Aiyedatiwa Pays Homage To PA Fasoranti, Afenifere, Seeks Support For The Development Of Ondo State.

Aiyedatiwa Pays Homage To PA Fasoranti, Afenifere, Seeks Support For The Development Of Ondo State. 

.....Falae, Arogbofa, Akorede, others pray for Governor’s success in leading Ondo State.

Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Wednesday paid a visit to the elder statesman, Chief Reuben Fasoranti, and leaders of the pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, during which he lauded their contributions to the development of the State and Nigeria.

Accompanied by top government officials and aides, the Governor said the visit was partly to pay homage to the elders and leaders to thank them for the fatherly role they played in restoring peace during the political crisis in the State.

He said: “I extend my heartfelt greetings to Chief Reuben Fasoranti and the distinguished elders present. Your wisdom and guidance have been invaluable to our State’s stability. In the past, during challenging times, your intervention, particularly the letter you wrote to President Bola Tinubu advocating constitutional adherence, restored peace to our state. Your counsel has been instrumental.”

Governor Aiyedatiwa also conveyed to the elders the news of the passing of the former Governor of the State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, promising to give him a befitting burial and continue with all his ongoing developmental projects and programmes.   

The Governor reiterated his dedication to serving the people of Ondo State while upholding the late Governor’s legacy, seeking the support of the elders in the tasks ahead.

During the visit, Oba Olu Falae, the Oluabo of Ilu Abo, highlighted the urgency of preserving the Yoruba language from the brink of extinction, urging the Governor to join his colleagues in the south west to implement policies that will protect and preserve the Yoruba language.

He commended Ondo State’s history of leadership in positive initiatives, including the establishment of the Amotekun security outfit aimed at securing lives and property within the region. He also urged the Governor to consider some new road projects in the State, especially in rural areas.

Also, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa extended condolences to Governor Aiyedatiwa during the visit. He emphasized the need for immense goodwill for success and pledged their support, highlighting the elders’ commitment to the welfare of the people of the State.

Recounting the historical precedence set during the days of Ajasin’s administration, Bashorun Seinde Arogbofa urged Governor Aiyedatiwa to leave a lasting mark on the State, adding: “You are in charge now, take charge. Never forget those who stood by you during challenging times.”

Chief Reuben Fasoranti, on his part, conveyed the support and goodwill of the elders and offered a prayer for Governor Aiyedatiwa’s leadership. “May divine guidance and wisdom accompany you in this significant phase of leadership. I pray for success and prosperity in your administration,” Chief Fasoranti prayed.

Governor Aiyedatiwa received the prayers with gratitude, expressing appreciation for the support and blessings bestowed upon him, promising to always seek the counsel of the elders in leading the State forward. 

Ondo PDP Disagrees With NWC Over Chairman's Suspension, Appoints Deputy As Acting Chairman.

Ondo PDP Disagrees With NWC Over Chairman's Suspension, Appoints Deputy As Acting Chairman.

As a follow-up to the purported suspension of the party’s Chairman, Hon. Fatai Adams, the Ondo State Executive Council (SEC) of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) has today appointed Tola Alabere, as the acting State Chairman of the party.

This was disclosed at a press conference after an emergency meeting of the SEC at the party’s secretariat in Akure, on Thursday, following the suspension of Fatai Adams by nine out of the eleven members of the State Working Committee.

The State Working Committee (SWC) of PDP had suspended Adams, citing alleged anti-party activities and actions detrimental to the party’s reputation.

However, Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the party, in his blunt response to the purported suspension, said the National Working Committee (NWC) had dismissed the suspension, declaring it null and void, emphasizing that the state committee lacked the authority to suspend the chairman without recourse to the national body.

The Ondo State Chapter of the party has however defended the suspension, asserting that according to the party’s constitution, all levels possess the power to discipline erring members within their ranks, including the State Chairman.

They highlighted that nine out of eleven SWC members signed the suspension letter, signaling a lack of confidence in Adams’ leadership.

But today, after giving concurrence to Adams’ suspension, the SEC of the party took a step further by approving the appointment of the State Vice Chairman, Tola Alabere, to take over the affairs of the party as acting state chairman of the PDP in Ondo State.

Addressing newsmen, the State Publicity Secretary, Hon. Kenneth Peretei said the decision to appoint Alabere followed the due process and in line with the party’s constitution.

FG extends free train rides till Sunday, January 7.

FG extends free train rides till Sunday, January 7.

The Federal Government has extended the free rides for commuters on all train services to Sunday, January 7, 2024.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation had announced the commencement of the free train ride on Thursday, December 21, 2023 for all its passenger services, following the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

The announcement indicated that the free ride services would end on Thursday, January 4, 2024.

This followed the announcement by the Federal Government of 50 per cent waiver on interstate round transport and free train rides as part of moves to cushion the impact of the high cost of living in the country, especially during Yuletide.

Sadio Mane's Philanthropy Transforms Hometown: A Lesson for Nigerian Footballers.

Sadio Mane's Philanthropy Transforms Hometown: A Lesson for Nigerian Footballers.   By Comrade Olamide Akinwumi James

In a remarkable display of generosity, Sadio Mane, the celebrated Senegalese footballer, has once again left an indelible mark on his hometown, Bambali. Having invested £700,000 in the construction of a hospital, school, post office, and petrol station, Mane's latest endeavor involves the transformation of a mud-soaked pitch into a mini-stadium, officially launched yesterday.

This muddy pitch, where Mane and his friends played during his holiday in June 2022, has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis in a little over a year. The mini-stadium now stands as a testament to Mane's commitment to giving back to his roots and uplifting his community.

The act goes beyond material displays of wealth, challenging the narrative of acquiring luxury cars and houses. For Mane, it's about making a tangible impact on humanity. When questioned by the English media about his choice not to indulge in extravagant purchases like private jets and expensive cars, Mane's response reflected a profound sense of responsibility to his community.

Hailing from a humble background in Bambali, Senegal, Mane's journey to success resonates with the struggles of many young talents striving for recognition. His story is not one of luxury handed down by his community but rather a testament to his resilience and determination.

The footballer's philanthropic efforts stand in contrast to the common trend among Nigerian players who, after achieving success, often detach from their impoverished communities. Mane's example serves as a poignant reminder to footballers, especially those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to remain connected to their roots.

The article concludes by urging Nigerian players to draw inspiration from Mane's altruism and consider their role in uplifting the communities that contributed to their success.

Customs’ll meet N5.1tn 2024 revenue target – CG.

Customs’ll meet N5.1tn 2024 revenue target – CG.

The Comptroller-General, Nigerian Customs Service, Adewale Adeniyi, on Thursday, said the NCS would strive to deliver its projected N5.1tn revenue target for 2024.

Adeniyi spoke during the decoration  of newly promoted officers of the NCS at the organisation’s headquarters in Abuja.

“We are now in 2024 and we face daunting challenges. Our challenges are in an economy that continuously looks forward to the Nigeria Customs Service to generate revenue to fund the national budget.

“As at the last time, if it has not changed, the revenue projection for Customs in 2024 stands at N5.1tn,” he stated, stressing that officers of the NCS must work hard to achieve this.

“As we start the new year, I want our newly promoted officers, working with other officers, to lead the charge for the realisation of this target. I want all of us to bring our stakeholders to the heart of our operations.

“We have a country where economic operators, importers and exporters depend a lot on our processes, commitment and efficiency to run their own business. We cannot afford to disappoint these stakeholders.

“We cannot afford to disappoint the economy and the President, who has given us this opportunity and special privilege to be in charge of this critical aspect of our economic development. So I want you to lead the charge with integrity at the back of our mind,” Adeniyi stated.

On December 11, 2023, Adeniyi had during his appearance before the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, stated that the Customs had a revenue target of over N5tn in 2024, but the lawmakers pushed for N6tn.

The customs boss had explained that the major source of revenue for the service was duty charged on all goods imported into the country.

He also stated that another revenue source that the Customs was trying to improve was the excise duty charged on locally produced goods.

Oyebanji Swears-in New Council Chairmen, Urges Focus on Security, IGR.

Oyebanji Swears-in New Council Chairmen, Urges Focus on Security, IGR.                           .....Warns against corruption, profligacy.

The Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Thursday, sworn-in the 38 new Local Government Chairmen and their Vice, urging them to place high premium on radical improvement on the security of lives and property as well as revenue generation in their respective council areas. 

Oyebanji also gave a matching order to the council chairmen to rev up the pedal of development by building on the strong foundation laid by their predecessors, adding that his administration would not tolerate any form of security lapses at the third tier of government under their watch.

The Governor stated these in Ado- Ekiti on Thursday, during the inauguration ceremony for the new council chairmen held at Osuntokun Pavillion, Government House, Ado Ekiti. 

The new council chairmen were elected during the December 2, 2023 local government election in the state. 

Addressing the new council bosses, Oyebanji, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, described the Local Government as an integral part of overall development focus and strategy of his government that requires adequate attention to tackle the menace of poverty, joblessness and insecurity.

The Governor praised the immediate past Chairmen and those that were reelected for demonstrating enough political and administrative acumen to deliver, in spite of the multifarious challenges associated with being pioneers.

Stoutly expressing zero tolerance for corruption and pilfering of council funds, the Governor urged them to discharge their duties with utmost "honesty, impartiality , even-handness , compassion and fairness", adding that they must work assiduously for the actualisation of the shared prosperity mantra of his government. 

The State's Chief Executive revealed that he decided to put machinery in motion for the conduct of election at the local government level to further corroborate how desirous he was for the councils to be run in a democratic manner.

He saluted the former Chairmen for their outstanding performances and for being shrewd and dexterous in playing local politics that was chiefly associated with the running of local government system, saying this reflected in their acceptability and connectivity with the people.

On his commitment to stamp out bandits, kidnappers and other criminal elements out of Ekiti, the Governor charged the chairmen to prioritise security at all times, adding “you must be deliberate about this.”

"Your security plans and strategies should be communicated to me through the office of Special Adviser on Security , as soon as you take over. I will not tolerate security lapses in your domains, therefore, ensure all critical stakeholders are carried along and are involved".

Oyebanji advised the new council bosses against relying solely on the funds accruing to them from the federation and state accounts to run the affairs of the councils, to avert administrative failure and inability to fulfil their electioneering promises. 

"You need money to run a successful administration. It is not enough to rely on federal and state allocations, you have to improve your internally generated revenue and ensure it forms a sizeable source of your funding revenue. 

"One of your major performance metric will be how much IGR you generate and how much it contributes to your project financing. Government will be looking at the possibility of giving conditional, mileage-incentive to councils with significant IGR improvement".

On his resolve to bolster the potentials of youth and artisans, Oyebanji, said his government is sensitive to local content in project execution, directing the council chairmen to patronise local contractors, while not ruling out the possibility of direct labour in execution of projects in exceptional cases. 

Oyebanji added: "Let me reiterate my call on the local government leadership that this administration is very sensitive to to local content in project execution. While the need for direct labour may be inevitable, in certain circumstances, it shouldn't be the norm but exception. 

"Our shared prosperity mantra is to the effect that all socioeconomic opportunities must go round. Let local contractors with proven track records of performances and delivery benefit in job execution at the grassroots level".

Oyebanji appealed to the council chairmen to manage their local politics in most effective fashion to mitigate political crises or hostilities that can tinker with peace being savoured by the citizens from rearing their ugly heads. 

The Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, who spoke on behalf of his colleagues, pledged that they would work hard to surpass the expectations of the governor in their performances.

Ogungbemi added that the new council bosses will complement the governor's deft move to rescue Ekiti from poverty, by replicating his policies at the local government level.

In attendance at the event were the wife of the Governor, Dr Olayemi Oyebanji; Member House of Representatives, Rt Hon Femi Bamisile; Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adeoye Aribasoye; members of the state executive council and the state House of Assembly. Others include traditional rulers, chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC) among others.

No plan to increase fuel pump price, NNPCL assures Nigerians.

No plan to increase fuel pump price, NNPCL assures Nigerians.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, on Wednesday, declared that there was no plan to increase the pump price of Premium Motor Spirit, popularly called petrol.

NNPCL’s Chief Corporate Communications Officer, Olufemi Soneye, said in a statement that Nigerians should disregard rumours of a possible hike in petrol price.

The oil firm further urged motorists not to be involved in panic buying, as it stressed that the company had no plan to raise the cost of the product.

The statement read, “NNPC Ltd assures the public that there is no imminent increase in the cost of Premium Motor Spirit, commonly known as petrol.

“NNPC Ltd urges Nigerians to disregard unfounded rumours and assures them that there are no plans for an upward review of the PMS price.

“Motorists nationwide are advised against engaging in panic buying, as there is presently ample availability of PMS across the country.”

Some Nigerians had expressed fear following the revelation by oil marketers that the cost of petrol should be around N1,200/litre if it was not being subsidised, considering the cost of the commodity in other climes.

But the NNPCL insisted that there was no more subsidy on the product, stressing that it was now recovering its full cost on the importation of PMS into Nigeria. NNPCL is the sole importer of petrol into Nigeria.