RESTRUCTURING, DEVOLUTION OF POWERS, OTHERS ARE SOLUTIONS TO ETHNIC DICHOTOMY IN NIGERIA – SEN. BASHIRU AJIBOLA

Restructuring, devolution of powers, State Policing and economic productivity are some of the key factors identified by the Osun Central Senator and Nigeria’s Senate Spokesperson, Sen. Bashiru Ajibola (SRJ), as solutions to ethnic agitations and dichotomy in Nigeria.

This was disclosed today in Osogbo at a lecture delivered by the Senator, titled “Tackling The Ethnic Agitations and Dichotomy in Nigeria”, during the Opening Ceremony in the 2020 edition of Press Week.

The Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola who was ably represented by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, declared the Week open.

Mrs Egbemode who expressed happiness, appreciated Journalists in Osun State for standing tall to professionalism in spite of daring challenges.

She therefore congratulated the Osun Council of NUJ led by Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu, on this year’s Press Week and urged Journalists in the state to resist all forms of temptation against doing the right thing. “As watchdogs, we must continue to do what is right at all times”.

The Chairman of the occasion, a former Nigerian Ambassador to Philippines, Amb. Yemi Farounbi who had earlier dissected the theme of the event, “Tackling The Ethnic Agitations and Dichotomy in Nigeria” had posited that “Nigeria needs rebirth”.

He was of the opinion that different Constitutions in use since 1914 till the current 1999 have remained donations of the Military. According to him, “Nigeria needs a new constitution” to get it right on ethnic agitations and dichotomy in Nigeria.

Amb. Farounbi also asserted that whoever must be elected, selected or given any responsibility must have vision, knowledge, experience, exposure, competence and character to deliver on the needs of the people.

Analysing issues in the theme of the event, Sen. Bashiru Ajibola (SRJ) who said his paper was predicated on his personal views, pointed out that Nigeria needs restructuring, to tackle ethnic agitations and dichotomy in the country.

The Lawmaker who itemized four basic ways by which agitations and dichotomy could be tackled, emphasized on the devolution of powers as an essential factor to finding lasting solution to the issue.

According to him, “at the centre of these agitations is the demand for devolution of powers. Devolution refers to the clamour for powers vested in the Federal Government. I have earlier highlighted the overcentralisation of powers and demonstrated the effects on the bloated Federal beaurecracy”.

“It is necessary to transfer some of the items on the exclusive legislative list to the state. The Federal Government should retain only matters of National concern like defense, foreign affairs, currency and immigration. This will restore the Federal Structure bequeathed by our founding fathers and reposition the state as federating units in the affairs of public governance” Sen. Ajibola said.

He also said that the adoption of parliamentary system of government, State Police for effective security and economic productivity are other factors, that will go a long way in addressing issues of ethnic agitations and dichotomy in Nigeria.

Earlier in his welcome address, the NUJ Chairman in Osun State, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu had expressed happiness, saying “this year’s edition of our Press Week is unique because it marks a turnaround in the life of the Union, as the Union will be commissioning a nine lock-up shops as part of its efforts to increase its revenue base and sustain the independence of the Union”.

Comrade Ajadosu also urged the invited guests to come to the aid of the Union in form of financial assistance to address varying challenges facing it.

According to him, “It is also important at this point to intimate our invited guests on the major challenges facing the Union as regards the Union facility. Obviously, parts of the facility need rehabilitation, especially this particular hall we are in presently”.

The commissioning of the nine lock-up shops was performed by Sen. Bashiru Ajibola on behalf of the State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

FAYOSE IS A COURAGEOUS STATESMAN, PDP HAILS FORMER GOV EKITI @ 60

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) congratulates the former Governor of Ekiti State, Chief Ayodele Fayose, as he attains the landmark age of 60 years.

This was contained in a Press Statement signed by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Kola Ologbondiyan and made vailable to Nigerian Platform on Monday.

Indeed, our party celebrates Chief Fayose who, over the years, has demonstrated an uncommon commitment and zeal towards the unity, stability and development of our dear nation, Nigeria, as well as in fighting for the rights, liberty and welfare of the common man, in line with the manifesto and ideals of our great party.

Unarguably, Chief Fayose is a fearless and very forthright leader whose outspokenness for justice, equality and fairness, particularly for the downtrodden, clearly demonstrates his belief in putting the good and welfare of others above personal interests; the very reason he is so loved across our nation.

Indeed, Osokomole’s sense of duty, particularly during his tenure as governor of Ekiti state, where his exceptional transparency, accessibility, humility in service and love for his people propelled him to deliver an unprecedented development of Ekiti state in all sectors of life, during which the state experienced its best and most productive years.

The PDP family therefore celebrates this rare patriot and prays God to grant him many more years ahead to continue in his statesmanship and selfless service to our nation, Nigeria and humanity at large.

REV. BUNMI JENYO FELICITATES WITH FAYOSE AT 60!!!

A former Zonal Secretary of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the South West, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo has identified and felicitated with a former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose on the occasion of his birthday anniversary celebration.

Dr. Fayose, popularly known as “Oshokomole” celebrates his birthday on the 15th November of every year.

Rev. Jenyo who came in contact with the birthday celebrant many years ago, but got closer about five years, emphasized that the personality and magnanimity of Dr. Fayose is second to none in human capacity and nation building.

According to a Statement signed by the Ila Orangun born politician, “The Oshokomole of our time, His Excellency, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose is a sincere, tenacious and genuine leader of men whose antecedent cuts across all stratas of human endeavours”.

“He (Fayose) is a detribalised individual with a heart of gold, whose interest in a cause, a system or an individual does not base on eye service or selfishness. He tells truth to power at all times, no matter whose ox is gored”.

“Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose is one of the few men of integrity, capacity to deliver and undaunted courage to forge ahead in leadership structures despite daring challenges and obstacles”.

“Since I came in close contact with the Oshokomole, I have been able to know certain truths about him. Especially in the area of leadership, planning and mechanisms of acceptable norms, in our modern democratic dispensation”.

“Dr. Fayose is a great asset and a special gift of GOD, not only to Yorubas in the South West but also to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and beyond”. “He has contributed immensely, despite impediments from different quarters, to the course of good governance and humanity in general”.

“I wish His Excellency many happy returns in robust health, happiness, perfect security and success in all your endeavours, AMEN.

Congratulations your Excellency sir.

Signed:
Reverend Bunmi Jenyo,
Ila Orangun,
Osun State, Nigeria.
15th November, 2020.

ILARE DAY CELEBRATION HOLDS ON SATURDAY

The grand finale of the 25th edition of the Ilare Day celebration holds tomorrow.
A release signed by the President and Secretary of Ilare Development Association (IDA), Asiwaju Oyedeji Olajubu and Oloye Odole Tope Abiola states that the programme will start by 10:00am st the Owalare’s square, Ilare.
The release added that the Ilare Day programme is targeted to raise a One Hundred Million Naira for the construction of an Ultra Modern Civic Center in the town.

NUJ OSUN MOURNS BISHOP FOLUSO TAIWO

The Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ ) Osun State Council has commiserated with the family, friends and relatives of Bishop Foluso Taiwo over his sudden demise.

A release jointly signed by the chairman of the council, Com Wasiu Ajadosu and the Hon Secretary. Com Bukola Elufadejin described his death as a rude shock and painful.

The ace broadcaster and respected cleric would be missed not only by his immediate family members but also the media and religious circles, considering his antecedents in the media industry and Anglican Family.

‘Bishop Foluso Taiwo lived an exemplary life which will forever remain in the marble of history’ the statement added.

The council therefore prayed God to grant him eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

NUJ OSUN MOURNS BISHOP FOLUSO TAIWO .

The Nigeria Union of Journalists ( NUJ )Osun State Council has commiserated with the family, friends and relatives of Bishop Foluso Taiwo over his sudden demise.

A release jointly signed by the chairman of the council, Com Wasiu Ajadosu and the Hon Secretary. Com Bukola Elufadejin described his death as a rude shock and painful.

The ace broadcaster and respected cleric would be missed not only by his immediate family member but the media and religious circles, considering his antecedents in the media industry and Anglican Family.

‘Bishop Foluso Taiwo lived an exemplary life which will forever remain in the marble of history’, the statement added.

The council therefore prayed God to grant him eternal rest and give the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

BALARABE MUSA’S DEATH IS END OF AN ERA – ACTION ALLIANCE

National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje has described the death of former Governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa as the end of an era.

The AA national Chairman who recalled the numerous contributions of the deceased to the nation’s democracy, hailed his meritorious service to his state and the country at large during his life time.

He said the laudable achievements of the deceased politician when he held sway as the national Chairman of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) were remarkable.

Omoaje who succeeded Musa as the national Chairman of the CNPP, said “as if our late leader and mentor knew he would die so soon, he had a robust discussion with me recently and encouraged me to do my best to serve humanity.”

The AA leader assured that he would continue from where the deceased stopped, promising not to dissapoint him even in death.

Describing the late politician as a political icon of his time, Omoaje noted that the forthrightness of Alhaji Balarabe Musa should be emulated by all politicians of the present generation.

He called on all politicians to learn from the life and times of Balarabe Musa and live uprightly as he did during his days on earth.

He also called on the Kaduna State governmemt the federal government to immortalize the late politician in recognition of his meritorious service to the state and the nation at large.

HURRAY, HON. MULIKAT AKANDE-ADEOLA IS 60

A hearty felicitations to a unique woman of substance, the epitome of respect, beauty and progress, the ‘Obinrin Rere’ of our time, a former Majority Leader in the green Chamber of the National Assembly and a leader per excellence, Rt. Hon. Mulikat Adeola-Akande on this auspicious occasion of your 60th birthday anniversary celebration.

Alhaja, the outpouring of encomiums, best wishes and prayers for you on this day is signifying the essence of existence that you have devoted the whole of your life into. You have proven beyond reasonable doubts that life is worth living in for the downtrodden.

Your birth in the Jokodolu’s compound, Ogbomosho in Oyo State is indeed a rare blessing to mankind, not only in the South West of Nigeria but the country and the world at large.

You have indeed distinguished yourself in leadership capacity, sagacity, loyalty, consistency, development and utilisation for the benefits of mankind. You’re one in a million, talking about the special gift of GOD to humanity, in variety of ways.

In the political, social, economic and humanitarian circles, your tenacious, reliable and trustworthy touch is making an unquantifiable difference day after day. Your exemplary leadership styles know no bounds.

On a special occasion of reflection such as this, may GOD Almighty fill your heart with inexplicable happiness, ceaseless joy and longevity of life to enjoy the fruits of your labour.

I join millions of people across the globe to celebrate an iconic leader that you are.

I wish you long life in robust health, perfect security, all-round bliss and abundant blessings of the Almighty GOD, AMEN. 🙏

60 hearty cheers to a great leader, dance your dance and enjoy your new season!

Congratulations Madam🍷🍾

Signed:
Reverend Bunmi Jenyo,
PDP Osun State.

OYETOLA LIFTS CURFEW IN OSUN

The Governor of Osun State, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has lifted the curfew that followed the disruption of peace in the State.

It will be recalled that the government had earlier relaxed the 24-hour indefinite curfew to run from 8:00pm till 6:00am daily, following observation of citizens’ compliance and cooperation with the government’s efforts to restore peace and normalcy to the State.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, citizens can now go about their businesses and other transactions beyond 8:00pm without any hindrance or restrictions with effect from Wednesday November 11.

She stated: “The government has once again observed the level of compliance to all directives aimed at restoring tranquility to our dear State, and hereby appreciates the citizens for their patience and understanding. The government also appreciates security agencies for their efforts in maintaining law and order in the State.

“With effect from Wednesday November 11, residents of the State are free to go about their businesses without any hindrance or restrictions, while security agencies continue to discharge their duties to forestall breakdown of law and order.

“The government urges every citizen to be wary of actions that can upset the peace and harmony that the State is reputed for, and not hesitate to provide useful information to security agencies in case of suspicion of violence in any of our communities.

“The government is also calling on parents and guardians to continue to caution their children and wards not to allow themselves to be used by unscrupulous elements to jeopardize the peace of the State”, Egbemode stated.

OSUN COUNCIL BOSS ADVOCATES LOCAL GOVERNMENT AUTONOMY IN NIGERIA

The Executive Chairman of Atakumosa East Local Government, Hon. Femi Kujenbola has joined eminent Nigerians who are making case for the autonomy of Local Government administration in the country.

Hon. Kujenbola broke silence on Monday in Iperindo while exchanging views with the Executives of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, led by Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu who paid the Local Government a courtesy visit.

The council boss who lamented the meagre sum of monthly allowance from the Federation Account, stated that the scenario has put the local government administration in comatose, across all states in Nigeria.

According to him, “there should be autonomy for the local government administration in Nigeria. It is the conglomerate of local governments that make up the state. It is therefore the development of these local governments that will determine how the state is faring. If the local government is not developing, definitely the state cannot develop, so also the nation”.

Recounting the challenges of his counterparts across Nigeria, the council boss noted that many local government authorities could not deliver democracy dividends as expected despite great potentials in their different localities.

“We are currently at a level where the administration of local governments in Nigeria have collapsed. I look at some of my colleagues with pity. Their names can never be written in gold in their various local governments, especially when there is nothing to show for being in the office for three good years”, Hon. Kujembola explained.

He emphasized that the best way to salvage the people’s interest at the grassroot is to strengthen local government administration through its autonomy in no distant time.