President Tinubu Celebrates NUPRC Boss Komolafe At 60.

President Tinubu Celebrates NUPRC Boss Komolafe At 60.

President Bola Tinubu has celebrated the Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), Gbenga Komolafe, as he clocks 60 years of age.

In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, the president commended Komolafe for his meritorious services to the nation in various capacities.

He observed that the various expertises of the technocrat will keep him relevant for other national services in the nation’s quest for quality service delivery.

The statement read: “President Bola Tinubu sends greetings to Engineer Gbenga Komolafe on his 60th birthday, September 26, 2023, felicitating with the engineer and reputable technocrat in the oil industry, who has served the nation meritoriously in various capacities.

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“President Tinubu joins family, friends and associates of the Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Upstream Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) to celebrate the former banker for attaining the Diamond Age and his many years of dedicated service to the nation in the Oil and Gas sector at various levels.

“As the NUPRC CEO clocks 60, President Tinubu affirms that Engr. Komolafe’s deep knowledge of the Oil and Gas sector, and his other contributions in Engineering, Economy and Human Resource Management are highly appreciated and will keep him relevant as the nation strives for excellent service delivery and better living standard for her citizens.

“The president prays for more years of greater accomplishments for Engr. Komolafe and wishes him good health and continued service to our nation.”

Spanish Football Club Plans Tributes For MohBad.

Spanish Football Club Plans Tributes For MohBad.

Spanish La Liga club Cadiz CF has said it will hold its own tribute for late singer, Ilerioluwa Aloba aka Mohbad.

Recall that the 27-year-old singer died on September 12. His death has continued to generate reactions, the latest being from Laliga side Cadiz CF who expressed heartfelt condolences to family of late singer,

The club announced in a post on their official X page that they would display a Mohbad jersey on their substitute bench during their game against Rayo Vallecano to give the team strength.

They wrote: @iammohbad_ will be with us for tomorrow’s home game against Rayo Vallecano.

The singer’s Cadista shirt will be on the bench to give us the strength we need to win the match.

Labour Party backs NLC, TUC Proposed Strike.

Labour Party backs NLC, TUC Proposed Strike.

The leadership of the Labour Party on Wednesday threw its weight behind the planned industrial action of the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress, saying the presidency has been insensitive to the plight of Nigerian workers.

The development is coming in the wake of organised Labour’s resolve to ground activities nationwide from October 3 following the failure of the government to successfully implement policies to alleviate the sufferings of the masses after the removal of fuel subsidy.

After the 21-day ultimatum given by the NLC lapsed last week, the NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, had lamented that none of the demands put before the Federal Government was addressed.

Among other things, the NLC and the TUC are asking for wage awards, implementation of palliatives, tax exemptions and allowances to public sector workers and a review of the minimum wage.

Reacting to the proposed strike in a statement titled ‘Workers strike: Labour Party identifies with Nigerian workers’ on Wednesday, National Publicity Secretary of LP, Obiora Ifoh, bemoaned that Nigerian workers have shown enough patience and understanding.

While charging supporters of the party to stock up on food, Ifoh warned that the leadership of LP will support any legitimate means to demand better welfare for Nigerian workers.

He said, “We have followed with keen interest, in the last four months, various meetings between Organised Labour and various government bodies including the president of the Senate, the presidency and the ministers of Labour as well as all the efforts made by the Labour leadership to get the government to understand the magnitude of sufferings its policies have thrown Nigerian workers into since the enthronement of this administration.

“We are not in any way surprised at the government’s apparent indifference, insensitivity, intransigence, and recalcitrant posture towards the genuine demands of the Labour bodies because their usurpation of power was not sanctioned by both the workers and generality of Nigerians.

“Nigerians went to the polls with clear conviction of the government they wanted but this was denied them through institutional conspiracy. Today, Nigerian workers are being punished for taking a stand during the February 25 Presidential Election. Labour Party is also aware of the sordid conditions which workers, the majority of them being our members, are subjected to, where many go to the office on a Monday and are forced by the prevailing economic challenges to sleep in their offices all through to Friday before returning home.

“We are also using this medium to inform all our members and supporters to stock their homes with their necessary needs ahead of a long-drawn mass action until victory is ascertained. No retreat, no surrender.”

Advocates for Christian Involvement in Politics: Oyebanji's Call to Action.

Advocates for Christian Involvement in Politics: Oyebanji's Call to Action.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has advocated for greater involvement of Christians in partisan politics, as a way of deepening democracy and development in the country. 

Governor Oyebanji, who stated this on Tuesday in his office, in Ado Ekiti, when he received the General Overseer, of Foursquare Gospel Church, Rev'd Sam Aboyeji and his wife, Rev (Mrs) Olabisi Aboyeji, said more inclusive political landscape would lead to policies that better reflect the values and concerns for the people.

The Governor said a good number of Christians who can add value to the system would rather stay out of politics, because of their belief that politics is a dirty game, meant for a certain group of people. Sadly, he said those who avoid politics are not immuned against the effect of bad policies. 

Rather than see politics as a dirty game, Oyebanji said Christians should consider it as a viable opportunity to contribute to nation building, make positive impact on the society and promote the values aligned with God. 

He opined that more Christians participation in politics would also provide moral leadership in politics, promoting honesty, integrity and ethical behavior among elected officials and be a voice for right decision-making and accountability in Governance.

While urging ministers of God and churches in general to play a pivotal role in inspiring and educating their congregation about the importance of civic participation, the Governor admonished the General Overseer not to relent in praying for more development in Ekiti State and the country in general. 

“Most Christians don’t want to come near politics, but the Bible says when the righteous is in authority, the people rejoice. And to get to authority in Nigeria you have to be involved in politics and so when the bible says the righteous must be in authority, there must be a path to get to it and the only path we have now is through political office or appointment. So, we should continue to pray and encourage Christians to participate in politics”. The Governor stated. 

Earlier, the General Overseer of Foursqare Gospel Church, Reverend Sam Aboyeji, who appreciated the Governor for receiving him and his team, despite his busy schedules, commended the Governor’s leadership style, saying he is representing God very well in Governance.

Rev Aboyeji explained that the visit was to intimate the Governor about the activities of the Church in Ekiti, especially the newly planted church and skills acquisition centre. 

The General Overseer said an important aspect of his visit was to to pray and pronounce God’s blessings on the state, adding that God’s hands is upon the state as evident in the level of peace and development being enjoyed. 

Also present at the meeting were Commissioner for Budget, Mr Niyi Adebayo; Commissioner for Information, Rt Hon Taiwo Olatunbosun; and Special Adviser Media, Mr Yinka Oyebode.

Gbonyin LCDA Residents Rally Behind Hon. Damilare Ajayi for Second Term as Chairman.

Gbonyin LCDA Residents Rally Behind Hon. Damilare Ajayi for Second Term as Chairman.

.....Unprecedented Development and Commitment to Progress Highlight Ajayi's Candidacy.

In what can only be described as a resounding call for continuity, residents of Gbonyin Local Council Development Area (LCDA) are throwing their unwavering support behind the incumbent Executive Chairman, Hon. Damilare Ajayi, as he seeks re-election for a second term. The groundswell of support can be attributed to the remarkable strides and transformation witnessed under his leadership, firmly establishing him as a beacon of modern-day politics in the region.

During his tenure, Hon. Damilare Ajayi has overseen a slew of impactful initiatives and infrastructure projects that have left an indelible mark on the LCDA. From the heart of the community to its economic lifeblood, every facet of Gbonyin has seen significant improvements.

One of the standout achievements of Hon. Ajayi's administration is the construction of a block of five administrative offices, along with other facilities, which have become central to the efficient functioning of the LCDA. Furthermore, an abandoned building that had languished for years was renovated and transformed into the Executive Chairman's office, breathing new life into it.

Marketplaces across Gbonyin have also received a much-needed facelift under his leadership. Notably, 20 units of market stalls in Ijan Ekiti were renovated, 10 units of open market stalls in Iluomoba Ekiti were constructed, and 20 units of market stalls in Aisegba Ekiti were refurbished. These improvements not only enhance the comfort of traders but also contribute to increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

In a commendable move to bolster security, Hon. Ajayi's administration provided motorcycles for security personnel in Gbonyin LCDA, ensuring better mobility for law enforcement agencies. Township roads have not been left out, as grading and rehabilitation efforts have touched several communities, including Ijan Ekiti, Iluomoba Ekiti, and Aisegba Ekiti.

Additionally, the council's secretariat has undergone a major transformation with the perimeter fencing of the entire premises, enhancing security and tidiness. Regular security meetings and provision of funds for logistics demonstrate the chairman's unwavering commitment to the safety of the LCDA's residents.

However, perhaps one of the most noteworthy aspects of Hon. Ajayi's leadership is his dedication to human capital development. His administration has invested significantly in staff training and retraining through seminars and workshops, ensuring that the LCDA's workforce remains competent and capable.

In the agricultural sector, Hon. Ajayi has tapped into the region's agricultural potential, cultivating large hectares of land for cash crops such as yam, maize, and cassava, thereby contributing to food security and economic growth.

In summary, the achievements and impact of Hon. Damilare Ajayi's administration in Gbonyin LCDA are undeniable. He has demonstrated visionary leadership, a commitment to progress, and a knack for turning challenges into opportunities. As residents unite behind his candidacy for a second term, the message is clear: Hon. Damilare Ajayi is the catalyst for Gbonyin's continued greatness, and his re-election is essential to sustaining the positive transformation of the LCDA.

Ekiti First Lady Identifies Football As Avenue To Empower Girl Child.

Ekiti First Lady Identifies Football As Avenue To Empower Girl Child.

.....Commended for support to Ekiti Queens FC.

....Invited to Women Football League General Assembly.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has urged parents to encourage their female children to participate in sporting activities especially football to make name and money for themselves and their families.

Dr. Oyebanji said sports development is very central to the Ekiti development agenda of her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji and has been recognized as a big business that can be tapped into to take the state's economy to greater heights and generate more employment opportunities.

The First Lady made the remarks on Wednesday when she hosted members of the Nigeria Women Football League (NWFL) Board led by the Chairman, Ms. Nkechi Obi, who were on a visit to the state to commend her support for female football especially Ekiti Queens Football Club.

Ms. Obi, who doubles as a board member of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), also led other executive members to the state to intimate football stakeholders on the agenda of the NWFL Board for the development of female football in Ekiti and others states in Nigeria.

Ms. Obi also used the forum to officially invite Ekiti First Lady to the NWFL Annual General Assembly (AGA) holding on 5th October, 2023 as a special guest of honour in recognition of her contribution to female football in the state.

Dr. Oyebanji who was represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Development, Mrs. Peju Babafemi, said she was impressed by the Women Football Right Strategy which was unveiled by the NWFL boss noting that Ekiti was ready to key into the blueprint to give a lift to female football in the state.

According to her, the Oyebanji Administration places much premium on human capital development noting that the state government was ready to join hands with the NWFL in ensuring that the vision as contained in the Strategy is actualized to the benefit of all stakeholders.

The First Lady also commended the Ekiti State House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the bill for the establishment of the Ekiti State Sports Commission to ensure that sports gets adequate attention its deserves and also serves as a springboard for empowerment and to be driven as business and not as a leisure only.

She said: "Sports development is central in Ekiti development agenda and for us in Ekiti, sports is a very big business. I also want to appeal to parents to encourage our female children to participate in sports especially football.

"Football is a good avenue to empower girls and so parents must support their girl child in ensuring that they are not discouraged at that. We know that traditionally football is a male dominated sport but things are changing and eyes are opening."

The First Lady restated her readiness to always give maximum support to Ekiti Queens Football Club and make it a recognized brand in sports and an instrument to empower Ekiti girls economically and socially.

She urged players, coaches, administrators and other officials of the Club to always work together as a team to realize the state government's ambition of making it a number one female football club in the country.

Earlier in her remarks, NWFL Chairman, Ms. Obi said the Board came to Ekiti to share its vision and agenda for development of female football league because of the recognition of the roles of the First Lady and other stakeholders in female football.

She equally noted that since majority of football clubs in Nigeria are owned by state governments, they are in the state to acquaint them with the right steps to take to broaden the scope of female football league as it concerns stakeholders like players, coaches referees, administrators, among others.

Ms. Obi unveiled the initiatives to include capacity development, more media presence for female clubs on digital media, sponsorship packages, mentoring and twinning with clubs in Spain, Italy, Germany, among others and discovery of more talents for national teams.

The NWFL chair disclosed that the league has been redesigned from next season into a 16-team Premier League, 20-team Championship and State Leagues for players between age 14 and 19 while a coaching development programme is coming up in February.

She added: "For all these to happen, we need the support of all of you stakeholders and we want to tap into the generosity of the First Lady for Ekiti to benefit from all these programmes we have outlined."

The event was attended by Chairman, Ekiti State Football Association, Chief Olu Oloworemo; former Chairman, Ekiti State Sports Council, Hon. Ade Adetola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Youth Development, Mr. Bamidele Arowosola; Chairman, Ekiti Assembly Committee on Sports, Hon. Idowu Odebunmi; former General Manager, Ekiti State Sports Council, Chief Deji Samo; serving and retired referees, sports administrators, players and officials of Ekiti Queens.

Comrade Ojo Bright Accused of Selling Out Principles in Ondo State Deputy Governor's Impeachment Saga.

Comrade Ojo Bright Accused of Selling Out Principles in Ondo State Deputy Governor's Impeachment Saga.

In an astonishing twist of events, Comrade Ojo Bright, a guy among union comrades, has found himself embroiled in controversy surrounding the impeachment saga of the Deputy Governor of Ondo State. Bright's involvement took an unexpected turn when he spearheaded a protest against a Federal High Court ruling in Abuja, which had ordered a halt to the impeachment proceedings.

The court's decision to suspend the Deputy Governor's impeachment sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Ondo State. However, Comrade Ojo Bright's actions raised eyebrows and triggered a fierce debate within the union and the public at large.

What added a layer of complexity to this situation was the fact that Bright rallied a small group of individuals, who were allegedly unrelated to the youth of Ondo State or the union comrades, to join him in the protest. His fellow comrades opted not to participate in this demonstration, signaling a clear divergence in principles and objectives within the union.

This divergence has fueled speculation that Bright might have been influenced or compromised by external forces, often referred to as "cabals," who have a vested interest in removing the Deputy Governor from office. The suspicion of external interference has further deepened the rift within the union.

The actions of Comrade Ojo Bright have ignited a fiery debate among union members and the general public. Some perceive his actions as a betrayal of the core principles of unionism, which traditionally stand for justice and the protection of democratic institutions. Others, however, believe that there may be concealed motives behind Bright's decision to protest against the court's ruling.

As the controversy continues to simmer, many are anxiously awaiting a response from Comrade Ojo Bright. It is hoped that his explanation will shed light on his motivations and address the concerns raised by his comrades and the public. Clarity on this matter could help heal the growing rift within the union and provide a path forward for resolving the Deputy Governor's impeachment saga.

In the midst of this turmoil, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize peace and unity in Ondo State. The state has already witnessed its fair share of political turbulence, and further division could have detrimental consequences for its citizens. It is advisable for union comrades and other stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and find common ground to navigate through this challenging period in the state's political landscape. In doing so, they can ensure that the interests of the people of Ondo State are protected and that justice prevails.

Written By Bayo Akintunde A Public Analyst.

(Ifon, Ondo state)