Ekiti First Lady Bags Baptist Conference Award.

Ekiti First Lady Bags Baptist Conference Award.

.....Urges Church to pray for hubby's administration.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged the Church to continue to assist the administration of her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, to make greater impact on the lives of the people.

Dr. Oyebanji made the call at her investiture as an Ambassador of Good Leadership in Public Place by the Ekiti Baptist Conference of the Nigerian Baptist Convention held at Union Baptist Church, Oke Bola, Ado Ekiti.

The award ceremony which also saw the President of the Ekiti State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Oluwatoyin Abodunde, receiving the award of Ambassador of Faith and Justice, was part of activities marking the 25th Annual Session of the Ekiti Baptist Conference.

The award was presented to Dr. Oyebanji and Justice Abodunde by the President of Ekiti Baptist Conference and the state Chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Emmanuel Aribasoye. 

Justice Abodunde, who was represented by the Deputy Chief Registrar in the Ekiti State Judiciary, Mr. Alexander Olorunsola, is presently out of the country on vacation.

The Ekiti First Lady appreciated the roles played by the Baptist Church in her upbringing noting that she was brought up by her parents who were Baptists, attended Baptist schools for her primary and secondary education and also got married to Governor Biodun Oyebanji, who himself is a Baptist.

While expressing gratitude for the recognition, Dr. Oyebanji promised to always be the face of the Baptist Church and represent it well anywhere she finds herself promising never to take the honour bestowed on her for granted.

Recalling her growing up years with nostalgia which she said were full of activities in the church, Dr. Oyebanji charged Baptist youths to listen to spiritual tutelage from their church leaders noting that the mentorship received in the church had prepared her for her present role.

She said: "I want to thank God that I am where I am by the grace of God. I thank God that I am being honoured where I grew up. I appreciate this honour and I will never take it for granted. I am here to honour God and to identify with my church and to thank this church for building us and contributing to what we have become today.

"This government is impacted by prayer, it is going to be sustained by prayer, we will continue to pray until we receive what God has promised us. We really need your prayers, this government needs your prayers to make greater impact on the lives of the entire people of Ekiti State."

Speaking earlier, the President of Ekiti Baptist Conference, Reverend Aribasoye said Dr. Oyebanji was chosen for the award in recognition of her humility, godliness, sincerity and faithfulness adding that "she has consistently assisted the downtrodden and she is a model for Christlikeness."

The Ekiti Baptist Conference boss explained that the first family in the state has always made the Baptist Church proud especially in providing exemplary leadership in the Land of Honour which has made the people of the state to be happy with the choice they have made in Governor Oyebanji.

He said: "Your people want to identify with you; this is an award that is coming from the Baptist Convention in Nigeria. The President of the Nigerian Baptist Convention is aware of this award we are giving you today.

"We are aware of your antecedents and the good work you are doing just within a year. Myself and Mr. Governor grew up in this (Union Baptist) Church while the First Lady grew up in First Baptist Church, Ado Ekiti. We are proud of you, your people are proud of you and that is why we are honouring you."

The event featured prayers for the government and people of Ekiti State, thanksgiving and special parade in honour of the First Lady by members of the Royal Ambassadors and Lydia Auxiliaries Band.

Interior Minister Urges Immigration to End Endless Passport Queues for Nigerians.

Interior Minister Urges Immigration to End Endless Passport Queues for Nigerians.

In a bid to enhance efficiency and improve citizen services, the Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, has directed immigration officials to eliminate the long-standing issue of Nigerians waiting in never-ending lines for travel passports. The directive was issued during a concise meeting where the Minister addressed Adepoju Carol Wura-Ola, the acting-comptroller general of immigration, and Haliru Nababa, the controller general of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).

In Pic: Hon. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Minister of Interior.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized the need for tangible results, stating, "I am just returning from a meeting with the president. He is not interested in excuses. We must work and deliver. Anyone who cannot help Nigeria to record progress must be kicked out because we can actually be great." He further iterated his commitment to problem-solving and collaboration, stating, "Let me know your challenges. I am here to help you solve them. When you solve them and record successes, I am also successful. The time of talks is gone. So, keep your talk. Let us discuss solutions."

In Pic: Nigeria Passports. 

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, the Minister expressed that the ordeal of Nigerians queuing endlessly for passports must cease immediately. He stated, "Nigerians should not have to queue endlessly to get passports. No, this must stop. This is not the Nigeria of our dreams. I need to know the challenges the agency is facing." The Minister stressed the importance of collective effort, urging collaboration and the utilization of expertise to overcome challenges.

The Minister's vision for improved service delivery was clear as he addressed concerns about uncooperative officers: "We must all come together to deploy and invest our expertise to resolve them. Nigerians will take us up on our promises. If we have officers who are not ready for this rigorous process, we will excuse them."

With this directive from the Interior Minister, hopes are high for a streamlined passport issuance process, marking a significant step towards a more efficient and citizen-centric government service.

Milestone Reached: Tenure of Elected Local Government Councils Ends in Ondo State.

Milestone Reached: Tenure of Elected Local Government Councils Ends in Ondo State.

PRESS STATEMENT.

The constitutional tenure of the elected Chairmen and Councillors of Local Governments in Ondo State ends today, 30th August 2023. 

This implies  that all Chairmen and Councillors would vacate their respective offices accordingly and hand over the administration of the Local Governments.

 

Pursuant to the foregoing and in order not to allow for vacuum, the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Hon Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, has directed  the Heads of Local Government Administration in the eighteen (18) Local Governments across the State to take charge of the administration of the Local Governments forthwith, pending further directives from the State Government. 

The outgoing officials are also enjoined to handover properly, please.

The State Government appreciates the outgoing Chairmen and Councillors  for their meritorious services to the people of Ondo State, while also  wishing  them the best in their future endeavours. 

Thank you.

Mr Kenneth Odusola-Stevenson, Press Secretary to the Governor, Office of the Acting Governor.                        

30th August, 2023.

THE POWER OF PASSION: UNLEASHING THE FIRE💥 WITHIN.

THE POWER OF PASSION: UNLEASHING THE FIRE💥 WITHIN.

Passion, that intense and compelling emotion, is a driving force that propels individuals towards achieving greatness, igniting creativity, and cultivating a profound sense of purpose. It's a multifaceted phenomenon that transcends mere interest, infusing life with purpose and zeal. This article delves into the various dimensions of passion, its significance across different aspects of life, and strategies to harness its potential for personal and professional growth.

Passion is more than just a fleeting interest; it's an unwavering devotion to something that brings joy, purpose, and fulfillment. It's often described as a fire within, an intense emotion that stirs the soul and propels individuals to invest time, energy, and effort into a particular pursuit. While passions can range from hobbies and career pursuits to relationships and social causes, they share a common thread: an unrelenting enthusiasm that fuels determination and perseverance.

*The Significance of Passion:*

Drive and Motivation:

Passion acts as a powerful motivational tool. When someone is passionate about a goal, they are more likely to overcome obstacles and setbacks. The enthusiasm derived from passion provides the energy needed to push through challenges and keep moving forward.

Creativity and Innovation:

Passion has a direct link to creativity. When individuals are passionate about a subject, they are more likely to think outside the box, explore unconventional ideas, and innovate. This is because their excitement and dedication push them to explore new avenues and experiment fearlessly.

Personal Fulfillment:

Engaging in activities that ignite passion leads to a sense of personal fulfillment. Pursuing one's passions provides a deep sense of satisfaction and contentment, enhancing overall well-being and happiness.

Skill Development:

Passion often drives individuals to invest time and effort into honing their skills. The desire to excel in something they love motivates them to continuously learn, practice, and improve, leading to expertise in that area.

Positive Impact:

Passion can inspire and influence others. When people witness someone following their passion, it can be contagious, encouraging them to pursue their own interests with the same fervor.

*Passion Across Different Aspects of Life:*

ICareer:

Passion in the professional realm drives individuals to excel in their chosen fields. It fosters a strong work ethic, resilience, and an eagerness to contribute to their organization. Passionate employees are more likely to go above and beyond, resulting in higher job satisfaction and career growth.

Relationships:

Passion is a cornerstone of romantic relationships. The deep emotional connection and intense attraction between partners are often fueled by shared passions and interests. Passionate relationships are characterized by excitement, emotional intimacy, and a strong bond.

Hobbies and Interests:

Pursuing hobbies with passion offers an avenue for stress relief and personal growth. Engaging in activities that resonate with one's soul can lead to a sense of accomplishment and a break from the demands of daily life.

Social Causes:

Passionate commitment to social causes or community service can drive meaningful change. Activists and volunteers who are passionate about their causes inspire others to get involved and contribute to a better society.

*Cultivating and Nurturing Passion:*

Firstly, Self-Exploration: Discovering passion begins with introspection. Reflect on activities that genuinely excite you and align with your values. Identify what brings you joy and ignites your enthusiasm.

Continuous Learning:

Passion often grows with knowledge. Immerse yourself in the subject of your passion through reading, research, and learning from experts. This deepens your understanding and fuels your enthusiasm.

Setting Goals:

Setting achievable goals related to your passion gives you direction and a sense of purpose. Break down larger goals into smaller milestones, celebrating each achievement along the way.

Embracing Challenges:

Challenges are an inevitable part of any journey. Embrace them as opportunities for growth rather than setbacks. The determination born from passion will help you overcome obstacles.

Balancing Commitments:

While passion is essential, it's important to maintain a balance between your passions and other responsibilities. Overcommitting can lead to burnout and dilute the joy associated with your interests.

In Conclusion, Passion is a potent force that enriches every facet of life. It infuses ordinary tasks with extraordinary purpose, fosters creativity, and empowers individuals to overcome obstacles. Whether in career pursuits, relationships, hobbies, or social causes, passion drives personal growth and contributes to a life well-lived. By recognizing, nurturing, and harnessing the power of passion, individuals can unlock their full potential and create a meaningful impact on the world around them.

~ Hon.Ehinafe odunayo

Convener Mature minds.

Obaseki free to fix federal roads in Edo, says minister.

Obaseki free to fix federal roads in Edo, says minister.

....‘Governor should not trivialise critical infrastructure’.

Works Minister Dave Umahi yesterday clarified that governors can rehabilitate federal roads in the states, following approval by the Federal Government. 

He said the administration will prioritise maintenance of federal roads across the country.

Umahi said the Federal Government cannot prevent governors from road repairs, which can enhance the welfare of residents. 

He spoke on the infrastructure battle of the Tinubu administration while inspecting ongoing road  rehabilitations in Lagos.

He said the Federal Government will carry out resurfacing of the Third Mainland Bridge and pay more attention to concrete reinforcement of other roads in the country.

Umahi rejected what he described as blackmail by Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki, who had complained about the poor state of federal roads in the Southsouth state. 

At the inauguration of Ven. Ebenezer Saiki as the second Bishop of Akoko-Edo Diocese held at St. James Cathedral, Ugbogbo, Igarra, in Akoko Edo Local Government Area,  Obaseki alleged that despite many entreaties by his administration, the Federal Government has refused to allow him fix the dilapidated federal roads.

Also, the governor called on residents and other road users to plead with the Federal Government to allow the state to fix them.

However, Umahi cautioned Obaseki against politicising road rehabilitation,  saying that election is over.

The minister said: “The  ministry is willing to speedup approval for the state government to carry out rehabilitation of the bad potions. 

“I will advise my brother and friend, Governor Godwin Obaseki, to stop playing politics with the lives of his citizens. He should stop trivalising the lives of his people on the alter of politics. Election has been won and lost”.

“If he approaches  me by whatever means to seek permission, even if he sends me requests by WhatsApp or whatever, I will give him approval within two hours so that he can start. But I am going to visit Edo State and I am going to look at those roads.” 

Umahi added: “I saw where something was credited to him; I believe he didn’t say so. But if he said so, this is the answer: that was not the true position. The true position is that all governors, and when I was governor, we also intervened in federal roads. My position is that when the people are suffering due to bad roads, the people do not know which one is federal, which one is state, and which one is local government.

“He doesn’t need our permission as such to intervene, to give a better life to the people of Edo State and other Nigerians that are using the roads.

“I want him to approach the Ministry of Works and seek permission. I am going to visit Edo State, and I am going to look at those roads. Every road in this country becomes a priority and we are going to face the challenges within the limit of the scarce resources.

“My good brother Obaseki, I want you to send your request on WhatsApp to me and I will give you approval within two hours when I get it. But I want to know what you are building and I will advise you to use bitumen. I have seen some of those things in the pictures. If you use rigid pavements, and you can get the design within one hour from me, you will be very much safe.

“But we are also working in Edo State, from Lokoja to Benin, we are doing that. There are other jobs that are also ongoing on in Benin, Edo State, that I cannot tell you off heart. But we are very committed in Edo State, and Mr. President is also very committed to every part of this country.”

The minister expressed concern over  the bad conditions of almost all critical bridges in Lagos, saying: “Almost all the bridges in Lagos are having problems, but we are going to look at them.”

Umahi said the Third Mainland Bridge which had been closed for heavy trucks was beset with deflection of slabs and removal of structural elements, which have exposed road users to danger.

Umahi said CCTV cameras will be installed to enhance security on the bridges.  

The minister, who also inspected Carter Bridge in Lagos said government was more concerned about what was happenings underneath the bridges.

He said the ministry has been liasing with the contractor handling the project, adding that they would be mobilised as soon as the ministry receives the necessary details of the ongoing investigation.

Umahi also inspected the 30.5 kilometre Ikorodu-Sagamu road, which is currently about 85 percent completed, saying that the Ikorodu axis would be redesigned. 

The Nation.

LIVETransfer news & rumours across the world.

LIVETransfer news & rumours across the world. 

Chelsea reach agreement to sign Cole Palmer from Man City

Chelsea are close to signing Cole Palmer from Manchester for a transfer fee in the region of £40-£45million, according to The Athletic.

Cole Palmer.

Liverpool in talks to sign Man Utd target Ryan Gravenberch from Bayern Munich.

 Ryan Gravenberch.

Brighton set to sign Barcelona's Ansu Fati on loan.

Ansu Fati

Lenglet set to join Aston Villa on loan

Clement Lenglet is all set to leave Barcelona to join Aston Villa on loan this summer, according to Sport.

Clement Lenglet

Bayern insist on getting Chalobah from Chelsea.

Man City reach verbal agreement with Wolves for Nunes.

 Armel Bella-Kotchap: Verbal agreement with @BVB is done now.

Former Arsenal midfielder Matteo Guendouzi joins Lazio.

Wolves make €25m offer for Strasbourg's Habib Diarra.

Nico Dominguez set to join Forest from Bologna while Remo Freuler goes other way.

President Tinubu is Passionate About Reducing Price of Fertilizers for Nigerian Farmers— VP Shettima.

President Tinubu is Passionate About Reducing Price of Fertilizers for Nigerian Farmers— VP Shettima.

.....FG to receive 33,000 mt of potash from Uralchem Group.

President Bola Tinubu is very passionate about reducing the cost of fertilizers for Nigerian farmers in the overall interest of achieving food security in the country, says Vice President Sen. Kashim Shettima.

Vice President Shettima made the statement today at a Fertilizers Producers and Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN) stakeholders’ meeting with the Federal Government, on the 33,000 metric tonnes of Potash donated to the Federal Government by Russia’s Uralchem Group and UN Partners, in his office at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

According to the Vice President “our goal is to serve the Nigerian people. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is very passionate about reducing the cost of fertilizers for the Nigerian public.”

Continuing, he said “no strings attached, no vested interest and the President will be happy if the price of fertilizers collapses by 50 percent after this exercise”, VP emphasized.

Vice President Shettima disclosed that President Bola Tinubu gives high premium to achieving the agenda of food security in the country, noting that this accounts for the declaration of state of emergency in food security sector by the Tinubu administration last July.

Stressing that though “we have many challenges with food security in the country, we are however very lucky because the President is very empathetic and very passionate about achieving food sufficiency in the country.”

Speaking to Stakeholders at the meeting which includes the Minister of Agriculture, Sen. Abubakar Kyari and Minister of State for Agriculture, Sen. Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi, the Vice President expressed the seriousness attached to the donation and distribution of the potash from Uralchem Group.

He charged stakeholders that “there has to be transparency, equity and fairness in the distribution exercise for the reason that the end beneficiaries are the Nigerian farmers and their leadership is seated here.”

The Vice President assured stakeholders “that there will be transparency, there will be full disclosure and we are going to use our own blenders and the beneficiaries have to be the Nigerian people.”

On the entire exercise, Vice President Shettima disclosed further that the NEMA, World Food Programme (WFP) and AFEX, a commodity Exchange firm have the data base and other requirements that will assist the Federal Government in reaching out to the farmers in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security driving the process.

It would be recalled that at the last Russia-Africa Summit held in St. Petersburg Russia last July, the Federal Government delegation met with the leadership of Uralchem Group and WFP over the donation of a consignment of 33,000 metric tonnes of potash.

In attendance at the Stakeholders’ meeting were the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, Dr Ernest Umakhihe; Director General, National Emergency Management Agency, Mustapha Ahmed; President, All Farmers Association of Nigeria, Arc. Kabir Ibrahim; President, Fertilisers Producers And Suppliers Association of Nigeria (FEPSAN), Sadiq Kassim; the Country Director of World Food Programme, Kucro Jawed and representatives of National Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) and Associated Foreign Exchange (AFEX).

Olusola Abiola

Director Information

Office of the Vice President

29th August, 2023