Senator Bamidele Celebrates 61st Birthday, Honored by BATSV Chairman.

Senator Bamidele Celebrates 61st Birthday, Honored by BATSV Chairman.

The Global Chairman of the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Solidarity Vanguard (BATSV), Ambassador Dr. Dare Owotomobi, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to Senator Barrister Dr. Michael Opeyemi Bamidele, CON, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.

In his congratulatory message, Ambassador Owotomobi praised Senator Bamidele's distinguished political career. Senator Bamidele serves as the Chairman of the Ekiti State National Assembly Caucus, the Leader of the Tenth Senate, and the Leader of Government Business at the Senate. His extensive experience includes a tenure as a Member of the House of Representatives and a background as a student union activist at the University of Benin.

Senator Bamidele's political journey began as a Senior Legislative Aide (SLA) to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu during Tinubu's time in the Senate. He later served as a Senior Special Assistant (SSA), Special Adviser, and Commissioner during Tinubu's tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State.

Dr. Owotomobi highlighted Senator Bamidele's progressive ideologies as the driving force behind his political achievements. He expressed his best wishes on behalf of BATSV worldwide, joining Senator Bamidele's family, friends, and political associates in celebrating this legal icon and National BOT Member of BATSV.

Jimmy Nanyak Lar,

Special Assistant Media to BATSV Global Chairman

Ekiti Monarchs Appeal to Citizens to Shun Nationwide Protest, Embrace Dialogue.

Ekiti Monarchs Appeal to Citizens to Shun Nationwide Protest, Embrace Dialogue.                By Olamide Akinwumi 

The Ekiti State Council of Traditional Rulers has urged citizens to avoid participating in the planned nationwide protest and instead engage in constructive dialogue. The appeal was made during the Council's monthly statutory meeting on Tuesday, where state and national security issues were among the key topics of discussion.

HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro Ajiboyede III, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti; and chairman of Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers.

In a communique signed by HRM Oba Ayorinde Ilori-Faboro Ajiboyede III, the Olojudo of Ido-Ekiti and chairman of the Ekiti Council of Traditional Rulers, the Council expressed deep concern over the planned protest, tagged #NationalDayofRage, scheduled for August 1. The monarchs highlighted the potential security implications for Ekiti State and Nigeria at large.

"We recall with sadness the result of a similar protest that took place in October 2020 and the destruction and carnage that ensued from such a protest," the communique read. "While we recognize the right of Nigerians to peaceful protest, it’s the view of the Council that a call to protest of this nature is a potential invitation to chaos and instability, as witnessed in 2020."

The Council appealed to all Ekiti indigenes both within the state and across Nigeria to avoid participating in the protest and to instead engage with the government at all levels through productive dialogue. They emphasized that many of the issues being demanded cannot be resolved instantaneously.

Furthermore, the traditional rulers commended the government's efforts to address the nation's economic and food challenges. They called for an acceleration of policy actions to further tackle these issues and appealed to the Ekiti State Government and security agencies to ensure the preservation of peace and tranquility in the state.

"We appeal to the Ekiti State Government and the security agencies to do everything possible to ensure nothing compromises the current peace and tranquility of Ekiti State," the communique concluded.

Hon. Ojuawo Extols Chief Wole Olanipekun's Virtues as Babcock University Confers Honorary Degree.

Hon. Ojuawo Extols Chief Wole Olanipekun's Virtues as Babcock University Confers Honorary Degree.

The Member representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, Hon. (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, has congratulated the Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Governing council University of Lagos Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN), on the conferment of an honorary degree of Doctor of Law and Administration by Babcock University, Ilisan-Remo, at the institution's convocation ceremony.

Hon. Ojuawo extolled Chief Olanipekun's sterling qualities as a legal luminary and a highly respected leader in the state, describing him as a global star who has continually brought pride and recognition to Ekiti State.

'Chief Wole Olanipekun is an embodiment of excellence, integrity, and leadership. His contributions to the legal profession and Ekiti State are immeasurable. This honorary degree is a well-deserved recognition of his tireless efforts and commitment to the development of our state and the nation at large,' Hon. Ojuawo said.

He further emphasized that Chief Olanipekun's achievements serve as an inspiration to the younger generation, and his legacy will continue to be a beacon of hope and guidance for many years to come.

'The conferment of the honorary degree is a testament to Chief Olanipekun's outstanding achievements and his status as a respected leader in the legal profession. It is a fitting recognition of his dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence. I urge the younger generation to emulate Chief Olanipekun's virtues and strive for excellence in their chosen careers, just as he has done.'

Once again, Hon. Ojuawo congratulates Chief Wole Olanipekun on this well-deserved honor and wishes him continued success and recognition in all his endeavors.

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Shelve protest, Oyebanji, police beg Ekiti youths.

Shelve protest, Oyebanji, police beg Ekiti youths.

Ekiti state governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has appealed to the youths in the state to shelve the planned nationwide protest in the overall interest of the country.

The governor said that the protest would not solve the country’s socio-economic challenges but only worsen the pains of Nigerians and further inflict damage on the country’s economy.

Oyebanji spoke on Monday, July 29, in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti state capital during a stakeholders meeting organized to brainstorm on the planned nationwide protest starting from August 1.

The governor represented by his special adviser on security, Brigadier General (rtd) Ebenezer Ogundana, called on the youths to embrace dialogue in pressing home their demand, warning the protest could be hijacked by criminal elements to cause mayhem and destabilize the country.

The governor who acknowledged that the country is currently going through challenges, said President Bola Tinubu had taken bold steps in addressing the economic challenges and the attendant hardship.

He urged Nigerians to exercise patience and give President Tinubu more time to implement his developmental blueprint towards making the renewed hope agenda a reality.

On his part, the Commissioner of Police, Adeniran Adewale, said that the meeting became necessary to engage relevant stakeholders and take feedback to the appropriate authorities for action.

Akinwale urged all the groups planning to protest in the state to come forward and give necessary details, saying this was necessary to ensure that the protest was peaceful.

Meanwhile, a group under the auspices of Nigerian Youth for Democracy (NYD), has advised Nigerian youths to explore dialogue instead of staging protests that can grind the economy to a halt.

The group’s national coordinator and former special assistant on youth and student Affairs in the state, Comrade Moses Ademiloye said past protests had resulted in arson attacks and violence on perceived political opponents.

Ademiloye added that any protest of national dimension has a high proclivity of causing economic disruptions, forcing businesses to close down, properties damaged, and public resources strained, which he warned can lead to job losses and exacerbate economic hardship for many Nigerians, particularly the struggling youths.

He said: “While protest is a form of expression, it should not replace constructive dialogue and democratic processes. Engaging in protests without exhausting other means of communication and negotiation can undermine the very democratic principles we seek to uphold.

“In light of these potential consequences, I urge all Nigerian youths to consider alternative, constructive means of effecting change. Let us engage with policymakers, community leaders, and stakeholders through dialogue. Present well-researched, viable solutions to the issues at hand. Constructive engagement can lead to meaningful changes without the risks associated with protests”, he added.

@The Nation News

OYEBANJI'S IMPACT: IT'S GOD AT WORK IN EKITI, SAYS FIRST LADY.

OYEBANJI'S IMPACT: IT'S GOD AT WORK IN EKITI, SAYS FIRST LADY.

...Solicits More Prayers for Hubby.

Wife of Ekiti State Governor, Dr. Olayemi Oyebanji, has ascribed the successes recorded so far by her husband, Governor Biodun Oyebanji, to divine support he enjoys in administering the state.

 According to her, "it is God at work in Ekiti" noting that the Almighty God has been the secret of her husband's impact under two years.

The First Lady made the remarks in her office on Monday when she received the executives of the Chartered Institute of Professional Secretariat Staff of Nigeria (CIPSSON), Ekiti State Chapter, led by their Chairman, Dr. Esther Adeleye on a courtesy visit.

The Ekiti CIPSSON leaders had showered encomium on Governor Oyebanji for what they described as "commendable and impactful performances which are visible to the blind to see and audible to the deaf to hear."

The commendation from the Professional Secretariat Staff was coming less than 48 hours after the main caucus of the ruling party in the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC), comprising former Governors, former Deputy Governors, former and serving National Assembly members, State Assembly members and party leaders endorsed Governor Oyebanji for a second term in office citing his exceptional performance and commendable leadership style.

The First Lady who solicited the support and prayers of members of CIPSSON for the governor described the body as an important stakeholder in the task to foster sustainable development in the Land of Honour.

She urged members of the Institute to always be ready to partner the state government in its developmental strides in the various institutions where they work in particular and the state at large. 

"I want you to continue to support BAO; it is God that is working through him. It can only get better and it will get better.

 We need your prayers and support for good the works to continue in Ekiti State and all for the betterment of our people.

"I always say life is about making impact. The governor is making impact and at our various ends, let us also try to make impact.

 

The First Lady used the opportunity to offer explanation on the impact of her pet project, Widows, Aged and Orphans Hope (WAOH), project, Adire Ekiti initiative, the Back-to-School Programme and other programmes packaged by her office to assist the vulnerables in the state.

Speaking earlier, the CIPSSON Chairman, Dr. Adeleye said her executives were delighted to pay the First Lady a courtesy visit to identify with the laudable programmes and initiatives of her office, which is making impact in the lives of the people of the state.

Dr. Adeleye, who described the First Lady as a "combination of beauty and brain," commended her for adding value to purposeful governance and good works going on in Ekiti State.

She said: "We want to appreciate you for the support you are giving to His Excellency. Even the blind is seeing what BAO is doing, and the deaf can hear what Ekiti has been transformed into under BAO's leadership."

Dr. Adeleye lauded the governor's wife for being a godly woman while holding an enviable position, a gesture she described as "very rare."

She pledged the readiness of CIPSSON to always collaborate with the office of the First Lady and by extension, the Ekiti State Government in areas that would be beneficial to the body's members, government and people of the state.

Hon. Ojuawo Rejoices with Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele on 61st Birthday Celebration.

Hon. Ojuawo Rejoices with Senate Leader, Senator Bamidele on 61st Birthday Celebration.

Hon (AVM Rtd) Ojuawo Rufus Adeniyi, representing Ekiti South Federal Constituency 1, extends his congratulatory message to Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele on his 61st birthday celebration, describing him as a trailblazer and leader with an uncommon difference in the political landscape.

According to Ojuawo, 'Ekiti State is blessed to have a pace-setter who is also the APC National Caucus Leader in the 10th Assembly. Our leader is a borderless politician with valuable respect for others' growth. He has justified his incredible leadership style since his inception into the political space, where all and sundry accord him great respect.

I, on behalf of the good people of my federal constituency, extend our warm greetings to Senator Michael Opeyemi Bamidele and wish him delightful years to come in serving humanity.'

OJUAWO MEDIA TEAM

Four Years Without Senator Ayo Fasanmi: A Tribute to an Indefatigable Leader.

Four Years Without Senator Ayo Fasanmi: A Tribute to an Indefatigable Leader.

By Tope Adebayo.

Today, July 29, 2024, marks exactly four years since the passing of Senator Ayo Fasanmi, an indefatigable leader and boss whose memory remains fresh in our hearts. Serving under his mentorship and leadership was akin to attending a political Cambridge, where the ideology of progressives was instilled in me, should I choose to join politics in the future.

Senator Fasanmi's diligent service to the nation is always vivid in my memory. At a very tender age, he served as a councillor in 1960 in the Ero Ijero Local Government. By 1963, he was serving in the House of Representatives until 1965, under the directive of his political mentor, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, who was then serving jail time.

In 1979, after losing the governorship primary to Adekunle Ajasin, Fasanmi was persuaded to join the Senate due to his comradeship and dedication to service to God and humanity. Since his alignment with the progressive ideology, he consistently won with the progressives and dined with them. Despite his influence, he never sought personal enrichment, an ideology now lacking in the progressive political fold.

Fasanmi also served as the director of Western Housing Corporation under Brigadier General Oluwole Rotimi, Governor of the old Western Region. He introduced the Government Reserved Area (GRA) to Western Nigeria, allocating plots to many without claiming any for himself or his family.

On the issue of corruption plaguing Nigeria, Senator Fasanmi was a pioneer in introducing an anti-corruption agency with the support of former Inspector General of Police Sunday Adewusi and other foresighted Nigerians.

When the Second Republic collapsed, Fasanmi was a frontline leader in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), fighting the military and advocating for the return of democracy. He stood alongside prominent figures like General Alani Akinrinade, Barrister Ayo Opadokun, Dr. Tunji Otegbeye, Senator Biyi Durojaiye, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Chief Olusegun Osoba, Professor Wole Soyinka, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, and Senator (now President) Bola Ahmed Tinubu, among many others.

Although not originally from Osun State, Fasanmi spent over 70 years there, contributing significantly to Osogbo, the state capital. During his tenure as Director of Western Housing Corporation, he brought Oroki Estate to Osogbo. His service to humanity earned him the titles of Seriki Agbaakin of Osogboland and Asiwaju of Ido-Osun.

Fasanmi's efforts in aligning the progressives to govern the nation culminated in General Muhammadu Buhari becoming the sixth democratically-elected president, a milestone that filled him with immense joy. He proudly proclaimed that he had a message to deliver to Awolowo.

In 2019, during a visit by Afenifere, led by Fasanmi, to President Buhari, the members returned to Lagos lodge at Asokoro, Abuja, for a dinner with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Chief Olusegun Osoba sought Fasanmi's blessing for Tinubu's presidential bid in the 2023 elections, a prophecy that came to fruition.

Despite not witnessing the swearing-in of the first progressive-minded president of Nigeria, Fasanmi's legacy lives on. I must acknowledge Dr. Kayode Fayemi, former Executive Governor of Ekiti State, under whom I served as an Executive Assistant. Fayemi immortalized Fasanmi during his lifetime by building the Senator Ayo Fasanmi Modern College in Ado-Ekiti. Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola also honored him by naming a new road in Osogbo after him, now known as Senator Ayo Fasanmi Way.

Though he is no longer with us, Fasanmi deserves national recognition. A day will come when a leader will rise to immortalize him at the national level. Today, I remember and honor my father, leader, mentor, and boss. May his soul continue to rest in perfect peace.

Your personal assistant,  

Adebayo Temitope (AKA Tope Fasanmi).