that the visit was to celebrate Obasanjo on his 82nd birthday, which he marked recently, and thank him for his support for the PDP presidential candidate (Atiku) in this year’s election.

    He described the former president as a loyal, upright and committed leader who is “ready to speak the truth to power” fearlessly.

    “We could not have done well in the last elections in the Southwest without your support. Your voice resonates above all the lies told in the country and you told the world what is actually happening in your country. You decided that you are going to stand up and fight. There is nothing we can say here that would compensate the role you have played.

    “You supported our presidential candidate and I know for sure that he won that election even if the powers-that-be decided to write results for themselves in the North. It is certainly sure that it is the corner you asked all of us to go that won that election and I know full well that God will take this thing back to our party,” Olafeso said.

    Former Lagos State Deputy Governor Mrs. Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, former PDP Deputy National Chairman Shuaibu Oyedoku, and Ondo PDP governorship candidate in 2017 Eyitayo Jegede SAN, among others, also attended the meeting.

  • ‘Africa’s contribution to world civilization can’t be ignored’

    Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo, Osun State has said that Africa’s contribution to the world civilization cannot be ignored.

    Speaking at the centre’s symposium for celebrating African iconic figures in all parts of the world, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of the CBCIU, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said Africans are renowned for rear feat and greatness despite “desperate attempt to shroud these wonderful manifestations of triumph and immensity from us and our children.”

    The former Osun State governor said Africa has come out strongly to create an identity for herself and in the process broken all records to show that she did not only have a very rich past but have contributed to the world civilization.

    Represented by the Secretary to Osun State Government, Kazeem Adio, he said celebrating African cultural icons was not to show how their contributions have shaped “our existence as Africans since time immemorial.”

    According to him, Africa is replete with great cultural icons that moved mountains and shook the world, saying African Diaspora is not left out “as we know from history the bravery many manifested even in the most extreme of conditions.”

    He continued: “As far back as the 15th Century, even before Europe had thought of building states and forming empires, Africans had established empires and kingdoms and operated political systems that would be envied by many. Our progenitors had built strong economic network that facilitated trade and commerce, both on cross-continental and trans-national levels. We had powerful rulers, who reigned and left resounding legacies that have continued to be subjects of study across the world today.

    “Africa has also had her fair share of wars and in the midst of theses emerged strong men, who created political institutions that exist even up till this day. For instance, there is a suggestion that the Haitian Revolution is believed to be the first incidence of mass emancipation in a colonial society and the only slave revolt that resulted in the formation of a modern state. It is also believed that our African progenitors in Haiti during the revolution identified with Ogun, who they believed abhors injustice, corruption and oppression. This served as the  most portent rallying force that drove the revolution.

    Read Also: Oyinlola ceded LAUTECH to Oyo, says Alao-Akala

    “Just as our progenitors had done excellently well and contributed immensely to the progress and development of human civilization in time past, so we have this generation and in recent times.Only this year, we lost to the cold hands of death, two great cultural icons, Alagba Adebayo Faleti and Akinwumi Ishola. In South Africa, Mariam Makeba too died few years ago. While these cultural icons are long dead and buried, their cultural legacies still revolves around us every day. We also recognize other cultural icons across the continent and in the diaspora for their immense contributions to the survival of the African heritage.”

    Earlier, the Executive Director of the CBCIU, Prof. Siyan Oyeweso, has said that the workshop was meant to be intellectually stimulating and engaging, adding that there would be a lesson for the future.

    Oyeweso, who announced January, 2019 as the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the CBCIU, said the Centre had reached a milestone and even surpassed expectations only a decade since it has been opened to the public in 2019.

    He said: “I congratulate everyone, who has made the smallest of inputs to see that the Centre remains the hub of cultural renaissance in Africa and the world at large. Let me use this occasion to formally invite you all on 9th of January, 2019 to mark a decade of the CBCIU’s noble existence.”

    Among iconic cultural icons celebrated at the workshop include the Ondo State born singer and queen, Comfort Omoge; peace Nobel Laureate and South African Bishop, Desmod Tutu; former President of Tanzania, Julius Nyerere; and author of the “How Europe Under Developed Africa,” Walter Rodney.

  • Oyinlola asks Buhari to quit as ten more parties adopt Atiku

    Former Osun State Governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari to quietly back out of the 2019 presidential race to avoid a crushing electoral defeat.

    Oyinlola spoke in Abuja on Monday while receiving the chairmen of 10 political parties that have adopted the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar as sole presidential candidate.

    The former Osun governor, who is the chairman of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), a coalition of 37 parties in alliance with the PDP, said with the addition of the 10 new entrants, the Coalition now has 48 political parties under its umbrella.

    At the signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the new entrants, held at the Yar’Adua Centre, Oyinlola announced that six other political parties have applied to join the Coalition and that their applications were being processed.

    Addressing a gathering of politicians at the event, Oyinlola said developments in the country in the past three and half years clearly indicated that President Buhari and the All Progressives Congress (APC) were least prepared for leadership.

    Read Also: Oyinlola resigns as NIMC chairman, writes Buhari

    He enjoined parties in the Coalition to be strategic in approach and work hard for the victory of Atiku, reminding them that they were working against the re-election of an Army General (Buhari).

    Some of the new entrants to the Coalition include in the Save Nigeria Congress(SNC); United Patriots (UP); Reformed and Advancement Party (RAP); Alliance for Social Democrats, (ASD); We the People Nigeria (WPP) among others.

    Commenting on the exit from the Coalition of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Oyinlola said the SDP failed in its bid to push certain agenda down the throat of the Coalition.

  • Oyinlola resigns as NIMC chairman, writes Buhari

    Former Osun State governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has tendered resignation of his appointment as the Chairman of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC.)

    In his letter to President Muhammadu Buhari dated May 9, 2018, read: “Sir,  I write to resign my appointment as the chairman of National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) with effect from today, 9th May, 2018.

    “Your Excellency, I must put on record my very deep sense of appreciation for the special privilege and consideration you gave me to serve our fatherland in that capacity. As I stated in my appreciation letter to you shortly after the appointment, the offer was a clear call to service. I gave the job the dedication it deserved and would have loved to continue but I regret to inform Your Excellency that I have a new, greater political engagement that will make that difficult and even impolitic.

    Read Also: My wishes for Nigeria: An open letter to President Buhari

    “Sir, as one of my bosses in the army, I believe you would understand my stand given recent political developments. The training I got as a decorated officer and gentleman precluded me from engaging in any act that could amount to disloyalty and conflict of interest. I am moving on to chart a new course in my politics outside the ruling party and this thus, demands my dropping the NIMC chairmanship.

    “I thank you, sir, once again for the great honour and confidence reposed in me. However, there is time to take a job and another time to leave it and move on. For me, the time to work on something else in the interest and service of our people is now. I wish Your Excellency good-luck while praying that you will finish well and strong in the service of our country.”

  • 2019: OBJ’s CNM collapses into ADC

    Former President Olusegun Obasanjo, political pressure group, the Coalition for Nigerian Movement, CNM, has fused with the African Democratic Congress, ADC.

    This is with a view to forming a formidable force to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressive Congress, APC in 2019 poll.

    A Co-Convener of CNM, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who made the pronouncement at a world press conference in Abuja, posited that with the fusion, the coalition has ceased to exist.

    Oyinlola noted that with the understanding of like minded persons and organizations across the country, Nigeria will be rescued, and that the elections of 2018 and 2019 will be used to cure the curse and afflictions of failed leadership and perpetual underdevelopment.

    Explaining the choice of ADC, the former Osun state Governor said that it is an appreciation of the progressive essence of the party and its untainted existence on the terrain of our nation’s politics.

    He said, “We have said it before and we are stating it here again that the current state of despair and despondency in our dear country is an ill wind.

    “It is foreboding and can only lead to a conflagration. Between January when CNM was formed and now, can we say that the story of Nigeria has changed for the better? Have things not worsened at all levels?

    “I thank all of you for being here today. You will all recall that in January this year, the Coalition for Nigeria Movement, CNM, was formed by some of us across the country as a political platform to create a new generation of leaders for our country.

    “Between that time and today, a lot of grounds has been covered in achieving the set  goals. One of such is what we are doing here today – the formal fusing of – our movement into the African Democratic Congress.

    “Beyond what we are doing here today, we put our countrymen and women, old and young, on notice that they should expect more from us; that they should expect deepened political engagements across platforms in the coming days and weeks. In other words, this is just the first in a multi layered action plan to give back the country to its much deprived people.

    “As we stated in January during the launch of the CNM, we are taking on this task not minding the inconveniences and other expected and unexpected consequences of our efforts at reinventing the country.

    “We admit that structural inadequacies and failure of leadership have robbed our country of greatness. We also note that a future of greatness for Nigeria will only be birthed by a new generation of youthful leaders with fresh ideas and knowledge of what it takes to govern a 21 st century nation.

    Read Also: I ‘ll never endorse Buhari, says Obasanjo

    “This gathering here today is a proof that the modest efforts at waking up the vast majority of our people to for once, take their destiny in their hands as demanded by the constitution are bearing fruits already. Our constitution guarantees all Nigerians their fundamental human rights, including freedom of association and the right to hold political views.

    “The decision to move in to African Democratic Congress therefore, is an appreciation of the progressive essence of the party and its untainted existence on the terrain of our nation’s politics.

    “While I on behalf of the leadership and the over three million members of the CNM congratulate ADC as the vehicle for national reinvention, I urge us to let us know that the task ahead is an arduous one that needs further strengthening of the forces of change. What I am saying is that we should be open to new engagements and alliances being forged and crystallizing across the country.

    “We should remain committed to the use of the tools of democracy to recreate a •Nigeria that will truly serve all, irrespective of religion, tribe or socio ‘economic status.

    “We have said it before and we are stating it here again that the current state of despair and despondency in our dear country is an ill wind.

    “ It is foreboding and can only lead to a conflagration. Between January ‘when CNM was formed and now, can we say that the story of Nigeria has changed for the better? Have things not worsened at all levels?

    “Indeed, every one of us who has been in power before at whatever level may have a share of the blame for the state of the nation. That fact, however, will not disqualify us from being part of, and indeed, stand at the vanguard of finding a lasting solution to this problem.

    “Indeed, those who have seen it all but with the right perspective are better placed to bring in knowledgeable young men and women to come and reinvent the country for the challenges of the future.

    “ADC and other like- minded political parties should join other patriots in democratically building and enthroning a new set of youthful, knowledgeable and goal- oriented leadership for this country. We believe, therefore, that through right engagements and fundamental reordering of the affairs of our nation, our country will be out of the woods. Nigerians are a very resilient people. They are great optimists.

    “They have invested so much trust and hope in our democratic infrastructure with very miserable returns, so far. As I stated during the launch of the CNM our country must not continue to be condemned to a four yearly ritual of voting without results.

    “To get positive results, therefore, we must get right the choice of leadership. But the apple does not fall far from its tree. Only credible, positive platforms can produce positive results. A tree conceived and nurtured in lies can only bear imaginary fruits. Every government has ideas and programmes – most times packaged in flowery prose.

    “The deficit in leadership is noticed at the point of implementation of the ideas and policies. ADC from its well enunciated policies and Programmes is well placed to make democracy work for the people.

    “ADC is properly placed to join other patriots in moving Nigerians in all the wards, the 774 local governments and the 36 states to join hands to make our country truly great. Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we have a job to do.

    “The destiny of Nigeria is not to remain forever in crisis and in the doldrums. As the CNM takes this momentous step of coalescing into ADC as a vital step in building a national consensus to reconstruct the country, we assure all Nigerians with there support.

    “And the understanding of like minded persons and organizations across the country, Nigeria will be rescued. God willing the elections of 2018 and 2019 will be used to cure the curse and afflictions of failed leadership and perpetual underdevelopment.”

    In his remarks, the founding National Chairman of African Democratic Congress, ADC, Chief Ralphs Nwosu described the fusion as the dawn of great Nigeria project; Leading with the right ethical Compass.

    Chief Nwosu said, “Nation building could be a very daunting exercise. But with good and committed leaders, the journey could be much easier. I invite all Nigerians to have very deep reflection concerning our Nation Nigeria, and its lOO years of Nationhood.”

    According to him, “Today our great country with 200 million population is in a dysfunctional state. Our biggest resources in human capacity and diversity seem to be weighing us down and tearing us apart.

    “However, I do not want to dwell on our failings. I want to assure you all that we the African Democratic Congress ADC working with Coalition [or Nigeria Movement CNlM, and many strategic coalition partners, involving a Rainbow coalition of Political parties, civil societies, labor and trade.” unions, and well-meaning eminent Nigerians are determined to reframe the narratives about Nigeria.

    “We have worked tirelessly to put this coalition together. Many important stakeholders helped to guide our party. I wish to specially mention President Oluscgun Obasanjo for his tireless support. His word “I am not perfect, but 1 enjoin you to join me in having deep passion and unshakable commitment for Nigeria”.

    “This will guide this new ADC always. The formal launch of our new ADC party will take place so. I wish to enjoin all of us to embrace our philosophy of role modelling leadership as a way to building the new Nigeria and a greater Africa.

    “In everything we do, to be successful, we must remain true to ourselves. Deep reflection helps leaders to clear their heads, clarify their path to be able to focus purposefully, for each party involved; we expect true and committed engagement to the Nigeria Project.”

     

  • Oyinlola resigns as NIMC Chairman

    A former governor of Osun, Mr Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has resigned his appointment as the Chairman of National Identity Management Commission ( NIMC ).

    Oyinlola, in a resignation letter dated May 9, and addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, said he resigned his appointment to attend to a greater political engagement.

    The letter, which was signed by Oyinlola in Osogbo on Thursday reads:

    “Sir, I write to resign my appointment as the chairman of National Identity Management Commission ( NIMC ) with effect from today, 9th May, 2018.

    “Your Excellency, I must put on record my very deep sense of appreciation for the special privilege and consideration you gave me to serve our fatherland in that capacity.

    “As I stated in my appreciation letter to you shortly after the appointment, the offer was a clear call to service.

    Read Also:  Oyinlola holds on to Fed Govt’s job despite leading anti- Buhari campaign

    “I gave the job the dedication it deserved and would have loved to continue but I regret to inform Your Excellency that I have a new, greater political engagement that will make that difficult and even impolitic.

    “Sir, as one of my bosses in the army, I believe you would understand my stand given recent political developments.

    “The training I got as a decorated officer and gentleman precluded me from engaging in any act that could amount to disloyalty and conflict of interest.

    “I am moving on to chart a new course in my politics outside the ruling party and this thus, demands my dropping the NIMC chairmanship.

    “I thank you, sir, once again for the great honour and confidence reposed in me.

    “However, there is time to take a job and another time to leave it and move on.

    “For me, the time to work on something else in the interest and service of our people is now.

    “I wish Your Excellency goodluck while praying that you will finish well and strong in the service of our country.

    News men reports that Oyinlola was appointed as NIMC Chairman by President Buhari on September 2017.

    NAN

  • International Identity Day: ID4Africa, NIMC, others to petition UN

    The ID4Africa, National Identity Management Commission ( NIMC ) and other international organisations have decided to petition the United Nations ( UN ) to declare September 16 of every year as International Identity Day celebration.

    Dr Joseph Atick, the Executive Chairman, ID4Africa Movement, made the disclosure on Monday at a news briefing to commence the 4th annual meeting of the organisation in Abuja.

    The ID4Africa is a multi-stakeholder movement that promotes the transparent and responsible adoption of digital identity in the service of development in Africa.

    The 2018 ID4Africa Conference is scheduled from April 24 to April 26 at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

    Atick, who said that the petition would be launched on April 24 at the opening session of the conference, added that the campaign would be taken to New York until the success would be achieved.

    According to him, the petition is calling on the United Nations to recognise September 16 of every year as International Identity Day.

    “I want to make an announcement that it is going to be launched; another first African announcement which we will start here in Africa on April 24.

    “We will continue all the way to New York until we reach a successful end. The announcement is that we will be launching a petition tomorrow; a petition to the United Nations.

    “This petition is supported by the General Secretariat of the ID4Africa, the board of advisers of ID4Africa which has membership or representatives of the World Bank, UNDP, Centre for Growth and Development and of course NIMC, among others.

    “Together, we are launching a petition and the petition is that we are calling on the United Nations to recognise September 16 as International Identity Day,” he said.

    Explaining why September 16 should be declared as the day, Atick said the organisation adopted 17 Sustainable Development Goals and that number 16.9 of the SDGs pushed for legal identity for all by 2030.

    “We have worked for many years together to establish what I called the Sustainable Development Goals. So government has responsibility by the year 2030 to give everybody in the country legal identity.

    “We want a day because identity is one of the most important aspects of human experience in a modern society.

    “We want to celebrate it, we want to create awareness for it, we also want to measure our progress towards the ultimate goal.

    “Once we get the United Nations declaring that as international day, different countries diversify it and observe it with different activities. So April 24, it is going to start in Abuja,” he said.

    Atick, who expressed optimism that 193 nations of the UN would vote in its support, said about 47 African nations would be attending the conference.

    The Director-General of NIMC, Mr Aliyu Aziz, however, said this year’s conference is tagged: “Harmonisation,” adding that it aimed at addressing issues of duplication of data by different agencies of government.

    He said the conference would be dealing on how to develop artificial intelligence, how to utilise it and how to get market intelligence in improving, especially agriculture.

    The Chairman Board of Director of NIMC, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said the news briefing was to acquaint everyone with the conduct of the conference on ID4Africa.

    He described the organisation as a movement of countries within the continent that have come to the understanding of leveraging ID ecosystem on digital system.

    NAN