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  • Aregbesola, Tinubu, Oritsejafor, pay last respect to Obadare

    Aregbesola, Tinubu, Oritsejafor, pay last respect to Obadare

    It was a moment of celebration as thousands of Christian faithful gathered at the burial ceremony of foremost Evangelist, Pastor Timothy Obadare, at The New World Soul Winning Evangelistic Ministry (WOSEM) International Conference Ground in Ilesa, Osun State.

    Obadare, who is the General Evangelist of Christ Apostolic Church, Worldwide and Director of WOSEM died on Thursday, 21st March, 2013 in the United States of America after a brief illness.

    The burial ceremony started at 10am with an opening prayer by Pastor J. Komolafe.

    Souvenirs such as cloths, handkerchiefs, calendars, books, jotters of the Obadare were available as thousands of people from far and near thronged the venue to pay their last respect to the late evangelist.

    The deceased’s body was led to rest at 2.09pm

    Speaking at the event, Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said Obadare lived a good life, a virtue he noted should be emulated by everyone.

    Aregbesola added that the life of the prophet is that of dedication, selfless service, which he said are very germane for national transformation.

    He said, “Prophet Obadare has shown to us that there is nothing that can draw you back from the fulfillment of your life’s dreams and aspiration whether in ministry, or hand work because with preparation and selfless service, you will always get there.”

    The governor further noted that the burial ground will remain a tourist attraction and economic centre for the state.

    In his speech, the National President of Christian Association Nigeria (CAN), Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor also extolled the virtues of the Obadare, describing the deceased as a man of integrity who knew his God and was ready to defend the course of Christ on earth.

    Orisejafor said, “We are not here to mourn, but to celebrate a man of God who had turned the nation around for Christ”.

    On her part, Senator Remi Tinubu said, “I am sad, but in a way also happy as Prophet Obadare touched many lives in spite of his physical disability, which is a lesson for every one of us that whatsoever we do must add value to our nation.”

    Men of the Nigeria Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDS) and Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) were on ground to ensure a hitch-free event, with thousands of people present to catch a glimpse of the late evangelist.

     

  • Group prays for Tinubu

    THE World Christian Council Association (Chambers of all Churches) said it is praying for a ‘divine-will-operation’ for former governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu who is away for a knee surgery abroad.

    The leader of the church, Primate Ayoola Omonigbehin, in a statement, praised what he described as Tinubu’s selfless, adding that the church is praying heartily for him.

     

  • Tinubu: he died a fulfilled man

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, yesterday commiserated with Lagos State Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola on the death of his father, Pa Ademola Fashola.

    In a statement, he said: “When in the United States of America (USA), I received the news of the death of Pa Ademola Fashola, the father of the Governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Fashola, with great shock and deep sadness. His demise even at the ripe age of 80 is a hurtful one. We have indeed lost a true, honest, steadfast and dependable father. “Pa Fashola, a man of integrity, is a father no one would want to lose at a time like this. My family and I send our heartfelt condolences to Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola on this great loss.

    “We must seek solace and take comfort that Baba lived a fulfilled life and passed away with the knowledge that he gave his best to his family, Lagos State and Nigeria. There is no greater testimony to this than his son, Babatunde Fashola, the Governor of Lagos, who has given a new meaning to good governance and purposeful leadership.

    “Pa Fashola, Lagosians thank you. Nigeria thanks you for giving us a son like Babatunde Raji Fashola.

    Governor Fashola must remain strong in the face of this great loss of a dotting father, especially as his siblings look up to him for strength and courage. May Allah (SWT) be his consolation and grant him peace at a time like this.”

     

  • Tinubu to PDP: worry about the decaying carcass in your front yard

    Tinubu to PDP: worry about the decaying carcass in your front yard

    •ACN Leader lashes out at ruling party over comment on Fayemi

    Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu yesterday urged the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to worry about what it called decaying carcass in the ruling party’s front yard.

    The former Lagos State Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Sunday Dare, said he read with both amusement and disdain a recent statement by PDP Acting National Publicity Secretary Mr. Tony Okeke.

    The statement criticised Tinubu’s remarks while endorsing Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi for a second term.

    The statement reads: “We are neither perturbed, disturbed nor surprised at the level to which PDP can descend in order to attack perceived enemies or tormentors of theirs. But we wish to state that first, PDP needs to wash both hands before complaining that the ACN has a speck of dirt on its thumb.

    “With all the troubles facing the government and the ruling party, the acting national publicity secretary of that outfit took the time to lodge a complaint about ACN National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, exercising his right as a citizen and party leader to endorse Ekiti Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi as the party’s governorship nominee so that he might seek a second term come the 2014 election in that state.

    “The PDP voice box sounded off that it was wicked and undemocratic of Asiwaju Tinubu to state his opinion on a matter concerning the party to which Asiwaju belongs.

    “We dare say if Mr. Okeke tendered such advice to his party leaders that the vociferous man would rapidly find himself among the growing number of jobless Nigerians walking the streets due to the errant policies of his party.

    “Since we have no desire to add to the ranks of Nigeria’s unemployed, we will help the man do his job better by teaching him a bit about democracy and party politics.

    Asiwaju Tinubu is not a brick or a piece of wood. He is a person, a Nigerian citizen to be exact.

    “As such, he has the perfect right to express his opinion on political matters and to endorse whom he may endorse for the position of the ACN nominee for the Ekiti governorship.

    “In due course, Asiwaju will surely endorse who he would want for other elective positions across the country in full excercise of his fundamental right. I predict Mr. Okeke will get acute indigestion from that act as well.

    “For Mr. Okeke to complain is to suggest that Asiwaju Bola Tinubu should remain silent. As such, Okeke shows his ignorance that the Nigerian constitution has enshrined freedom of speech as a fundamental right of all Nigerians, even us in the opposition.

    “For Mr. Okeke to suggest that because Asiwaju Bola Tinubu is a party leader, he does not have the right to talk about a party matter is lunacy of the first order.

    “Let us explain to him how a democratic political party works. Party leaders are entitled to express their opinion and endorse whom they like.

    “The matter does not end there. Of course, party members have the right to their opinion but this enables them to weigh the opinions of their leaders. Should any disagree, they have the right to disagree. Should anyone want to compete against the incumbent for the party ticket, they may.

    “However, now they know they will do so without the help of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. Far from being undemocratic, Bola Tinubu was being transparent. He did not disguise his belief. He openly expressed it so that all will know where he stands. If you want to do otherwise, you can, but you do so knowing it will be minus his support. This is an exercise of clear decisive leadership in fledgling democracy.

    “It is a starkly different picture than how the PDP operates. That party does things in the dark so much that when they are merely in the shadows they think it is a bright light. Before attacking the ACN, Mr. Okeke should reflect on how he came to be acting national publicity secretary.

    “It was because INEC ruled the convention which selected his erstwhile superior was a fundamentally flawed exercise. It was undemocratic. The ACN has never suffered such a ruling.

    “In the end, the PDP is frightened because they know Governor Fayemi has performed impressively and that they have no one to beat him. Their only hope is to create discord in the ACN. It will not work.

    “Thus, Mr. Okeke should resign himself to minding his own house. Before complaining about the lone fly at our backdoor, he should worry about the decaying carcass in their front yard.”

     

  • Atilade lauds Tinubu

    *Says he’s champion of good causes

    Archbishop Magnus Atilade of the Anglican Diocese and President of the Christian Welfare Initiative (CWI) has described the ACN National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as a dogged fighter and champion of good causes.

    The Archbishop on a condolence visit to Tinubu on the death of his mother, Alhaja Abibat Mogaji ,said the former Lagos State governor “is fighting for all Nigerians and we need more people like him in this country.”

    The clergy who was at the head of a delegation of the Christian Welfare Initiative added: “Is Nigeria under a curse? No. But we need good leadership to deliver us” and said Tinubu fits the bill as a good leader.

    “You have people that can stand behind you at all times,” he said.

    He described the deceased as a righteous woman who never discriminated against any religion or tribe. Quoting from the Bible he said of Mama Abibatu, “the memory of the righteous is everlasting”. He said she was a mobilizer per excellence, one who touched the lives of many people and played a pivotal role in what became the successful campaign of the Primary Health Program in Nigeria today.”Mama had a heart of passion and compassion. She showed burden for others and showed kindness in attitude, words and deeds. Alhaja Abibat was her brother’s and sister’s keeper and a staunch supporter of what was just.”

     

  • ‘Tinubu’s mum was an achiever’

    Director-General of the Awolowo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, Prof. Moses Makinde has commiserated with the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, on the death of his mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji.

    In a statement yesterday, Makinde said: “There are no greater encomiums than those already showered on your mother. While, for this reason, you will be proud of her as your mother, she too, wherever she is now, will be proud of you as an illustrious son, who has established his greatness in the socio-political history of Nigeria. You and your mother are two illustrious citizens of Nigeria.

    “We and your admirers, cutting across the political divide, congratulate you for witnessing your mother’s death, even though it happened at a time your political star is rising fast to illuminate the entire Nigerian political space.

    “While we commiserate with you on this loss, we congratulate the dead for leaving a child like you behind. We congratulate you too for having a mother whose life was full of achievements of various descriptions. May the Almighty Allah grant her eternal rest.”

  • Kogi APC holds special prayer for Tinubu’s mum

    The All Progressive Congress (APC) in Kogi Central has held a special prayer for the repose of Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji’s soul.

    Speaking at the end of the prayer, the organiser, Prof. Yusuf Aliyu, described the deceased as a great woman-activist, a democrat and a philanthropist, who championed the cause of market women in Lagos State and the country in general.

    Prof. Aliyu, who is the APC leader in Kogi Central, described the late Alhaja Mogaji as an industrious woman, who lived a good life worthy of emulation.

    Other APC leaders at the session were Enesi Jimoh, Dr. Yusuf Adinoyi, Prince Mahmoud Sanni Atta and Alhaji Ahmed Adoke.

     

  • Fashola condoles with Tinubu

    Fashola condoles with Tinubu

    Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN), at the weekend paid a condolence visit to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the death of his mother, Alhaja Abibatu Magaji.

    Alhaja Mogaji died last week in her Lagos residence. Fashola described the late Iyaloja-General of Nigeria Market Men and Women as a tower of strength for all who had the privilege to be close to her.

    Speaking to journalists after the visit at the Ikoyi residence of the National Leader of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), Fashola said, Mama Mogaji was also faithful and just to all who sought to make Lagos their home.

    “All of us who have had the privilege of Mama being part of our life understand the different ways she has touched us. She’s a mother to all of us biological and non-biological. She was a tower of strength. She was faithful to all who sought to be part of the Lagos larger family”, the Governor said.

    Describing the effect of the news of her death on him, the governor, who just was just back from Brazil, declared “It was a big blow in the sense that I had just left Lagos and landing in Brazil only to put my phone down, it was a bombshell I received that four hours after I left Lagos she had passed on”.

    He added, “She loved ceaselessly, she gave selflessly and she was religiously loyal to whatever she was convinced about. She lived a very good life, a life of many lessons for those who wish to learn those lessons, a life of public service without office, a life of compassion to people, a life I would like to capture in a tribute if I find time to write”.

    On how best to immortalise her, Fashola said, “I think the greatest way Mama will remain immortalised will be in our hearts, how much of her selflessness we can emulate, how much of her compassion for other people’s children we can seek to emulate, how much courage we can show in seemingly lost causes which had no direct benefit to us and pursue them in a single-minded manner”.

    Praying for the peaceful repose of the soul of the deceased, the Governor declared, “One still stand fully to say her prayers were ultimately answered because in all our conversations, she kept on insisting that she was going to live long but that we were going to survive her. So in that sense her prayers have been answered”.

    Also at the residence of Asiwaju Tinubu to pay condolence visit was a delegation from the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), which delivered a letter of condolence to Asiwaju Tinubu signed by the National Executive Council of the party.

    The letter, read by the CPC National Secretary and leader of the delegation, Buba Galadima before many visitors to the Tinubu residence, read in part, “This is a letter of condolence over the death of our mother, grandmother and leader, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji (CFR), President of the Lagos Market Women Association.

    “Mama was a colossus in her own drive, an astute business woman, community leader, an organizer who lived a life of humility, honesty and sacrifice unparalleled in our society. Mama has lived a fulfilled life whose reward only Allah can quantify”

    Also there during the visit were National Chairman of ACN Chief Bisi Akande, Senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Senator Oluremi Tinubu among other top government functionaries.

     

  • US,ANPP,Olu of Warri commiserate with Tinubu

    US,ANPP,Olu of Warri commiserate with Tinubu

    The United States of America (USA) yesterday commiserated with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on the death of his mother, Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji .

    Alhaja Mogaji died last Saturday aged 96.

    The US Consul-General, Mr. Jeffery Hawkins,on a condolence visit to the Ikoyi residence of Asiwaju Tinubu described Alhaja Mogaji’s demise as a great loss to Nigeria.

    “The message that I brought on behalf of the ambassador: The United States people condole with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu over the death of his mother. She was wonderful. I have just discussed with Tinubu and he told me how painful the death of the mother has been,” he told reporters at the end of the visit.

    The National Chairman of All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) , Chief Ogbonnaya Onu ,also led a delegation of the party to Asiwaju Tinubu.

    He acknowleged Alhaja Mogaji’s rich contribution to the nation’s socio-economic development and said: “She was helpful to her fellow human beings. Even though she was very old, the nation has lost an important personality whose impact on Lagos politics has been very tremendous.

    “The son, Governor Bola Tinubu, told us about the important suggestions she made while he was the governor of the state. We will miss her, God will give us the strength to handle this situation.”

    The Emir of Kano, Alhaji Ado Bayero, in a message he sent to the ACN leader, described the death of Alhaja Mogaji as a loss to the entire country. He was represented by the Tafidan of Kano, Alhaji Tijani Abubakar.

    He said: “Her death at this time is, no doubt, a painful loss, not only to you and your family but also to Nigeria as a whole. We shall always remember to continue praying for the peace and development of our nation.”

    The Olu of Warri, HRM Ogiame Atuwatse 11, who sent a delegation of chiefs, led by Chief Ritalori Ogbebor, said the passage of the women rights activist has robbed his kingdom of a great mother in-law, whose existence was a bond of unity between his people and the Tinubu family.

    He said now that that the Iyaloja-General is gone, their daughter, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, would have much on her shoulder, by playing the dual role of mother and wife to the ACN leader.

    The Olu said:”I know that you have been a pillar behind our in-law, Asiwaju, but now that the mother has joined the ancestors, your role will now double by ensuring that Asiwaju lacks nothing and I must commend you for this exemplary role, which you have played in the past to this very moment, we are proud of you, our beloved daughter because you have made us proud.”

    Ghana’s Consul-General , Alhaji Abubakar Abdulkadir, in his remarks, said though he never had personal contact with the late Iyaloja,all who did, spoke well of her and expressed the condolence of the government and people of Ghana to Asiwaju Tinubu.

    The Muslim community of Senegal sent a letter of condolence signed by Cheik Ahmed Tijani Ibrahim, the Khalif General De Chiek Al Islam.

    He stated that the death of the mother the leader of ACN though could not be prevented, the grief it has created in the heart of Tinubu shows that the mother meant so much to him.

    “We pray that Allah grant her peace and should give Tinubu the fortitude to withstand the pain her departure has created.”

    A delegation of the Bethesda Home for the Blind said they would miss the deceased as she was always helping them with their needs.

    They pleaded with Asiwaju Tinubu not “ to abandon us “ now that his mother is gone.

    Asiwaju Tinubu thanked all the sympathisers and promised to continue to play his part as expected.

    “The best honour you can give to my mother is to ensure that we emulate her good life. She never condoned injustice and for you who are in government, we must ensure that we continue to provide for the people,” Tinubu told the Association of Vice-Chairmen of Lagos State Local Government Areas of Lagos State who came to console him.

  • Jonathan’s team at prayer for Tinubu’s mum

    Jonathan’s team at prayer for Tinubu’s mum

    •Buhari, Wamakko, Kwankwaso in Lagos

    It could have been mistaken for a rally, considering the large army of politicians at the ceremony. But, yesterday’s Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos event was not political. It was the third-day prayer for the late Abibatu Asabi Mogaji, the mother of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) National Leader and former governor of Lagos State. She died at 96 on Saturday in Lagos. She was buried on Sunday.

    President Goodluck Jonathan led the tributes.

    He was represented by a four-man delegation, led by Minister of Trade and Investment Dr. Olusegun Aganga.

    Other members of the delegation were National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki, Special Adviser on Inter Governmental Affairs Sen. Ben Obi and Amb. Bashir Yuguda.

    Sokoto State Governor Aliyu Wamakko and his Kano State counterpart, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, were among those who visited Tinubu’s Bourdillion, Ikoyi residence to commiserate with him.

    Wamakko and Kwankwaso are two of the governors who have drawn the ire of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leadership over their roles in the election of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) chair.

    Both have also criticised the leadership style of PDP National Chairman Bamanga Tukur.

    Politicians, statesmen, top government officials, and other visitors hailed the duo and their entourage as they were ushered into the residence around 2 pm. They were welcomed by the former governor and his wife, Senator Oluremi, as well as other ACN chieftains.

    After expressing their condolences to the family, they held a closed door meeting with the ACN leader. Details of the meeting were unknown.

    President Jonathan and Col. Dasuki praised the late President-General of Market men and women for her inspirational role in defending the rights of women and the underprivileged.

    The president’s message was presented by Aganga.

    Extolling her virtues, Jonathan said: “Alhaja Mogaji was at a loving mother, an inspirational matriarch, an activist defender of the rights of women and the underprivileged who built bridge across all social divides.

    “Her passing is no doubt a great loss to you and other members of the family. You should however, find some comfort in the fact that your dear mother has left behind a larger family that cuts across the length and breadth of our nation.

    “As our beloved Iyaloja-General transits to greater glory, it is my prayer on behalf of my family, the government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that her soul find eternal rest in the bosom of the Almighty Allah.”

    Hundreds of people from far and near defied the early rainfall to attend the prayer.

    The programme kicked off with the recitation from the Holy Qur’an and prayer for the repose of her soul.

    The National Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Sheikh AbdurRahoman Ahmad, told the audience to be preparing for the next world by doing good every time. Quoting from the Qur’an, Ahmad said Allah knew from the beginning of mankind that we human beings would hate death and that we would do everything possible to avoid it at all times and by all means.

    Ahmad said death would come one day and take us one by one to our Creator, who keeps records of all our deeds on earth, a copy of which would be given to us on the day of judgment to defend.

    “That is the day man would cry and ask why some of the bad things I did were not left out, particularly the minors. All secrets shall be revealed on that day.

    “On that day, many would regret over their bad deeds outweighing the good ones. In spite of Allah’s magnanimity, many of us would fail on that day. Each person would be given a marking scheme to score himself,” he said

    Turning to politicians, the cleric said Allah would ask them to account for how they managed the public resources. Did you invest the public funds in provision of light, water, good roads and other infrastructure that would make life worth living for the people?

    Ahmad provoked laughter when he said satirically and “Our politicians don’t tell lies, our politicians don’t eat money but they eat food, our politicians don’t cheat.”

    He admonished people to do good always so that it would be easy for them on the day of judgment.

    Sheikh Musa Suleiman from Morcas Arabic School, Agege said death would be a blessing for some while it would be disastrous for many. He said “we can all attest to the fact that death is a blessing for Alhaja Abibatu Mogaji because he spent her wealth on propagation of Islam and assisting the poor people.

    A long list of eminent personalities at the prayer included Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, Gen. Buba Marwa, Alhaji Femi Okunu, Governors Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Alhaji Kashim Shettima (Borno), Alhaji UmaruTanko Al-Makura (Nassarawa), Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (Kano), Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe), Lagos State Deputy Governor Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire, former Minister of State for Defence Demola Seriki and vice chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Isa Aremu and white cap chiefs, who represented the Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu.

    There were also former Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Mallam Nasiru el-Rufai; Alhaji Baba Gara Kingigbe; former vice presidential candidate of the CPC Pastor Tunde Bakare; Lagos State ACN spokesman Joe Igbokwe; Prince Tajudeen Olusi; wife of the former governor of Ogun State Chief Segun Osoba, Derin; Alhaji Aro Lambo; Chief Femi Pedro; Dr Wale Babalakin (SAN); Mr Wale Edun; Lagos State Commissioner for Works, Dr Femi Hamzat; Mrs Stella Okoli; Lagos State House of Assembly members, led by Speaker Adeyemi Ikuforiji; members of the Association of Igbos in Commerce, Nationwide.

    Also present were: Babaloja of Lagos Alhaji Wasiu Balogun; ACN National Publicity Secretary Alhaji Lai Muhammed; Chief Razak Okoya-Thomas; Chairman of Mile 12 market Alhaji Haruna Mohammed and Lagos State Commissioner for the Environment Tunji Bello.