Tinubu, Shettima’s Wives visit Akeredolu’s family in Ibadan.

Tinubu, Shettima’s Wives visit Akeredolu’s family in Ibadan.

The First Lady, Oluremi Tinubu, in company with the wife of the Vice President, Nana Shettima, paid a condolence visit to the family of the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu, at his residence in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Saturday.

While speaking during the visit, Mrs Tinubu described the late Akeredolu as a great man, stating that Nigeria has lost one of her great men.

She said, “I keep asking when people ask someone, ‘Is somebody alright or is he sick?’ I said, ‘Who is well?’ We all have one ailment or the other, and it is only God that gives us each day to live by.

“He has done his best. He was a great, brave man, loved by my family, loved by my husband, and respected by my husband.

“We can only wish that the legacies he left behind could continue and endure. I wish his wife, his children, grand children and the family that God will comfort them and also ease their pains.

“They should live with the fact that the man has done well. He has done well to people, he will be solidly missed, and we pray that his soul rests in perfect peace.”

It was reported that Akeredolu died on Wednesday, December 27, at the age of 67 while undergoing treatment for prostate cancer in a German hospital.

The acting governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was also sworn in as substantive governor on the same day, following the death of the governor.

Senate Passes 2024 Budget with Significant Increase of N1.2 Trillion.

Senate Passes 2024 Budget with Significant Increase of N1.2 Trillion.

In a significant development, the Nigerian Senate has passed the 2024 budget, marking a crucial step in the fiscal planning process for the upcoming year. The budget received approval during the third reading, accompanied by a substantial increase of N1.2 trillion, pushing the total appropriation from N27.5 trillion to N28.7 trillion.

The approval came following a voice vote led by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, indicating broad support for the revised budget. Before reaching this stage, the Senate diligently considered the report of the Appropriation Bill, initially presented by Senator Adeola Solomon, the Chairman of the Appropriation Committee.

Key highlights of the revised budget include the following allocations:

Aggregate Expenditure: N28,777,404,073,861

Statutory Transfers: N1,742,786,788,150

Recurrent Expenditure: N8,768,5330,852

Capital Expenditure: N9,995,143,298,028

GDP Growth Estimate: 3.88%

The initial budget proposal of N27.5 trillion was presented to a joint session of the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on November 29. Notably, the President had earmarked the budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year at N9.18 trillion, representing 3.88% of Nigeria's gross domestic product (GDP).

President Tinubu explained that the deficit would be financed through various means, including new borrowings totaling N7.83 trillion, N298.49 billion from privatization proceeds, and a drawdown of 1.05 trillion naira on multilateral and bilateral loans secured for specific development projects.

The passage of the budget reflects the commitment of the Senate to expedite crucial fiscal matters for the benefit of the nation. It is anticipated that the revised budget will address evolving economic needs and contribute to Nigeria's growth and development.

The Senate had initially passed the budget for a second reading on December 1, setting the stage for detailed deliberations leading to the final approval during the third reading.

Divine Intervention Impact Foundation Extends Prosperous New Year Wishes and Divine Blessings to Its Members.

Divine Intervention Impact Foundation Extends Prosperous New Year Wishes and Divine Blessings to Its Members.

In a heartfelt message, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo O. Okene, President and C.E.O. of Divine Intervention Impact Foundation (D.I.I.F), expresses warm wishes for a prosperous New Year and divine multiple blessings to the members of the foundation.

Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo O. Okene, President and C.E.O. of Divine Intervention Impact Foundation.

As the founder of D.I.I.F, Mrs. Okene envisions a generation of success-motivated individuals determined to fulfill their purpose, regardless of their backgrounds. The foundation is passionately dedicated to implementing various projects and initiatives that connect and sponsor these aspiring individuals, providing growth-motivated avenues and valuable resources to help them realize their dreams.

D.I.I.F, born from Mrs. Okene's burning passion, aims to give back to society by raising future giants, nurturing existing talents to reach greater heights, and offering quality support to those in dire need. Established in September 2017 and officially registered as a non-profit, non-governmental organization in 2020, Divine Intervention Impact Foundation strives to extend its remarkable voice beyond Nigeria's borders, sharing a beacon of hope and empowering the less privileged.

As the foundation embarks on the journey into the New Year, Mrs. Okene expresses gratitude to the members for their commitment and contributions towards the noble cause. The message resonates with the foundation's core values of making a positive impact on individuals' lives, fostering a sense of purpose, and spreading the light of hope across communities.

Wishing everyone associated with D.I.I.F a year filled with success, growth, and divine blessings, Mrs. Oluwafunmilayo O. Okene looks forward to continuing the impactful journey of uplifting lives and building a better future for those in need.

Cheers to a New Year of Purpose and Prosperity with Divine Intervention Impact Foundation!

Change of Batton: Ondo State Must Move Forward Under Your Watch. Omoluabi Group, Ondo State Chapter Advise Ayedatiwa.

Change of Batton: Ondo State Must Move Forward Under Your Watch. Omoluabi Group, Ondo State Chapter Advise Ayedatiwa.

Batton changed through the transfer of power first by constitutional power backed by doctrine of necessity. Now it is the case of baton change linked to natural phenomenon which was death an unforseen circumstances. Every man will definitely go to the world beyond but what is important are the legacies left behind.

 Good or bad on the face of mourning, another mayor is in town and the state must now begin to move on with no impediment to socio- economic and infrastructural development of the sunshine state.

Ayedatiwa Lucky Orimisan by providence, destiny and divine pronouncement with effect from 5:19pm on the 27th December, 2023 became the 6th Executive Governor of Ondo State. The Ilaje born politician appears a figure who gave his absolute loyalty to his benefactor, leader and immediate past Governor of Ondo State. He went through several tests of loyalty which many never prayed for in their political journey as party loyalists. He got banters from so many political actors who saw him as a threat to a camp and political family which himself was a benefactor and member. 

 Take it or leave it , His Excellency Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa was loyal to the Aketi Group and imbibed the native intelligence required to sustain a lasting love that should exist between a boss and a subordinate. 

Nature has paved way and today he is the Executive Governor of the state. What can man do when destiny has prevailed? What permutations can be as perfect as that planned by way of divinity? To most of us he began to get his sympathy beginning from the moment he was battered by those who wanted to profit their own personal interest over the constitution. His maturity and display of understanding in the face of executive provocation may have earned him further approval and mercy from God. His name's speaks volumes and may have played vital roles in his making as the Governor of Ondo State. People must now begin to know that the more some personalities are hated the better for them to secure great concerns from God.

His Excellency has now gotten the baton of leadership and will provide direction till February 2025. During which he is at liberty to consider throwing his hat I to the ring to contest as Governor. There is no crime in this afterall.

 This is the time to move on as an administrator and Chief Executive Officer of the State.. When there is a will there is always a way. Ondo State must now move forward and put behind himself the past. Ondo State is bigger than any group, persons or people. Governor Aiyedatiwa must ensure stability and continuity in the face of challenges. 

So for concerned citizens of Ondo State like us who believed that we must move on, on this basis it is proper to advise as follows:

1. Allow for continuity by completing all ongoing projects embarked upon by the Late Governor.

2. Find a way to honor the Late Governor by possibly naming a completed project under his watch after him. This act will simply immortalize him.

3.. Special attention be given to Rufus Giwa Polytechnic. There is need to set a panel of inquiry to unravel the administrative mishaps and shortcomings that have bedevilled the state polytechnic in the last two

 years.

4. Apply political solutions where and when necessary. This should be at your discretion. 

5. Establish a good working relationship with the civil service sector and other sectors contributing to the socio- economic development of the state. Infact a 13 month salary can do some good and magic like in other clime.

It is important to note that the real indigenes of ondo state now expect that your administration will be able to provide the needed succour to relieve them of some silent pains and sufocations suffered in the hands of mischievous aliens who almost turned the state to a private estate and grounded it politically because of the absence of the late governor. 

Our earnest prayer as Omoluabi Group, Ondo State chapter is that may His Excellency Aiyedatiwa Lucky Orimisan succeed in his new assignment.

Think Omoluabi!

Act Omoluabi!!

E- Signed:

Omoluabi Aluko Taiyelolu

State Coordinator

Omoluabi Jayeola, A.O

National Convener

30/12/2023

Be Decisive About Implementation of Environmental Sanitation Laws, EKSG Charges LG Bosses.

Be Decisive About Implementation of Environmental Sanitation Laws, EKSG Charges LG Bosses.

The Ekiti State Government, has charged the local government chairmen to be more concerned and committed to the implementation of all relevant environmental sanitation laws in the state.

Of specific reference, Mrs Afuye, raised concerns over the expediency of the local governments' chairmen to key into the policy of making the monthly environmental sanitation exercise more successful in 2024.

The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, gave the charge in Ikere Ekiti, on Saturday, while monitoring the monthly environmental sanitation exercise in Ikere Local Government Area of the State.

Mrs Afuye, in a statement by her Special Assistant on Media, Victor Ogunje, said there was a need for all the council bosses to coalesce actions with the state government for strict compliance with environmental sanitation exercise.

She said restricting the citizens to stay within the precinct of their residences for three hours once in a month  to observe cleanliness and hygiene shouldn't be a difficult task to comply with.

Mrs Afuye expressed dismay at the poor level of compliance during the exercise she monitored in the local government, regretting that the residents capitalised on non-restriction of movements  by government to manifest laxity and non-compliance.

"Declaration of non-restriction of vehicular and human movements shouldn't be a reason why people shouldn't stay at home and take care of their premises. This exercise is for the health safety of our citizens and nothing more.

"I want to appeal to our local government chairmen and health officers to be more serious about the implementation of environmental laws in 2024.

"Some noticeable  laxities and non-chalant attitude  noticed in 2023 must be corrected, because this is one exercise that borders on the wellbeing of our residents".

The Deputy Governor monitored the exercise alongside the political heads, health officers and other staff of Ikere Local Government and Ikere West Local Council Development Area.

Prince (Amb.) Ogungbemi, Highlights Media Roles in Grassroots Development.

Prince (Amb.) Ogungbemi, Highlights Media Roles in Grassroots Development.

...... A Thought-Provoking Public Lecture.

In an intellectually charged Annual General Meeting, Hon. Prince (Amb) Michael Ogungbemi (FCPA, CSME, CIM), Chairman, Ajoni LCDA delivered a thought-provoking public lecture on "The Media and Grassroots Development." The event, hosted at KSSD Hotel, NTA Road, Ado Ekiti, brought together members of the Association of the Mass Communication Alumni of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.

Hon. Ogungbemi commenced his discourse by highlighting the pivotal role media plays in connecting with grassroots development. He emphasized the symbiotic relationship between media engagement and community progress.

Underscoring the media's fundamental role in disseminating information, Hon. Ogungbemi stressed its power to bring marginalized issues to the national forefront. Media, as a platform, holds the potential to amplify local communities' stories, struggles, and aspirations, thereby mobilizing support and advocating for positive change.

In the digital age, media platforms provide spaces for individuals and communities to express concerns and share stories. This empowerment ensures that the struggles, aspirations, and needs of grassroots communities are recognized by decision-makers, fostering inclusive and sustainable development.

Furthermore, the media acts as a catalyst for community development by enabling participatory communication. Grassroots initiatives can leverage various media tools to engage citizens actively, leading to self-reliance and sustainable development.

Hon. Ogungbemi also highlighted the role of media in education and awareness among grassroots communities. By reporting on pertinent issues, media equips communities with the knowledge necessary for informed decision-making, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Despite these positive contributions, challenges such as accessibility, affordability, and media literacy hinder full grassroots participation. Bridging the digital divide, ensuring equal opportunities, and fostering collaborative efforts are essential to overcome these barriers.

In conclusion, Hon. Ogungbemi underscored the transformative potential of media in empowering local communities and fostering sustainable grassroots development. He urged individuals, organizations, and policymakers to recognize and harness the power of media for building a more equitable, inclusive, and prosperous nation.

The public lecture served as an inspirational call to action, emphasizing the imperative to leverage media as a powerful agent of change for grassroots development.

Soludo pledges more road construction in Anambra.

 Soludo pledges more road construction in Anambra.

The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has inaugurates 11 kilometers of newly constructed roads in Abatete, Idemili North Local Government Area, while praising the community’s private sector initiative and calling on other citizens to follow suit.

The governor said the roads were built by private citizens of Abatete, showcasing the potential of Public Private Community Partnerships in infrastructural development.

Soludo highlighted the importance of such partnerships, stressing that limited resources required collaboration between government, individuals, and communities.

He acknowledged the community’s contribution, comparing it to similar projects in Neni community and pledging similar government support for Abatete’s future development.

The governor outlined his broader vision for road construction across Anambra, including projects in Nzam, Onitsha South, Awka North, and Okpoko communities.

He encouraged wealthy individuals to invest in their communities by building roads, renovating schools, and supporting local initiatives.

“At least 1,000 Ndi Anambra can construct at least two kilometers of roads. If that is done, Anambra can boast of constructing an additional 2,000 kilometers of roads, boosting infrastructural development in the state.

“Before I became governor, I already built a 4.5-kilometer road in my community,” he stated.

Soludo revealed the state’s limited tax revenue compared to Lagos and emphasised the need for local investment to complement government efforts.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Occasion, Fred Uzoh, also one of Abatete’s sons who built a part of the 11km of roads, said it was a thing of honour to have a governor sitting by his side to encourage them

He disclosed that Nsukwu, one of Abatete’s four quarters, has seen some of its illustrious sons actively participate in Soludo’s model of Public Private Community Partnership.