The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Semiu Okanlawon

  • Public holiday in Lagos, Ogun,Osun, Oyo

    Public holiday in Lagos, Ogun,Osun, Oyo

    Lagos, Ogun, Osun and Oyo states have declared today a public holiday to mark the 22nd anniversary of the annulled June 12 presidential election.

    A circular yesterday by the Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs. Shade Jaji, to all Ministries, Department and Agencies reads: “Towards the entrenchment of democratic ideals in Nigeria and in commemoration of June 12, 1993 as significant day to Nigerians, Governor Akinwunmi Ambode has graciously approved today a work-free day.”

    There will be a public lecture at the Blue Roof of the Lagos State Television with the theme “Sustainability of Democratic values the Nigerian Experience”.

    In the circular, Ambode enjoined public servants to attend events organised in commemoration of the day.

    A statement byDirector, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Osun State Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, said the holiday was meant to mark the day the country united to vote a candidate of its choice without religious or ethnic consideration.

    According to him, June 12 is significant and central to the development of democracy that the nation is now enjoying.

    He said: “Governor Rauf Aregbesola has approved today as public holiday to enable our people observe the day that Nigerians closed all ranks.

     “Nigerians should reflect on the significance of June 12, the sacrifice made by the late Chief Moshood Abiola.”

    Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi, in a statement by the Head of Service, Soji Eniade, said: “ Oyo State Governor Abiola Ajimobi has approved today to be observed as public holiday.”

    Ajimobi urged the people to remain steadfast in their prayers for sustainable democracy in Nigeria and development in Oyo State.

    Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa urged residents to spend the day in peaceful celebration of the anniversary.

  • Free Lagos-Osogbo train ride

    Free Lagos-Osogbo train ride

    Yhe Osun State government has announced its free train ride from Lagos to Osogbo. A statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, said the free train ride service underscores the responsiveness of the government to the needs of the people.

    He said: “The first batch of passengers will be brought in from Lagos tomorrow from the Iddo Terminus in Lagos by 11am. Passengers will also be taken back to Lagos from Osogbo train station on December 28.

    “The free train ride will also on December 31 convey passengers from Lagos to Osogbo and on January 4, it will bring passengers from Osogbo back to Lagos.”

    Since its inception in 2011, the free train service had boosted tourism in the state as it encouraged thousands who desire to travel but consider the prohibitive fares and the usually hectic traffic situation.

    The gesture has also rekindled the trust of Nigerians in the viability of the hitherto moribund railway system as a means of transportation.

  • Public holiday in Osun

    Public holiday in Osun

    The Osun State government has declared tomorrow a work free day to commemorate the second term inauguration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

    The Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, in a statement, said the holiday was declared to allow people partake in what he called the celebration of the “Triumph of the Peoples’ Will.”

    The ceremony comes up at the Osogbo Township Stadium.

    The governor urged residents to pray for continued peace and sustainable development of the state as the current administration enters its second phase.

    He called on civil servants to reflect on their commitment to duty, reiterating on his administration’s determination to develop the state.

     

  • Explosive found in Osogbo bank

    Govt assures residents of security

    An Improvised Explosive Device (IED) was found yesterday in the banking hall of the First Bank branch on Station Road in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

    Customers and workers looked at the device in confusion as a security man picked it up and threw it into a drain in front of the bank.

    The bank manager alerted the police and the Police Anti-Bomb Unit moved in swiftly and detonated the IED through a controlled explosion.

    News of the incident, which occurred around 10:15am, almost paralysed commercial activities in the town as banks and other businesses in the area hurriedly closed for the day.

    Customers were stranded at many banks. Security operatives mounted surveillance on financial institutions in the town.

    Commissioner of Police Ibrahim Maishanu confirmed that the object was an explosive device, assuring that his men were on top of the situation.

    The government assured the people that it would get to the root of the matter.

    In a statement, theDirector, Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Governor’s Office, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, urged security agents to unearth how the device found its way into the banking hall.

    He said: “Considering the usually impregnable fortification of banks through their various screening machines, which detect metals and other objects of lesser dangers, it is unthinkable how the device got into the banking hall. We suspect a deliberate foul play in the antics of those who desire to create a sense of insecurity in this state through machinations and manipulations.

    “We are, however, assured of the readiness of security agencies to thoroughly investigate the incident in order to reassure our people and visitors that Osun remains a safe haven for businesses and pleasure. Since the inception of this administration, Osun has remained peaceful and inviting to more people.”

     

  • Aregbesola, Osun APC urge Muslims to pray for Nigeria

    Aregbesola, Osun APC urge Muslims to pray for Nigeria

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the state’s chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) have urged Nigerians to pray for the restoration of peace in the country.

    In a goodwill message by his Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the governor advised the nation’s leaders to emulate Prophet Mohammad, a selfless political and religious leader.

    Aregbesola urged Muslims to submit to the will of Allah and pray for the country to overcome its insecurity.

    The governor advised Muslims to be tolerant and love all, irrespective of their religious beliefs.

    He advised Nigerians to reflect on the ideals of peace, unity, harmony and selflessness.

    Aregbesola said: “I urge all Muslims to continue to follow the leadership of Prophet Mohammad.

    “The Prophet lived a life worthy of emulation. Those who imbibe such leadership style and qualities would enjoy the essence of life.

    “Our administration will bring change in Osun.

    “I enjoin Muslims to cultivate the habit and imbibe the spirit of peaceful co-existence and be their brother’s keeper.”

    The Interim Chairman of APC in Osun, Mr Adebiyi Adelowo, urged the residents to rededicate themselves to peaceful coexistence, which Prophet Mohammed taught and lived for.

    In a goodwill message yesterday, Adelowo noted that the hallmark of Islam, which Allah sent the Prophet to propagate, is love.

    He noted that the message is devoid of violence, malice, hatred or man’s inhumanity to man.

    Adelowo said: “The love that Islam teaches, as all other religions, emphasises on care for the less privileged and giving.

    “Only the peaceful, the thoughtful, the generous and the kind-hearted could attain this height of love that Mohammad taught.

    “It is not only a goal for Muslims but also for everyone, who shares in this philosophy.”