Local Government Autonomy Bill Will Give Room For Grassroots Development~ Public Analyst.

Local Government Autonomy Bill Will Give Room For Grassroots Development~ Public Analyst. 

....Urge President Bola Tinubu To Implement Local Government Autonomy Bill.

By; Omo Imam Adekunle

I would like to begin by congratulating you once again as our President of The Greatest, Most Populated, Youthful, Innovative and Industrious Black Nation on earth. It is my sincere belief that your tenure will herald a new era of development and progress for our great nation.

As a patriotic citizen, my role does not end at the poll. My roles extend to supporting our elected leaders and providing my socio-economic advisory services to elected leaders at all levels of public leadership. Most importantly, as the attention of every Nigerians is now on you as our president. For someone like me who is your ardent supporter who not only voted for you but crossed miles and build relationships with others to mobilize, orientate and ignite our immediate communities to also vote for you. Mr. President, while others saw your weakness in their own view, I am among millions of Nigerians who saw your strength and message of hope even before the primary election.

Thus, I am proud to call you my President, and in general contexts; MR. PRESIDENT.

Mr. President, I write to you today to appeal to your sense of justice and fairness in implementing the Local Government Autonomy Bill that has been pending for many years. We believe that the implementation of this bill is crucial for the development of our local communities and the nation at large.

As you are aware, the Local Government Autonomy Bill seeks to grant local governments financial and administrative independence from state governments. This would enable them to function effectively and efficiently, and to provide essential services to their constituents.

The local governments are the closest tier of government to the people, and they are responsible for providing basic services such as healthcare, education, and infrastructure development. However, due to their dependence on state governments for funding and other resources, they have been unable to fulfill their responsibilities effectively.

The current system, where state governments control the allocation of funds and resources to local governments, has led to the underdevelopment of many communities. The implementation of local government autonomy is crucial for the development of Nigeria. With autonomy, local governments will be able to determine their priorities and allocate resources accordingly. This will lead to the development of infrastructure, provision of basic amenities, and improved social services in local communities.

Furthermore, local government autonomy will promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. Currently, state governments are known to divert funds meant for local governments, leading to the underdevelopment of these communities. With autonomy, local governments will be able to manage their funds and be held accountable for their actions.

Mr. President, I must acknowledged that the 9th National Assembly has done great work in respect to this subject matter, the leadership of both chambers has put together the legislative framework for implementation of local government autonomy. With another step forward, the national assembly has held a joint session comprises of speakers of all states house of assembly to pass this bill down to their state Governor. But, while some Governors has welcomed this people-oriented bill with an open hand, others have withheld their support for it. I do not want to assume their rationale behind their action.

Hopefully, I am confident in you as a pragmatic leader, development experts with track record of grassroot development through effective local government and local council administration. Mr, President, I urge you to give urgent attention to this matter and ensure that the Local Government Autonomy Bill is implemented as soon as possible. This will empower local governments to function independently and efficiently, and to provide better services to the people.

Sir, in addition to the presence of the speaker of the 9th assembly with you as your chief of staff and with the commitment of the 10th assembly leadership and her honorable members and distinguished senators willing to put hands on deck alongside with the recently elected state governors with you on your mission to renew the hope of every Nigerians, it is time to renew our hope of Local Government Autonomy. 

Mr. President, I urge you to give urgent attention to this matter and ensure that the Local Government Autonomy Bill is implemented as soon as possible.

Mr. President, collectively as Nigerians who have no other place to call home, we trust that you will give due consideration to this plea and take the necessary steps to ensure the full implementation of the Local Government Autonomy Bill. We believe that this will be a significant step towards the development of our nation and the improvement of the living standards of our people.

Yours citizens sincerely. 

Adewumi sikiru adekunle Popularly and politically addressed as Omo Imam Adekunle  

Impenitent BAO Disciples 

Apostle of Good Governance.

Oyebanji, a rare type of leader, says Sen Ojudu.

Oyebanji, a rare type of leader, says Sen Ojudu.

.…Urges support for BAO administration.

A former Senator representing Ekiti Central Senatorial District, Senator Babafemi Ojudu on Monday described the leadership quality of Ekiti state Governor Biodun Oyebanji as a rare type in the annals of the state, stressing that the Governor’s style of seeking advice from all leaders irrespective of political leaning is unprecedented.

Senator Ojudu, the erstwhile Special Adviser to former President Mohammadu Buhari on Political Matters, who was on a courtesy visit to the Governor also commended Governor Oyebanji for his excellent performance since assuming office. 

He said the policies of the Oyebanji administration have really impacted Ekiti people positively.

Briefing journalists after he had a closed door meeting with the Governor, Senator Ojudu said the feedback from all the critical stakeholders in the state was a cheering one, adding that the Governor’s ability to creatively gather resources for aggressive developmental programmes was highly commendable.

“Everything that has come out here since he became Governor has been positive, I have been around for five days and people have been coming to my house, APC, PDP and a few Labour people also came and then is like we have a one-party state. 

“It just appears that he’s serving the people and he’s serving them well.

“One day I learnt he was in Ikere meeting with the physically challenged people and promising them all the facilities that would make life better for them, these are positive signals and again reaching out to leaders, those who supported him and those who did not, leaders of opposition parties, all of that for me is the essence of leadership.

“I have met with some Kings since I came back and the kind of things I had them say is cheering, both the elite, the poor, the holy people, everybody seems to be happy and the fact that he has been able to be creative enough to find resources to do some of the things that have brought them active also for me is a plus for his excellency.” The former Senator said. 

While speaking on how he intends to contribute to the success of the Oyebanji led-administration, Senator Ojudu said “I will be coming here once in a while to be giving the Governor the people’s feedback from both within and outside the state on what the people are saying and since am not looking for an appointment, I believe his doors will be open for me and also reach out to other Ekiti people outside Nigeria who can add value to all of us here so that we can have a better place for all of us.” He added.

The Lawmaker urged the Governor to continue with his good work, saying his aspiration and goal to make life better for the people of the state has been achieved by the Oyebanji led-administration.

In his remarks, Governor Oyebanji, who said he was excited to have the former lawmaker in his office expressed appreciation to all leaders in the state for their collaborative efforts at repositioning the state for improved welfare and shared prosperity and thanked them for reposing so much confidence and trust in his government. He promised not to take their support for granted.

The Governor added, “I’ve been blessed with the support of nearly all the leaders in Ekiti State and I’m not taking that support for granted. And I’m grateful to God for the benefit of having them to guide me.”

Ekiti Speaker Seeks Collaboration With Lawyer's To Promote Security, Welfare Of Citizens.

Ekiti Speaker Seeks Collaboration With Lawyer's To Promote Security, Welfare Of Citizens.

...Urged legal practitioners to uphold rule of law to promote the common goals of people.

The Speaker of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye, has urged lawyers to collaborate with the legislature to find lasting solution to security challenges in the country.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye who made the remarks on Monday while declaring open the Annual Law Week of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Ikere Branch described lawyers as important partners with the legislature in the quest for safety and security of the citizenry.

The Speaker who declared the Ikere NBA Law Week open said the theme of the event, "Security and People's Welfare in Nigeria's Democratic Experience: Leveraging the Legal Practice as a Catalyst" was very apt and timely said lawyers are well positioned to proffer innovative strategies to address the security challenges already identified.

He also called on the legal practitioners to uphold rule of law and promote the common goals of people as they have unique role to play in advocating for justice and welfare of society.

Rt. Hon. Aribasoye said: "Our state, Ekiti, like many other states in Nigeria, is facing significant challenges on the areas of security and welfare and I am happy to see legal practitioners coming together to explore ways to leverage their expertise towards finding lasting solutions to these challenges.

"The legal profession has always been a key partner in the quest for justice, equity and the rule of law in our society. Lawyers have a unique role to play in advocating for the rights and interests of the people, upholding the law and promoting the common goal in the face of current challenges facing our nation.

"It is even more important that we work together to find innovative ways to address these challenges. This is why I am calling on lawyers who have a lot to do particularly with us in the House of Assembly.

"You all know that to re-engineer our society, good laws have to be in place and we need lawyers to collaborate with is to find innovative ways to address the challenges we have all identified.

"How do we confront these challenges? There is need for us to collaborate and I am confident that this Law Week will provide a platform for legal practitioners to share experiences, discuss the best practices and explore innovative solutions to the issues of security and people's welfare in Nigeria."

In her keynote Address, the president, Customary Court of Appeal, Ekiti State, Hon. Justice Monisola Abodunde, charged legal practitioners to be catalyst by using law as a tool for development in the society.

She solicited for the cooperation of House under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Aribasoye in impacting people's life through effective legislations and initiating the process of reviewing old laws for the benefit of people.

Earlier, the Chairman, Nigerian Bar Association, Ikere Ekiti Branch, Dr. Michael Afolayan stressed the need for the lawyers to complement Government's effort by unleashing their skills and potentials in resolving issues of injustice in the society.

Ekiti Airport Saga: Ekiti Farmers Takes Protest To Governor's Office Demands Compensation.

Ekiti Airport Saga: Ekiti Farmers Takes Protest To Governor's Office Demands Compensation.

.....Says Ex Governor Fayemi Lied, accuses AVM Ojuawo and Awotiku of shortchanging them.

Farmers whose lands were affected by the ongoing Ekiti Airport Project on Monday staged a protest at the Governors office Premises in Ado Ekiti the state capital. The farmers drawn across all the towns and villages of  Igbemo, Orun, Afao, ijan, Igbogun, Bolorunduro, Iwajo, Aso and Ago Aduloju comprising of Ado, Irepodun/Ifelodun and Gbonyin local governments respectively.  

The aged farmers  thronged the Governor's office to  appeal to Governor Abayomi Oyebanji to please come to their aid and pay the compensation promised them by the government.

The protesters  converged  around 9:00.am with placards with words  " Fayemi Lied to Us, Oyebanji Please Save Our lives, The Airport Project Took Our livelihood " amongst others to drive home their requests.

Speaking to Newsmen, Speaking on behalf of the aggrieved farmers, High Chief Awe Ojo, the Edemo of Igbemo land  frowned at the insensitivity of ex governor Kayode Fayemi whom he accused of shortchanging majority of the farmers affected by the project.

" Fayemi during the inauguration even confirmed that Majority of us have not been paid our entitlements, very few of us received the money promised after the meeting and since then the rest of us have been totally neglected. Fayemi promised to pay remaining money but unfortunately we don't know what happened to it before he left office"

Chief Edemo also maintained that the affected farmers are more in numbers than those that came out today but majority who are old and aged cannot make the tiring journey to Ado Ekiti.

" We are also here on behalf of those old men and women who could not join us today due to their failing health. It is not until they die that they should receive what is rightfully theirs, we know Governor Abayomi Oyebanji to be a man with a kind heart and a listening and that is why we are here today to appeal to him to please

 come to our aid."

Other members of the affected communities also expressed their hope that the Governor will surely attend to their demands.

They accused AVM Ojuawo and Awotiku of shortchanging them in the process and stalled all their efforts to see the governor. The Edemo who spoke in Yoruba lamented that some people acted fraudulently while serving as intermediaries between the government and the farmers.

" Ojuawo and Awotiku were not sincere in their dealings with us, they inserted some unknown names and certified them to collect some money we want the general public to know that we don't know such persons none of us answers PO, AZ or ZT in our midst. It was a fraudulent act perpetrated by the those who served as intermediaries between us and the government" the Edemo concluded.

Addressing the protesters, the Chief executive secretary for Land and Housing Mr.Adedayo Olajide appeased the farmers while assuring them that the Governor Mr. Oyebanji is aware of their predicament and ready to attend to their needs. He also assured the farmers of the state government readiness to ensure the entitlement is paid as soon as possible.

Reacting to the allegations of the farmers that some unknown persons with names like AZ, PO, ZT were fraudulently involved during the first payment has been discovered and removed and as such nobody collected for such authorized names.

It will be recalled that the farmers had in the past months protested at the site of the Airport while the then Governor of Ekiti state John Kayode Fayemi promised to look into the case of those that are yet to be paid their entitlements.

The Farmers visibly in tears passionately appealed to the state government to urgently attend to their demands as some of those affected have started dying.

𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗤𝗨𝗘.

𝗪𝗛𝗢 𝗜𝗦 𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗗𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗤𝗨𝗘

....Oliver De Coque was nicknamed Sunday Oyibo.

Oliver De Coque is a gifted guitarist, prolific composer and highlife musician, Oliver De Coque was truly a symbol of creativity, peace, charity and friendship.

His giant statue with his trademark guitar stands tall in the heart of Ezinifite, a town in Nnewi South Local Government Area of Anambra State. But Oliver Sunday Akanite, aka Oliver De Coque is also a telling example of genuine love and popularity among members of his community and fans. In Anambra State, two communities bear Ezinifite. One is in Aguata Local Government Area while the other, where Oliver De Coque hailed from, is now closely associated with the musician for distinguishing purposes. Usually, the recurring question is: are you going to Ezinifite in Aguata or Oliver De Coque’s Ezinifite?

For a first time visitor to his home town, this fame and reverence begin from Abanato Market Square in Ezinifite where Oliver’s imposing statue stands. Finally, this engaging highlife musician was unveiled by Gaius, one of his younger brothers who speaks about his brother’s mystical birth, his extraordinary life, their supernatural mother, the creativity that runs in the family and a fertile musical career that recorded over 72 works.  

According to Gaius, when Oliver De Coque was born, he was nicknamed Sunday Oyibo because of his white European features like his complexion and curly hair.

Like most children in the community, he attended Ezinifite Central Primary School before proceeding to a commercial school known then as Eastern Academy in Aba, Abia State. However, he dropped out after a few years due to his poor family background even though he had a promising academic future ahead of him. Shortly after leaving Eastern Academy, he went straight into selling shoes at Ekeoma Market in Aba. From there, he learnt guitar and branched out when the urge to develop and showcase his skills as a musician became unbearable.   

Coming from a creative family where imagination thrives, Oliver De Coque had a smooth ride transiting from education and shoe business to music. However, he met a road block when extended family members and friends back home, started mocking his parents for endorsing music as a first child’s career choice. Naturally, a meeting was held and a search and rescue party headed by Oliver’s father was dispatched to Aba. Eventually when his father got to the commercial city, he met his son performing confidently before a big crowd. Immediately, he changed his mind and returned home to share the good news. That was how Oliver De Coque became a regular fixture at naming and burial ceremonies. He was also engaged at other social and cultural events, not only in Aba but in other parts of the old Eastern Region. From his growing clientele and fan base, a career began in earnest.  

“But I must say that at the beginning, nobody gave him any chance. They even mocked him the more because of his skinny size. Those who vehemently opposed his choice of music, including  Chief Duru Egwuchukwu Nzediegwu had argued that nobody ever became rich or successful through music. In fact, Nzediegwu who loved palm wine a great deal did everything possible to discourage Oliver De Coque. But when Oliver asked him if he would ever stop drinking palm wine, he responded, saying palm wine was his life. At this point, Oliver also told him to his face that he would never stop playing music because music was also his life. That was how the matter died a natural death”, Gaius discloses. 

Gaius also sheds light on his brother’s mystical birth and their mother’s spiritual powers as a healer and diviner. “Our mother was a spiritualist who was well known for seeing into the future. Oliver De Coque stayed 10 months in my mother’s belly before he came out. Before he was eventually delivered, a native doctor from Ihiala Local Government had informed my mother that the baby in her tummy was talking and holding a metal gong (a musical instrument) and staff of office (ofor) in his two hands”, he says. 

At this point, it had become clear to everyone that baby Oliver who was declared a musician and native doctor at birth, had a rendezvous with music and destiny. Eventually when he returned after kick-starting his music career, his mother took away the staff of office which symbolized mysticism and gave him a gong (Ogene) for his music and life.  

That appointment with music and providence started yielding fruits when he joined a certain Jonny, a musician in Lagos, a trip that was made possible with the sale of his father’s precious Raleigh Bicycle. After studying guitar under Jonny, he joined different musical groups before eventually traveling to the United Kingdom in 1975. Interestingly, that trip overseas turned Oliver’s life around. Apart from the fact that he was the only band member apart from the band leader who returned to Nigeria, the journey also came with exposure and opportunities. 

The following year, he formed Oliver De Coque and His Expo ’76, Ogene Sound Super of Africa. With his debut, Messiah Messiah, success came knocking almost immediately. But before the triumph that came with Messiah Messiah, Oliver De Coque had tested the bitter pill of failure and disappointment. For many years, he was a local Ekpili minstrel, a hopeless migrant singing and moving from place to place. He later became a reggae musician but also failed woefully. After struggling for a long time with Ekeoha Fire Disaster, his earliest Demo, respite finally came when Olumo Records accepted him. As they say, the rest is now history. 

Oliver De Coque was loved by many people across Nigeria. He was a personal friend of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi 111, the great Alaafin of Oyo. He also bagged a chieftaincy title in Oyo, the Yoruba historical town where the Alaafin reigns. 

However, Azuh Arinze, a journalist and author of many books captures Oliver’s generosity and good nature. In a tribute, Remembering Highlife Maestro, Oliver De Coque, Azuh recalls his unforgettable encounter with his good friend, the guitarist many years ago during the celebrated traditional marriage between Bianca Onoh, Ex-Miss Intercontinental and Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, Ikemba Nnewi, at Ngwo, Enugu State.

“Already on stage as I sauntered in, he beckoned on me to share his electrifying stage with him. Resting one of his hands on my shoulder, he so sang my praise that I didn’t know when I started spraying my transport fare. Sensing perhaps that I was spraying more than I should, under normal circumstance, he pulled me closer and whispered into my ears: “Don’t worry, see me after my performance for all the money you sprayed. Plus my ‘own’ and we burst into laughter. True to his words, he shocked me as soon as he was through by fulfilling his promise. That gesture, I must confess, so humbled me even as a young reporter that I will eternally cherish the memories”. 

Oliver De Coque was great in every way and he will always be remembered for his laughter and cheerfulness. He composed meaningful and melodious songs that are rich in proverbs and everyday realities and challenges. Great songs that were inspired by love, marriage, life, identity, good neighborliness, charity, relationships and accomplishments. He was indeed, one of Africa’s most prolific musicians. His most popular works include: Father Father, Ana Enwe Obodo Enwe, People’s Club, Biri ka Mbiri, Abada, Mama and Papa, Opportunity and Esi Nuno Di Nma, among many others.

HISTORY OF UGHELLI IN DELTA STATE

𝙃𝙄𝙎𝙏𝙊𝙍𝙔 𝙊𝙁 𝙐𝙂𝙃𝙀𝙇𝙇𝙄

....Ughelli is one of the oil producing areas in Delta State.

Ughelli oral tradition has it that their great ancestor and founding father of Ughelli (Ughene) is the second son of Oghwoghwa, a Prince from Benin Kingdom. As history has gone, Oghwoghwa in search of his own kingdom first settlement was at Tarakiri and later left for Ogoviri now the current site of Ogo Techinal College.

Though Urhobo is a group that belongs the people whose written history is largely undocumented. There is almost an absence of European record in their history, the history of  Urhobo people generally began from Edo territory where the ancient town of Udo and Benin City are currently located. At the end of the Ogiso dynasty, many Urhobo and Edo-groups left Udo in different directions, each at its own pace, in search of more peaceful territories. It was natural that in those compelling circumstances, peace loving and less powerful Edo-groups had to leave the territory to seek fortunes in less populated but more economically resourceful territories. Historically, Urhobo people's origin is rooted in their oral tradition.They believe in migration from Aka (present day Edo territory). Although all 22 kingdoms have distinct dialects and traditions that reflect slight variation in origin and migratory patterns, there is a universal Urhobo language.

Ughelli is one of the oil producing areas of the state in Delta Sate with at least 45 oil wells. It has an estimates population of 300,000 spread across seven major clans namely; Ughelli, Orogun, Agbarha, Agbarho, Uwheru, Evwreni and Ogor each with a traditional ruler.

Due to inter-family crisis, Ughelli left Ogoviri and founded Ovwodoawanre (Old Settlement) before the present settlement headquarter at Otovwodo. Ughelli is been headed by a tradional ruler known as King (Ovie) and the first to settle and ruled since moving from Ogovirir was HRH Awhaide. 

However, Ughelli is one of the largest communities in Urhobo land, both in terms of size and population. The town has several schools owned by a government and private individuals, a general hospital, local government secretariat, good motorable roads. The community is a notable link between Delta North and Delta South. The community is rich is crude oil and gas which is evident in the presence of Shell Petroleum Development Company (SPDC).

Ughelli kingdom is said to have seven major clans namely; Ughelli, Orogun, Agbarha, Agbarho, Uwheru, Evwreni and Ogor each with a traditional ruler. The people are Urhobo. It is also the seat of the Ovie of Ughelli.

𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙚𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜𝙨 𝙖𝙗𝙤𝙪𝙩 𝙐𝙜𝙝𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞

Ughelli lies within the tropical rain forest area of the Niger-delta. The region experiences high rainfall and high humidity most of the year.

The Ughelli People speak Urhobo language. It is linguistically similar to that spoken by the neighboring Isoko people. They also speak English and “Pidgin English” as a result of globalization and development of the community.

Ughelli people forbid the marriage to a close relative or any form of incest.

They forbid eating of Orua

They view adultery as abomination, in fact a taboo.

Ughelli kingdom is said to have seven major clans namely:

Agbarha

Agbarho

Evwreni

Ogor

Orogun

Ughelli

Uwheru

Source: Gist In Kwale.

Researcher: Comr. Olamide Akinwumi James.

09068215955

I’ll not interfere in selection of new monarch, Oyebanji tells Ikogosi kingmakers.

I’ll not interfere in selection of new monarch, Oyebanji tells Ikogosi kingmakers.

.…As Gov, Speaker, traditional, religious leaders attend Onikogosi’s burial service.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji, has again, cautioned kingmakers in his Ikogosi Ekiti hometown, not to involve him in the selection process for a new traditional ruler for the town, stressing that he would not be part of the process. 

Instead, he urged the kingmakers and the chiefs to allow God guide them to do the right thing and select for the town a new monarch whose qualities would surpass that of the late Onikogosi of Ikogosi, HRM Oba Abiodun Olorunnisola, who was seen as a great traditional ruler and a father to all.

Governor Oyebanji stated this during his remarks at the burial service for the late Oba Olorunsola held at the First Baptist, Ikogosi-Ekiti on Saturday.

The service was attended by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; President, Nigeria Baptist Convention, Rev’d (Dr) Israel Akanji, traditional rulers and prominent citizens of the town.

While describing the late monarch as an exemplar whose main focus in life was the development of people around him and his community at large, the Governor urged the kingmakers and Onikogosi-in- Council to pray for the right choice who would continue the good work of development of the late Oba Olrunsola.

The Governor also expressed appreciation to the traditional council in the state for their dedication to the service of their communities and ensuring peace and tranquillity in their respective domains. He also thanked them for coming out in large numbers to give their last respect to one of them.

He commended the children of the late monarch for giving their father a befitting burial and prayed that God will grant them the grace to sustain his legacies of hard work, commitment to development and service to the people.

“Baba’s life is a life lived in the service of God, his community and humanity. He was a contented man, a shining example to a lot of people beyond his biological children. It was a life of purpose and a life of impacts. When I heard about his demise, the only person I asked myself is, where are we going to start as a people, as a town, because, between the time he was crowned and by the time he exited, the development in this community has been unprecedented.

“My prayers for the kingmakers is that God will guide you in the choice of the next king. You heard what the kabiyesis said about baba’s sterling qualities. What will happen to this community going forward is going to be dependent on your choice and God will guide you. 

Yes, I am the Governor of Ekiti State, and hail from this town, but I am not from a royal family, I am not going to get involved in the choice of who becomes the next king of this town. I beg you, I said it in the palace and I am saying it again in the house of God, don’t drag me into it, don’t send me text messages, let God guide you to the right thing.

Speaking further, the Governor who said commissioners would be appointed “in few days time”, urged the people to pray that God will help him choose the right people.  “Pray for me especially as we prepare to now appoint commissioners in the next few days, that God will choose for Ekiti people, God will choose men and women that will fear him, that are compassionate and will have the love of the people in their hearts” he said, adding “ I know that there are concerns in some quarters that when we appoint commissioners, the  direction of government will change, it will not change if God is in the business, it will only get better”. The Governor said.

In his sermon, the President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention,  Revd (Dr) Israel Akanji, who spoke on the theme, inheriting eternal life called on Nigerian leaders to stop all forms of man brutality against man as he recounted the ordeal of 121 students of Bethel Baptist School, Kaduna which gulped the church millions of naira as ransom.

While extolling the virtue of the late monarch, the Baptist Convention President urged everyone to live righteous and holy life to inherit the kingdom of God.