The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun has described the duo of Engr,Dr Kayode Dotun Adegbulugbe and Asiwaju Akintade Ayoola Olusegun as good ambassadors of Osogboland.
Oba Oyetunji said this today, when the Osun Economic Development Team kick started its four-in-one programme with a visit to his palace in Osogbo.
The Ataoja, who was full of praise for the team, said the society needs more of them to grow.
He expressed his gratitude to the team for its developmental projects, particularly those sited in Osogbo since its inception, which includes the renovation of the palace, promised to always provide support whenever it is needed.
Earlier, the chairman of the team, Engr,Dr. Kayode Dotun Adegbulugbe said the team was in the palace to pay homage to Oba Oyetunji and seek his blessings as the team commissions some projects across Osogbo tomorrow.
The Osun Economic Development Team is a socio-economic group that has been in the forefront of empowering people. The team in an earlier release said, about 50 million Naira would be given to some associations and groups at its programme slated for Saturday, January 2024.
The immediate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba JImoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye II and the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, will tomorrow (Saturday), attend a four-in-one empowerment programme of the Osun Economic Development Team, in Osogbo. The event will kick-start today with a visit to Ataoja of Osogbo, by 1pm while, the Patron of the Team, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will host the team to a lunch by 3pm later today.
The Osun Economic Development Team, is a social-economic group is an empowerment forum that provides support to all segments of the people with varying empowerment tools, community self help projects, among others.
The group will also be commissioning some Solar Panel lights during the event, the team will also gives cash empowerment to groups and associations, according to te statement, a total of N45 million Naira will be given out at the event.
Also expected at the event as Special Guests are the former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salaam, former SSG, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the Chairman of the forum, Engr. (Dr.) Kayode Adegbulugbe and the Vice Chairman, Asiwaju Olusegun Ayoola Akintade.
The Coordinator of the team, Prince Basiru Hassan, in a statement through the media office of the team, on Thursday, noted that Aregbesola who is the Patron of the group will be gracing the event.
Hassan noted that the Solar Panel light would be commissioned at Ajegunle, Igbonna and Oluode areas of Osogbo, where a Walk-way would also be commissioned.
He further stated that the main empowerment programmes would follow at Olutimehin Grammar School, Isale Osun.
The rotary at the popular Ibokun roundabout wear a new look courtesy of one of the town based association (SOC).
As part of its community development responsibility, The SOC has taken the bull by the horn to do a total renovation of the historic center. The renovation includes painting of the rotary […]
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Ms. Rinsola Abiola.
…calls for citizens’ participation in national development
The Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, Ms. Rinsola Abiola, has said that the Tinubu-led administration is committed to economic growth and social welfare.
Abiola gave this assurance at the citizens townhall hosted by the Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy, and Development (SCDDD) in Abuja on Tuesday.
Speaking on the theme of the townhall meeting, “Improving the State of the Nation in the face of Economic Hardship Versus the Call for Patriotic Citizenship”, Abiola acknowledged challenges such as the increased cost of living occasioned by the recent removal of petrol subsidy.
“There is no denying the fact that our nation presently finds itself navigating through stormy economic waters, shaped by a confluence of both local and global events. We recently had to confront the monster that is the oil subsidy, which had grown in size and influence for decades and threatened the development of our nation.
“We stood the risk of becoming a nation that exists merely to pay oil subsidies, without funds to do anything else, including infrastructure development, make needed investments in healthcare or even pay the basic salaries of our civil service.
“It was thus important to ensure that Nigeria’s resources truly work for the Nigerian people. Returning the monster into the bottle has come with initial difficulties, including a higher cost of living.
“Similarly, currency reforms, while indispensable for ensuring sustainable growth and improving investor confidence, have not been without their share of complexities.”
She highlighted the steps taken by the government which demonstrate a commitment to prioritising the welfare of Nigerians, such as initiatives under the Presidential Palliative Program, which are targeted at the most vulnerable in society.
“These notwithstanding, our relatively young administration has demonstrated a commitment to alleviating the burdens on our citizens. Initiatives under the Presidential Palliative Program such as the Conditional Grant Scheme, which aims to provide targeted financial support to one million nano-businesses across all 774 Local Government Areas, stand as a testament to our dedication to social welfare.
“The subsidized conversion to Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) and the provision of CNG buses for affordable transportation, SME cash and tax support, and additional social welfare programs for the most economically marginalized are tangible expressions of the administration’s determination to ease the pain felt by the nation and build a more equitable and prosperous future.”
She also highlighted other developments such as the President’s successful engagements at global fora aimed at securing investment opportunities from foreign stakeholders and the current revision of Nigeria’s economic outlook.
“It is also important to note that the necessary reforms, carried out to tackle complex economic challenges that have their roots in decisions made many years ago, do not just come with pain. The recent positive revision of Nigeria’s outlook by Moody’s, a reputable international ratings agency, offers a glimmer of hope.
“This revision, from stable to positive, acknowledges the administration’s serious commitment to reasonable economic reform and competent management of financial matters. It signifies a recognition of the strides we are making to transform the economic landscape, inviting renewed confidence from international stakeholders.
This was evident with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s successful engagements at the G-20 summit in India and, more recently, at the COP 28 Climate Summit in Dubai, where he persuaded investors to commit millions of dollars to various sectors of our economy.”
She also called for citizens’ support for economic reforms and nation building, and urged Nigerians to not partake in activities which would harm other citizens or jeopardise the collective growth of the nation.
“The progress notwithstanding, we must not lose sight of the proven fact that surmounting economic challenges requires more than policy reforms alone. The success of our administration is intricately tied to the patriotic support of our citizens.
“In times of transformation and structural adjustments, there is often a tendency for citizens to resist or pressure the government into reversing beneficial policies due to the initial discomfort they may cause.
“However, in our collective interest, it is imperative that we resist this temptation and maintain a long-term perspective. The decisions made today are crucial for laying the foundations of sustainable growth and development. We must collectively resist actions that, while providing quick economic gains at the individual level, jeopardize the collective growth of our nation.
“Pipeline vandalization, for example, remains a significant challenge that hampers our ability to fully reap the profits from the oil sector.
“The issue of counterfeit and adulterated goods has also been in the news lately; while those who produce these harmful products might make a quick profit from doing so, they jeopardise the health and wellbeing of millions of other citizens, and the business interests of legitimate businessmen and women by reducing consumer confidence in their products.”
She further urged citizens to support local industries through patronage and investment, and called on stakeholders such as religious and community leaders to promote patriotic values among citizens.
Sometimes, when issues of governance and competence in leadership are discussed and brought to the front burner, they are mixed with sentiments, emotions, selfishness, and a raging display of deceit laced with propagandist all in a bid to sieve the issues from its major foci.
Largely and not politically influenced are comments and opinions expressed in a way that positively sues to correct situations and possibly to draw corrections to very dire situations.
In the first part of this piece, I talked about how the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Doris Uzoka-Anite, has left her job at the ministry to chase shadows and push away contributions of eggheads who have for years, managed Nigeria’s trade destinations for decades and cemented its position in the comity of states.
One of such instances I mentioned was brought to the fore last week during the ministry’s 2024 budget defence at the National Assembly. There, the noticeable cases of ineptitude and high handedness the Minister has exhibited led to her abysmal display. Although debunked, it was a sad tale when the Minister found it difficult to distinguish between using N1bn meant for the activities of the Nigerian Trade Office in Geneva, Switzerland, and using it for a foreign trip, as well as of not having the data of the Trade agreement between China and Nigeria.
These two instances are some of the reasons why I have since the start of the piece undescored the fact that the Minister isn’t really prepared for work. The woman is just an incompetent misfit who has shown the incapability to lead or drive anything significant in the Ministry. Perhaps the reason why Comrade (Senator) Adams Oshiomhole submitted that since she does not stay in her office, she does not have the wherewithal to fully function in full capacity. It is high time Uzoka-Anite gets down to work or be shown the way out if she thinks a government agency is her personal property.
That show of shame, though historic, will continue to rubbish the person of Uzoka-Anite and the office she currently holds. Apart from consistent social media recalls from the incident, the situation leaves so much to be desired. Even if the N1bn Geneva budgetary provision was fair enough, what is there to explain why a Minister has not settled into her official office four months since becoming a member of the Federal cabinet.
While a lot of us are excited that even the federal lawmakers responsible for oversight know the true situation, it is expected that she returns to her office, sufficiently manage the staff and create a harmonious relationship with the civil servants and other stakeholders in the critical sector.
Now it’s the time for business, let the Minister refuse to sleep and do the job she was employed for.
Rinsola Abiola, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Citizenship and Leadership, has urged young entrepreneurs to embrace ethical leadership and social responsibility and commit to continuous learning to build enduring enterprises that inspire positive change.
This, she said, in a keynote address she delivered at the 2023 Junior Chamber International (JCI) Unity Convention in Abuja last weekend.
Commending JCI for uniting young leaders dedicated to collective growth and advancement, Ms. Abiola emphasized the importance of collective responsibility, especially in a youth-dominated country like Nigeria.
“Encouraging young people to take responsibility and act is an important obligation without which we cannot achieve our national goals. In Nigeria today, young people have emerged as catalysts for change, introducing innovations and establishing enterprises, both small and large, to address societal challenges.
“These ventures hold the promise of transforming the way we live and work, offering solutions that shape a better future.”
She, however, noted the tendency of some enterprises, including those founded and led by young people, to falter over time due to a lack of adherence to essential ethics and principles. To remedy this, Ms. Abiola outlined key principles for sustainable leadership, notably visionary leadership and adaptability.
“Sustainable leadership requires a visionary approach. Successful leaders, particularly in the realm of entrepreneurship, possess a clear vision of their enterprise’s purpose and impact on society. This may sound like a cliché, but its importance cannot be overstated. Vision guides decision-making, motivates teams, and sustains the enterprise through challenges.”
She cited Dr. Bosun Tijani as an example, highlighting the success of the Co-Creation Hub he established in Lagos at the dawn of the digital age in the country and its impact in making Nigeria a relevant actor on the tech scene.
“Consider the example of Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Honorable Minister of Communications, Innovation, and the Digital Economy. In 2011, he co-founded the Co-Creation Hub. His vision was ambitious but clear: he foresaw a Nigeria that not only embraces the digital age but leads it.
“It was an unprecedented effort. We were only just becoming familiar with the changes brought about by the introduction of the GSM. Yet, this man believed that Nigeria could become a source of digital solutions with an impact that transcends our borders.
“Driven by that vision, Dr. Tijani and his team made decisions that distinguished CC Hub as the epicenter of Nigeria’s most innovative startups. These choices, many of them made without a guidebook from the past, set in motion a chain of events that resulted in Dr. Tijani’s elevation to the federal cabinet today”, she said.
Member Representing Ibadan North Federal constituency in the National Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Akinremi Jagaban has advised opposition parties to stop misleading Nigerians and said President Bola Tinubu didn’t submit an empty budget box during his budget presentation on Wednesday.
The lawmaker revealed that President Tinubu had submitted a flash drive of the whole budget before his presentation to the joint chambers.
Jagaban, while reacting in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Ibadan, described the opposition party as childish and a misrepresentation of fact.
The statement reads in part, ” President Tinubu’s analysis of the budget is well detailed, the first of its kind in recent times. What people don’t know is that Mr. President had earlier submitted a flash drive as a soft copy of the 2024 Budget, which is now being printed out in hard copies, and as usual, brought one single hard copy of the budget to the floor”. As an old, experienced member, I fully understand the due process for submitting the budget, whether hard or soft copies. It is important that we allow the house to do their jobs in partnership with the relevant agencies.
However, he advised opposition parties to criticize constructively and not send a wrong message to the populace looking up to them as leaders.
“Yes, there is right to criticize the government, but deliberately misinforming the public in the name of criticism is wrong, and we must discourage that as leaders in order not to heat the polity. “
Jagaban assured Nigerians that the National Assembly will work with relevant ministries and government agencies to pass the budget as early as possible in order to benefit the ordinary people whom, he said, President Tinubu has taken into consideration areas of security, local job creation, macro-economic stability, investment environment optimization, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social security in the 2024 Budget of Renewed Hope.
The immediate past Senior Special Assistant on Youth Matters to the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ibrahim Alli-Balogun, has described the recent vote of confidence passed on the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamilla is a blessing to Nigerian Youths.
While answering questions from journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Alli-Balogun said Gbajabiamila is the face of Nigerian Youths in the country’s leadership.
“The Chief of Staff has shown that he loves the Youth of this country. Don’t forget that as Majority Leader, he supported the Not Too Young To Run Bill when it was passed. As Speaker House of Representatives, the bill for the Students’ Loan Act was passed and He single-handedly sponsored the bill for An Act to Amend the Constitution for the Inclusion of Young Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Appointments in Nigeria and others that directly impact the Youth Development
“As Chief of Staff, he has championed the course of the youths, and looking at the cabinet of His Excellency, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, the large number of Youths in the administration says a lot about his love for them.”
While condemning those who sponsored unfounded allegations against the Chief of Staff, he emphasized that security agencies should go after the purveyors of fake news.
“I understand that there is a bill against fake news. I urge relevant security agencies to take it seriously and go after those that are sitting in their rooms to write damaging news on key stakeholders in the polity.”
Alli-Balogun, who has worked with the Chief of Staff for several years, insisted that Gbajabiamila is a man of integrity.
“My boss, the Chief of Staff, is a man with proven integrity. I can vouch for him anywhere. Those who are spreading the rumor don’t know who Gbajabiamila is. He will never do anything to tarnish his name and integrity.”
Alli-Balogun urged Nigerian Youths to believe in the government of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, saying the country will witness rapid development under him.
House of Representative member Representing Ibadan North Federal constituency, Hon. Olaide Akinremi Jagaban, has described the vote of confidence passed on the chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila as a morale booster to spur him to do more for the country.
Jagaban while addressing some selected journalists in Abuja on Monday, said the appointment of Gbajabiamila as Chief of Staff was well thought out by the President; he wondered why some unscrupulous elements are hell-bent on causing unnecessary issues that do not exist.
“Those of us who worked closely with the former Speaker of the House of Representatives in his prior years at the National Assembly know him to be steadfast, maintaining his integrity without compromise. The propaganda and negative rumors going around in some newspapers are disheartening to those of us who know him for an unblemished record for the past 20 years in the House of Reps. We know that these rumors are being sponsored by some element that never wishes the Government well; they are not comfortable with some decisions of the President that are against their interests, so they thought blackmailing the Chief of Staff would give them a way in, which have all but been squashed by the statement of Mr. President today. Our President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is a man of wisdom who will not compromise the Goodwill of the nation, irrespective of the closeness of anyone to him.”
Jagaban advised the group of people or individuals planning any form of protest to better channel their energy to something more meaningful; he said the evil machinations of Government enemies have been exposed and can never resurrect again.
The media has been awash with the plan by the President to sack his Chief of Staff, but on Monday at the Federal Executive Council, the President said, “First of all, let me reiterate to all of you that I’ve heard the stories flying around. Mistakes will be made, and perfection is only for God Almighty. I have 100% confidence in the integrity of my chief of staff, RT Hon. Femi Gbajabiamilla. All campaigns of calumny against him must stop. If I make mistakes, I’m ready to own up to it.”
Jagaban described the President’s statement as a 6-inch nail in the political propagandist’s coffin.
Following the numerous reports of illegalities, abuse of office and disregard for the rule of law against the Chairman of Federal Character Commission, Dr. Muheeba Farida Dankaka, About 30 Commissioners out of 36 has signed vote of no confidence on her leadership and forwarded it to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in August this year through the Secretary to the government of the Federation ( SGF).
The Commissioners who signed the letter as authoritatively obtained are include:
Hon. Na’iya Awal (Kano) , Lawal G. (Jigawa), Garba L. (Katsina), Atiku A Bunu (Kebbi), Sani (Zamfara), Hadiza Muazu (Kaduna) James J.J. Kolo (Kwara), Gen S.B.Said (Niger), Stephen Jings (Plateau), Nasir Alakayi (Nasarawa), Silas Machpan (Benue), Sen. Sidi Ali (FCT), Bello Idris (Kogi), Kayode Bawa Allah (Lagos), A, Adeoye (Osun) and Fatoba Sesan (Ekiti)
Others include: Hon. Omosaya (Ondo), Augustine Wokocha (Rivers) Nsor Atamgha (Cross Rivers), Dora O. (Akwa Ibom), Moses A. (Delta), Tijjani Mohammed (Bauchi), Ali Monguno (Borno), Jibril Maigari (Yobe), Hamza M. (Gombe), Dr. Bello Saliu (Adamawa). Ginnika Tor Enugun, Uche Diougu (Imo) and Rev Uche Ukadika (Anambra).
It was learnt that Hon. George A. (Ebonyi) consented but was not around to append his signature.
The Commissioner representing Ogun state, Rt Hon. Isiaq Akinlade who could not stomach the impunity of the Chairman, decided to resign and contest the election and was recently elected into the House of Representatives for the fourth time. Ogun State has no representative for now in the board of FCC.
Those who are hand in glove with her impunity and refused to sign the vote of no confidence in her leadership include; Aminu Abdullahi Tafida (Sokoto), Henry O. (Abia) Armiyau Dauda (Taraba), Festus O. (Edo), Olowofela J. (Oyo) and Tonye Okio (Bayelsa).
It’s recently in the news that the Commission has been engulfed in illegality perpetrated by the chairman who sells slots of job vacancy and abuse her office with all sort of authoritarianism.
The Commission recently appeared before the House of Representatives Committee investigating the abuse of Ippis and recruitment racketeering in public service where it was openly established by the Commissioners and an aide of the Chairman, Haruna Kolo that the Chairman indeed operated illegally including sales of slots, embezzlement, high headedness, and allegedly corrupt practices of Commission’s processes.
Muheebah Dankaka has been said to be perfectly using high-level patronage of high-profile politicians, business men and traditional leaders to block ways to avoid actions against her illegalities.
The public is looking with a keen interest in the government’s seriousness in handling of this high-profile corruption entrenched by the PMB-lead APC government that was inherited by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The seriousness and sincerity of the government are being weighed to see how these issues will be treated soonest according to the rule of law in national interest.
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