Akeredolu’s widow slams critics as ex-governor is buried in Ondo.

Akeredolu’s widow slams critics as ex-governor is buried in Ondo.

The ancient town of Owo, Ondo State on Friday, played host to people from all walks of life who stormed the town to grace the final burial of the late former governor of Ondo State, Rotimi Akeredolu.

Akeredolu, who passed away on Wednesday, December 27, 2023, during a protracted illness in a German hospital, at the age of 67, was laid to rest at the burial site in the community.

In line with the burial programme, the body of the former governor arrived in the state on Wednesday where a special court session was held in his honour after which the remains were taken to the Akure Township Stadium for a lying-in-state and commendation service.

On Friday, a funeral service was held at the St. Andrew’s Cathedral Anglican Church, Imola, Owo. The Vice President, Mallan Kashim Shettima and many dignitaries were in attendance.

The wife of the late Akeredolu, Betty, in her tribute, hit hard on the critics of her relationship with her late husband.

The former first lady said “It’s me, your adorable Betty. You just left me. Just like that! It hurts. Badly it hurts. Now alone to face all manners of mockery from the so-called friends and adversaries alike. Now alone. A beg o! Can an Amotekun generalissimo be a weakling? Mbanuu! It doesn’t add up nau. Haba!”

“Not a few lashed out that you (Akeredolu) were a weakling because you loved me. I don’t think so in their homes while growing up they saw their mothers trampled upon as doormats. By the way, do they know what love is?

“They copied the template and treated their wives as pieces of furniture that can be easily discarded as trash. In many instances, the subjugation was garnished with beatings while the community looked the other way and remained unperturbed by gender-based violence. Beaten up like punch bags.”

Speaking at the service, President Bola Tinubu, who was represented by the Vice President, described the deceased former governor as a fearless man who always stood by the truth.

“We are gathered here today to bid farewell to a remarkable soul, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu SAN, CON,” the President began, reflecting on the transience of life and the enduring impact of our choices. He is a fearless soldier for his people.”

“There was no point in life where his voice shook in telling his truth. He was a vastly intelligent man whose passion has created quite a wide vacuum beyond this community,” the President eulogised.

Similarly, the state Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa said his former boss always stood for good governance and the rule of law.

He stated, “You are all here because he stood for something: good governance and the rule of law. He means a lot to different people, and that is why he has been described in different words. He was a courageous leader, a fighter, and a warrior. How can we forget him so soon? It is not possible because he lives on.

“He used the instrument of governance to intervene in different sectors of the state, including education, health services, and infrastructural development and security, among others.”

Dignitaries at the burial ceremony include the Ondo State Governor Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Governors of Oyo, Ogun, Lagos, Osun, Ekiti, Edo, Delta, Anambra and Benue States, Engnr Seyi Makinde, Dapo Abiodun, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Abiodun Oyebanji, Godwin Obaseki, Sheriff Oborevwori, Charles Soludo and Hyacinth Alia respectively and the national chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Alhaji Abdullahi Ganduje and host of others.

NDLEA hails Tinubu’s support for anti-drug war.

NDLEA hails Tinubu’s support for anti-drug war.

The Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Brig. Gen. Mohamed Buba Marwa (Retd) has expressed the appreciation of officers and men of the anti-narcotic agency to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his continuous support for the ongoing efforts to curb the scourge of substance abuse and illicit drug trafficking in the country.

Marwa stated this while fielding questions from journalists during the inspection of facilities at the NDLEA barracks, which he said is almost ready for commissioning in Yola Adamawa state.

According to him, “We thank God for the project, we appreciate the continuity in governance. President Buhari appreciated the issues surrounding the security and welfare of staff. They seize, arrest, prosecute and deal with the criminals, yet the criminals come back to them because they live among them. But now we have the barracks for our personnel. President Buhari approved it and commenced it, and now President Tinubu has continued with same zeal and drive, so we appreciate this element of concern towards the NDLEA.”

While commending the standard and quality of work being done at the barracks, he said “Consultants, and contractors have done very well, good quality, well monitored, best materials and design as you can see, and we are 95 per cent done. We hope that by the grace of Allah, before the middle of this year, we’ll fully launch this first phase.

“We are targeting initially the six geopolitical zones to have a barrack each, for equity and balance and in the succeeding years, we hope the succeeding government will continue in all the 36 state commands, Federal Capital Territory, and Special Area commands. Our officers are all excited and willing to do more because this is a testament to the good work that the officers have been doing that yielded this project and they are willing to do even more.”

The NDLEA boss also said the agency is equally committed to reducing the demand for illicit substances by combining forces with other stakeholders to raise awareness and address the root causes of substance abuse.

“In 2018, a Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse was set up, which I had the distinct honour of being the chairman. One of the major tasks that we had was to identify the root causes of drug abuse and trafficking and make recommendations which we did. In the process, we found that poverty is one of the key predisposing factors of drug use in all societies. It is important to note that it is not only Nigeria that has this problem, the whole world is facing it. So, in pursuing temporary relief, some people get into drugs.

“For this reason, I know for a fact that the president is determined to pull Nigerians out of poverty. And for the NDLEA and other institutions and stakeholders like the Ministry of Health, NAFDAC, etc, we are all combining efforts in drug demand reduction.”

He noted that the war against drug abuse is an all-encompassing one, which goes beyond the responsibility of only NDLEA.

“The media are in the forefront, the church is in the forefront, community leaders, Imams, clerics, educators, NGOs, traditional institutions, women and youth organizations; we all must collaborate with security agencies to stamp out drug abuse from this country.”

He hinted that in a matter of days, he would be briefing the nation about a major seizure and some arrests made as part of ongoing efforts to dismantle drug cartels still operating between Nigeria and other countries in Africa, Europe and America.

CJN to swear in new S’Court justices Monday.

CJN to swear in new S’Court justices Monday.

The newly-appointed 11 Justices of the Supreme Court will be sworn in on Monday, The PUNCH has learnt.

The justices are Jummai Sankey, Chidiebere Uwa, Chioma Nwosu-Iheme, Haruna Tsammani, Moore Adumein, Obande Ogbuinya, and Stephen Adah.

Others are Habeeb Abiru, Jamilu Yammama Tukur, Abubakar Sadiq Umar, and Mohammed Baba Idris

The National Assembly had on December 21, 2023, confirmed the elevation of the justices following President Bola Tinubu’s recommendation.

According to an invite sent to our correspondent on Friday, the Supreme Court’s Director of Information, Festus Akande, disclosed that the oath of office will be administered on the justices by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Olukayode Ariwoola.

He said, “The newly appointed 11 Justices of the Supreme Court will be sworn in by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Olukayode Ariwoola on Monday at 10.00 a.m. at the Main Courtroom of the Supreme Court.”

When the swearing-in of the elevated justices is done, the apex court will have the full complement of 21 justices, as stipulated by the Constitution

EKSG reactivates Bureau of Public works to address road maintenance.

EKSG reactivates Bureau of Public works to address road maintenance.

  

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has restated the commitment of his administration to infrastructure development in the state as he concluded plans resuscitate moribund bureau of public works to enhance infrastructure development and ensure smooth and functioning internal and township roads across the state.

Speaking during inspection tour of the facilities and equipments of the agency’s yard in Ado Ekiti on Thursday, Governor Oyebanji said the agency will henceforth attend effectively to mending and reconstruction of township and internal roads across the state.

The Governor who was accompanied on the tour by the Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo, said the Public Works bureau would ensure frequent maintenance of roads within the state as government would no longer contract out road maintenance and other menial road constructions works.   

The Governor stated further that his government would support and upgrade the agency so as to be able to compete favourably with other construction companies.

Acknowledging the important role of infrastructure in fostering economic growth and ensure citizen’s wellbeing, Governor Oyebanji said his administration remained committed to enhancing mobility, safety, and overall quality of life for residents of the state.

He warned workers in the agency not to allow any part of their equipment to be pilfered under any guise, stressing that serious sanctions await anyone caught pilfering parts of the equipment, even as promised that Government would buy more equipment to enhance the  effectiveness of the agency.  

“I have been here once to assess their capacity and their readiness to participate in the development of Ekiti State and discovered they have a lot of equipment that have been moribund for years.

“So, what we have done is to attempt to reactivate some of the equipment so that our decision and desire to ensure township roads in the state are pothole- free will now be met.” The Governor stated.

Cavista Holdings Chairman Niyi John Olajide Leads CCA Delegation to Nigeria for Trade and Investment Discussions.

Cavista Holdings Chairman Niyi John Olajide Leads CCA Delegation to Nigeria for Trade and Investment Discussions.

As part of the ongoing efforts to bolster trade and investment ties between Nigeria and the United States, Chairman of Cavista Holdings and also Chairman of the Corporate Council on Africa (CCA) Board, Niyi John Olajide led a high-powered delegation to Nigeria to meet with H.E President Bola Tinubu, various ministers, and heads of government agencies in Abuja. 

The purpose of the trade mission is to understand ongoing economic reforms, as well as expanding U.S.-Nigeria business and investment partnerships. 

President Tinubu expressed satisfaction with the Corporate Council’s dedication to fostering business connections between the United States of America and Africa.

''I am happy that the Council is interested in various segments of Nigeria’s economy. We are right in the middle of a challenging stage of our reforms. We have headwinds, no doubt, but we are not going back.

''We are challenged, and we believe we will overcome the challenges. I have a can-do attitude that must be translated into a must-do attitude. We have a good team, and we must remain focused to get the goal accomplished,'' he said.

In her remarks, Ms. Florizelle Liser, President and CEO of the Corporate Council on Africa, urged President Tinubu to consider the CCA as a key partner in enhancing USA-Nigeria trade, business, and investment. She reiterated CCA's dedication to supporting Nigeria's economic growth across the priority areas outlined by President Tinubu's administration.

The CCA trade mission, which ends on February 26 will also include visits to the Cavista Holdings Head office in Lagos, as well as meetings with business leaders in the private sector.

I'll continue to make you proud, Oyebanji assures APC leaders.

I'll continue to make you proud, Oyebanji assures APC leaders.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji has assured leaders of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the state that he would continue to keep the flag of the party flying by prioritizing the wellbeing and welfare of the people and advancing the ideals of the party.

Governor Oyebanji, who gave the assurance on Thursday during a meeting with the leaders of Ekiti East All Progressive Congress led by a member of the House of Representative, Rt Hon Femi Bamisile, said the only way he can express his gratitude to the party members for their support and trust is to continue to ensure that the party remains attractive to the people of the state.

The Governor said he remained committed to his decision to return the party to the leadership of the party, a development which he said has led to certain decisions and responsibilities being needed to the leaders of the party, leading to a better disciplined and more formidable party. 

He added that his administration will continue with the inclusive governance that has been the hallmark of his administration

“I thank you for giving me the platform and the opportunity to serve our people, becoming the candidate of the party was not because I was the richest or the best, it is just God touching your hearts to give me that ticket and am grateful to God.

“The only way I can say thank you to the party members is to ensure that the party remains attractive to the people and I have given myself that charge that whatever is going to cost me or take me to make APC attractive to Ekiti people, I will do and in the last one year and some months, God has helped us to do just that” the Governor said

Eelier in his remark, the leader of the delegation, Rt. Hon Femi Bamisile, said the purpose of the meeting was to appreciate the Governor for restoring electricity back to Ekiti East local government after several years of darkness and to declare their unalloyed support to the Governor’s programmes and policies as well as his second term in office.

Bamisile cited various transformative strides, exemplary governance and numerous achievement and initiatives that has positively impacted the lives of the residents across the state for the their decision to urge the Governor to continue in office. 

“we have witnessed firsthand remarkable progress and development under Governor Oyebanji’s administration, His visionary leadership, dedication to service, and commitment to the welfare of our people have earned you our support”. He asserted  

Also at the meeting were Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Special Adviser political matter, Chief Jide Awe, Special Adviser media, Mr Yinka Oyebode, Ekiti APC Chairman, Barrister Paul Omotosho, Director General Community Communication, Mrs Mary Omotosho, among others.

I’ll continue to reward excellence in civil service – Oyebanji.

I’ll continue to reward excellence in civil service – Oyebanji.

.…Swears in retired Perm Sec as SA/DG, BPP.

Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has assured civil servants in the state that his government would not relent in rewarding officers who have distinguished themselves in the area of service delivery and impeccable integrity. 

 

Governor Oyebanji stated this on Thursday, while swearing in a former Permanent Secretary in the Ekiti State Civil Service, Mr James Folorunso as Director General/ Special Adviser Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP), urging civil servants in the state to brace up by distinguishing themselves in their various MDAs assuring that their diligence would not go unrewarded. 

The Governor, who spoke after the traditional oath taking session, said Mr Folorunso got the appointment on merit, having demonstrated high level of professionalism and integrity in the various position he held before he retired as Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance last year. 

The Governor said he was convinced the new appointee would bring to bear his wealth of professional experience in the different position he held in the civil service on achieving the desired result in BPP as well as overall development of the state.

He noted that the Bureau of Public Procurement is the heartbeat of any government, hence the need to find appropriate person for the assignment. 

 “While congratulating you, I need to stress one thing, you earned this appointment because you are a man of honour, a man of character and a child of God. Since we met during Governor Niyi Adebayo, I’ve not had any cause to doubt you, you speak true to power, in love and you don’t pretend.

“Civil servants that do well will be compensated, this is a lesson to others that when you do your work diligently, God has a way of rewarding you. You did not lobby me for this, I did not discuss with you but I believe you are the best for the job. I just commend other people in the service, that whatever assignment we are given, let us be diligent because God is watching and people are also watching and there is going to be a reward for diligence.

 “This position became vacant last year, but I couldn’t come to term with the best way to fill it, because, the bureau of public procurement is the heart of any government because it deals with contracting, it deals with price intelligence, they review prices, they do a lot. So, the success or failure of any government when it comes to capital projects depends on the quality of the leadership in that office. And when your name came up, everyone applauded it as the right choice. 

Responding after the swearing in, Mr James Folorunso expressed appreciation to Governor Oyebanji for finding him worthy of the opportunity and promised not to betray the confidence reposed in him.

Mr Folorunso, who retired from active service barely seven months ago, assured the Governor that he would work hard to deliver quality service and add value to governance in the state.

In attendance at the event were: the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro; Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun; Head of Service, Engr Sunday Komolafe and other top government officials.