Igede-Ekiti Councillor Expresses Gratitude for Overwhelming Support and Victory in Ward B Election.

Igede-Ekiti Councillor Expresses Gratitude for Overwhelming Support and Victory in Ward B Election.

In the aftermath of the recent local government election, Adewumi Sikiru Adekunle, newly elected Councillor of Igede Ward B, extends heartfelt gratitude to the community members for their overwhelming support, marking a victory for democracy and the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Adekunle begins by thanking God for the successful conduct of the election and the safety of all participants. He acknowledges the Governor of Ekiti State, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, for his commitment to democratic ideals, emphasizing the party's foundation on sacred values.

The Councillor expresses deep appreciation to the wife of the Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, for her counsel and vital interventions, demonstrating respect and undying loyalty to the institution.

He acknowledges fellow aspirants for their maturity and sportsmanship, setting a historic example in the ward's political history. Adekunle looks forward to working collaboratively to restore hope and faith in the APC, returning the ward to a path of development and growth.

The victory, he notes, is not solely for him but a triumph for democracy, the rule of law, and the APC. Adekunle expresses gratitude to his family, campaign team, support groups, party members, and the entire Igede-Ekiti community.

Reaffirming his commitment, the newly elected Councillor outlines a simple agenda focusing on Security and Social Welfare, Infrastructural Development, Training, Leadership by Example, and Social Empowerment Scheme.

Adekunle concludes by thanking party members for their confidence, assuring them and the community that their trust will not be in vain. He acknowledges the overwhelming votes, describing the community as his "cover cloth" and expresses passionate gratitude.

May God, he prays, help him sustain the trust and confidence bestowed upon him, extending blessings to all.

ASUU denies knowledge of plan to pay members’ withheld salary.

ASUU denies knowledge of plan to pay members’ withheld salary.

The leadership of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has said it is not aware that President Bola Tinubu had directed that its members be paid four out of eight months of withheld salary arrears.

The National Vice President of ASUU, Prof. Christopher Piwuna, stated this in an interview with journalists on the sidelines of the presentation of scholarships to university undergraduate students in Bauchi Zone, which was held at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Yelwa Campus, Bauchi, on Saturday.

It was reported on October 20, 2023, that Tinubu had approved the partial waiver of the “No Work, No Pay” order instituted against striking members of the ASUU following their eight-month strike, which began on February 14, 2022, and was terminated on October 17, 2022.

The President’s Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Ajuri Ngelale, revealed in a statement that the waiver “will allow for the previously striking members of ASUU to receive four months of salary accruals out of the eight months of salary that were withheld during the eight-month industrial action undertaken by the union.”

The statement was titled ‘President Tinubu approves partial waiver of the no work, no pay order on ASUU members; orders release of four months of withheld salary.’

However, Tinubu directed the grant of the waiver with the mandatory requirement that the  Ministry of Education and the  Ministry of Labour and Employment must secure a Document of Understanding establishing that the waiver granted by the President will be the last one to be granted to ASUU and all other education sector unions.

Ngelale said the President sought to “mitigate the difficulties being felt during the implementation of key economic reforms in the country, as well as his recognition of the faithful implementation of terms that were agreed upon during the deliberations between ASUU and the Federal Government of Nigeria.”

But Piwuna, when asked to comment on the said approval of the four-month salary arrears, said that ASUU is not aware of such.

“We are not aware that the government has awarded money to anybody. We are not aware. As a union, we are not aware of that,” he declar

Nigeria pushes for regional security at ECOWAS parliament meeting.

Nigeria pushes for regional security at ECOWAS parliament meeting.

Nigeria is rallying West African nations to collectively enhance regional security as part of its agenda as ECOWAS Chair.

This formed a key highlight of the report presented at the ongoing 2023 second Ordinary Session of the ECOWAS Parliament in Abuja.

Presenting the report, Nigerian representative Lynda Ikeazu said the country wants a “harmonisation of the regional security agenda geared towards a mutual linked security goals.”

According to Ikeazu, “Given the transnational nature of the threats, non-military peace efforts would take priority over an overly militarised approach to security. A military approach has had the unintended effect of protracted armed conflicts across West Africa.”

She referenced President Bola Tinubu’s prioritisation of security in his ECOWAS vision, quoting his words that “without a peaceful environment, progress and development in the region will continue to remain elusive.”

The session also heard reports from Cape Verde, Senegal, Cote d’Ivoire, and The Gambia likewise stressing security. Cape Verde said it “has invested heavily in securing its borders” but warned that “it has numerous shelters on all the islands, which has been exploited with some intensity in the relatively recent past by drug traffickers.”

For Senegal, its report noted that, while largely stable, “there are still pockets of hostilities around the borders with Mali, Guinea-Bissau, and Gambia in the Casamance region.”

The Gambian presentation cited successes from ongoing security reforms but added that “all these efforts are geared towards guaranteeing the protection of human rights and non-recurrence of the violation of fundamental human rights by security forces.”

ECOWAS parliament speaker Sidie Tunis presided over the session attended by delegations pushing for regional cohesion against terrorism and transnational crimes threatening West Africa’s economic progress.

NAN

Sanwo-Olu commissions new Godrej Nigeria factory in Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu commissions new Godrej Nigeria factory in Lagos.

In demonstration of his administration’s commitment to reforms and economic incentives that will improve the ease of doing business and enhance investment opportunities, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwoolu, has commissioned the newly-built wet hair production factory owned by Godrej Nigeria Limited.

Godrej Nigeria Limited is an Indian consumer goods company and an emerging markets FMCG leader with a growing presence in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. The newly-built and commissioned factory is part of its drive to deepen its presence and consolidate its consumer base in the country.

The Governor described the project as an ‘audacious step’ taken by the company to further deepen its investment and market share in the Lagos consumer market sector, noting that the new production line would raise the company’s capacity to meet local demand for its products.

“This is a strategic investment decision being made by Godrej Nigeria Limited to transform its business and deepen its investment in consumer goods. This is a testament to our willingness to collaborate with the private sector and bring about sustainable economic benefits to better our citizens’ lives, “ Governor Sanwoolu stated.

The Governor further added that his administration would continue to pursue actions that would eliminate red tapes and regulatory impediments hindering the growth of businesses in the State, thereby demonstrating his willingness for continued collaboration with the private sector to improve the livelihood of the residents.

Kayode Oladapo, Chief Executive Officer of Godrej Group, West Africa, stated that in addition to the company’s market expansion drive, it is poised significantly to impact people and communities in ways that transform lives forever, thereby consolidating its footprint as a key human capital developer in regions where it operates. “This is a significant milestone in our company’s journey here in Nigeria, and we are not just keen on growing or expanding our footprint in businesses but impacting lives and people in ways that will make lasting impact”, Mr. Oladapo stated.

Obasanjo, Jonathan, Sanwo-Olu, others hail Uzochukwu over luxury brand launch Sudhir Sitapati, Managing Director and global Chief Executive Officer, Godrej Group, also added that the launch of the new factory signifies growth for the company which marks a significant milestone for the company’s trajectory in the West African region. Mr. Sitapati commended Governor Sanwoolu and his administration for formulating business-friendly policies that enable ease of doing business and growth, which ultimately impacts the residents and citizenry.

Godrej Group is a big player in the Hair Fashion, Hair Care, Home Insecticide, and Personal Care categories, particularly for women of African descent, offering a range of products tailored to their needs. The Company continues to expand its presence on the continent and other emerging markets, with manufacturing facilities in several African countries, including South Africa, Mozambique, Kenya, and Nigeria. As a 120-year-old group with over 8,900 staff in Nigeria alone, its legacy is strongly built on values that reflect trust, integrity, and respect. Its fast-rising growth is fueled by its exciting ambitious aspirations. Presently, the company enjoys the patronage of over 1.1 billion consumers globally with three categories of hair care, personal care and home care products under its belt.

The Company has also made several acquisitions, reflecting its commitment to provide consumers with a wide range of quality products and improve its market leadership. In 2008, Godrej Consumer Products Limited acquired the Kinky Group, as part of its foray into the hair extension business in Africa. Later, in 2015, Frika Hair (Pty) Limited, a leading premium hair extensions company in South Africa was acquired.

First Lady to empower 6,000 in Benue.

 First Lady to empower 6,000 in Benue.

The First Lady, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu has said that the No Woman, No Nation (NWNN) forum would empower a total of 6,000 women in Benue State.

Sen. Tinubu stated this during the inauguration of the State and Local Government chapters of NWNN in Makurdi.

Represented by the National Chairman of the organisation, Amb. Akintola Oluwasayo, Sen. Tinubu said the objectives of the organisation were to empower women and encourage their participation in more public activities in the country.

She said the programme would instantly lift 6,000 Benue women out of poverty, adding that more were underway.

“We focus on all-inclusiveness gender balance and a peaceful and better environment for business. However, the No Woman No Nation forum will lift 6000 women out of poverty immediately after the inauguration in Benue State at the first stage.

“The NWNN Palliatives project will impact positively on the socio-economic development of our state across all Local Governments,” she said.

Sen. Tinubu added the NWNN was established immediately after the general election to cater to the needs of women across the 774 Local Government Areas in the country.

In his remarks, Gov Hyacinth Alia commended the First Lady for her commitment to the empowerment of women in the country.

Gov Alia said his administration was against any form of practices, programmes and cultural beliefs that are harmful to women.

He said his administration would continue to cherish the role of women in nation-building and give them the desired recognition.

The National Director of Welfare and Planning, North Central, No Woman No Nation (NWNN) and State Commissioner for Cooperatives Urban and Rural Development, Mrs. Joy Luga, said the programme would lift thousands of women out of poverty in the State.

The high point of the event was the inauguration of the state and local government chapters of the organisation by the National Chairman, Amb. Oluwasayo.  

Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence Expresses Gratitude for Overwhelming Support in Ifedara LCDA Victory.

Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence Expresses Gratitude for Overwhelming Support in Ifedara LCDA Victory.

In a resounding expression of gratitude, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence, the newly elected Chairman of Ifedara LCDA, has conveyed heartfelt appreciation for the exceptional support received during the recently concluded local government poll.

The chairman expressed his deepest thanks to His Excellency, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, for providing unwavering encouragement throughout the electoral process.

Acknowledging the pivotal role played by key figures in the All Progressives Congress (APC) party, Hon Ogunsanya specifically extended gratitude to Barr Paul Omotosho, the APC party chairman, his deputy Vice chairman Barr Elesin, and all executives. He stated, "the collective support and guidance from these leaders significantly contributed to the achievement of this landmark victory."

Hon Ogunsanya further extended appreciation to all members of the APC party in Ifedara LCDA and the citizens who actively participated by casting their votes en masse. Their collective trust and confidence in Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence are deeply cherished.

The Returning Officer of the Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission, overseeing Ifedara LCDA, officially declared Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence as the winner, recognizing his compliance with all election requirements.

However, Hon Ogunsanya Lawrence expressed sincere gratitude to the residents for their active participation in the peaceful election, emphasizing his commitment to tirelessly work for the progress and development of Ifedara LCDA. He concluded with a heartfelt thank you to all supporters for their unwavering backing.

Ajoni Youth Development Forum Congratulates Re-elected Chairman, Pledges Support for Continued Development.

Ajoni Youth Development Forum Congratulates Re-elected Chairman, Pledges Support for Continued Development.

Ajoni Youth Development Forum, based at Odo' Ado Kwakere Arena, extends heartfelt congratulations to the recently re-elected Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Prince Michael Ogungbemi following his victory in the recently concluded local government elections. The group, expressing excitement, pledges significant contributions to the LCDA's ongoing development and declares its readiness to collaborate with Chairman Ogungbemi in uplifting Ajoni LCDA to new levels of peace.

Attributing Prince Michael Ogungbemi's success to his remarkable achievements in office, the group releases a statement saying, "A big CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU, our able and dynamic chairman. We're happy for you, sir. Continue your good work. In you, we trust and believe."

In addition, the group urges the residents of Ajoni LCDA to unite with Hon Prince Ogungbemi, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts for the efficient and effective delivery of good governance during his second tenure.

Describing Chairman, Prince Ogungbemi as an intelligent, brilliant, diligent, cheerful giver, and dedicated youthful leader committed to the development of humanity, the group concludes their message with prayers. They pray for God's blessings upon him, seeking long life, wisdom, understanding, knowledge, and sound health to effectively pilot the affairs of the LCDA.

In related news, the Chairman of Ajoni  Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Prince Michael Ogungbemi, expresses gratitude for the peaceful election and expresses appreciation for the opportunity to serve a second term.