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2019: Oyo ADC Senatorial, Reps, Assembly Candidates Pledge Loyalty to Ladoja, Others

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Adams Akorede

The candidates for the National and state legislative houses on Friday pledged allegiance to leaders of the party, former Governor Rashidi Ladoja, former Secretary to the State Government, Chief Michael Koleoso and a host of others.

Rising from an emergency meeting of the party’s stakeholders and candidates in Ibadan, two serving lawmakers in the state house of Assembly who were spokesmen of the group, Gbenga Oyekola and Segun Olaleye respectively also affirmed the group’s support to the aspiration of Senator Olufemi Lanlehin as the party’s gubernatorial flagbearer for the coming election.

There has been front and back from the political camp of Ladoja with some of them urging the Ibadan High Chief to dump ADC for the Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) for majority of his loyalists to realise their ambition in 2019.

Remember that the current ADC in the state is an amalgam of aggrieved Peoples Democratic Party and ruling All Progressives Congress men, a quantum of Labour party members and former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Coalition for Nigerian Movement (CNM). Those opposed to the continued stay of Ladoja alleged that many candidates emerged against the interest of Ladoja’s political camp.

The stakeholders however reaffirmed confidence in the ability of Ladoja; Koleoso; Dr Adebisi Busari; Chief Layiwola Olakojo and Alhaji Fatai Ibikunle to lead the party and its candidates to victory in next year’s election.

Oyekola and Olaleye in a joint press statement said the meetings, which were well attended, had in attendance the three Senatorial candidates of the party, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu (Oyo Central); Senator Soji Akanbi (Oyo South); Chief Bayo Lawal (Oyo North); 14 House of Representatives and 32 House of Assembly candidates.

The lawmakers said the party’s stakeholders were confident that the leaders, with their “enviable political pedigree and time-tested electoral value,” would lead the campaign for the party as soon as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) lifted the ban of campaign.

Oyekola and Olaleye dispelled insinuation that Senator Ladoja would dump the party, expressing optimism that the Osi Olubadan would join forces with other leaders to bring about a pro-people government in the state under the banner of ADC in 2019 for the benefit of all the populace.

The lawmaker said with “the array of political stars God has blessed ADC with and the strength of ADC in all the parts of the state,” ADC was not just the most viable opposition party in the state today but also a government-in-waiting.

“For us, it is no longer a matter of ‘if’ but ‘when’ ADC forms the government of Oyo State in 2019. We are lucky in ADC to be blessed with the leaders who have proved their mettle politically in the politics of the state and beyond. Name any party that parades with galaxy of stars we have in our party in the state.

“When the time for campaign comes and our leaders leading the charge, it will be clear to all that our party will form the next government and our candidates will sweep the polls. ADC is strong in all the zones of the state.

“The people of the state have shown preference for ADC. They have been calling us to settle whatever issues we have in our party quickly. They have been literally warning us not let them down by allowing little things to disrupt our cohesion as a formidable force against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC),” the spokespersons said.

The meetings, according to Oyekola and Olaleye, also appealed to the group of 12 aggrieved governorship aspirants to sheath their sword, assuring them that their interest would be taken care of with Senator Lanlehin as the incoming governor of the state in 2019.

“We are not saying they don’t have reasons to be aggrieved. But we want them to consider the larger interest of the people of the state and the love and the goodwill the party has enjoyed within a short period of time.

“They should cooperate with the party and its leaders. They should continue to give their support to the party. We call on them to withdraw the case filed in court against the emergence of Lanlehin who happens to be the candidate the people of the state have been waiting for the party to pick,” they said.

Moringa is safe as Herbal Medicine but can Cause Paralysis and Death, Physiologist Warns

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Adams Akorede
A Physiologist and former Acting Vice Chancellor, Lagos State University. Prof. Ibiyemi Olatunji-Bello on Monday in Ibadan said moringa ‘is possibly safe when taken by mouth and use appropriately’.
But Prof. Olatunji-Bello added that ‘the leaves, fruit and seeds might be safe when eaten as food. However it is important to avoid eating the root and its extracts. These parts of the plant may contain a toxic substance that can cause paralysis and death.’
She hinted that people have used moringa safely in doses up to 6 grams daily for up to 3 weeks but there has not been enough information when used in medicinal amounts, adding that, “Consumers of medicinal plants should be aware that there are contraindications and drug interactions.”
The Prof also spoke on Cannabis Sativa (Marijuana) use by women of childbearing age and concluded that it could prevent pregnancy and also affect men’s semen quality.
Prof Olatunji-Bello, who was the guest lecturer at the 2018 distinguished alumni lecture of the Ibadan College of Medicine Alumni Association (ICOMAA) worldwide, made this revelation at the event held at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.
In her lecture titled: “Use of medicinal plants: myths and facts”, the wife of the Lagos State Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Tunji Bello said study has found that Marijuana leads to a decrease in the level of LH hormone (a hormone that regulates the menstrual cycle and egg production) by as much as 80 percent. This can cause inhibition of the process of ovulation thus preventing pregnancy.”
The professor of physiology hinted further: “Marijuana, in the few cases where fertilization occurs, delayed implantation leading to early miscarriage. Marijuana smokers were reported to have higher levels of testosterone within the same range as cigarette smokers. Our findings are of public interest as Marijuana use is common and may be contributing to recent reports of poor semen quality.”
On the myths surrounding the use of medicinal plants, Prof. Olatunji-Bello categorized the most common myths into three categories viz; a medicinal plant can cure many diseases; medicinal plants are natural so they can’t be harmful and that medicinal plants have no side effects.
For all the aforementioned three categories, the varsity don harped on the need for scientific-based research to authenticate potency of the herbs before administration, stressing that, “we can say comfortably that one herbal product can treat multiple disease conditions. However the problem arises when one overstates the claim of potency of their herbal product without scientific evidence.”
She also recommended that government should formulate a policy on regulation of the use of the herbal medicine in the country and put in place a proper enforcement unit, or empower NAFDAC to do it.
Earlier the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Prof. Abel Olayinka and President of ICOMAA worldwide, Dr. Abib Olamitoye congratulated all the members of the association on the 2018 celebration.
Dignitaries at the event included the Deputy Managing Director, THISDAY, Kayode Komolafe; the Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof. Temitope Alonge; Provost, College of Medicine, Prof. E. Oluwabunmi Olapade-Olaopa; Prof. Fatai Adeniyi; Dr. Olufadekemi Kunle-Alabi; Prof. S. B. Olaleye; Dr. A. O. Ige; Dr. Kehinde Adigun and Prof. Olayinka Omigbodun who was the chairperson for the 2018 celebration.

The Punch, THISDAY and El-Rufai’s “Muslim” Running Mate Controversy

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Rasheed Abubakar

When Samuel Ortom, the Christian Governor of Benue State named another brother-in-Christ, Benson Abounu as his running mate for the 2019 gubernatorial election, there was no uproar from Nigerians over their religion (Christianity).

The headline of Punch, October 17, 2018 was lenient with the embattled Governor, whose supporters had likened to Jesus Christ for accepting to die for the Benue people, as indicated on inscriptions on his campaign bus.

“Ortom picks running mate, says he’ll respect power separation” was the simple and straight forward headline used by the newspaper, with another quote attributed to Ortom, who promised to respect the separation of powers. See the image below.

There are similar cases in other states, including Ekiti, where the just sworn-in Governor, John Olukayode Fayemi (also a Christian) ignored the calls for a Muslim running mate, and nominated a Christian as his running mate.

In fact, The Punch’s headline of May 31, 2018 quoted a chieftain of the ruling APC, Opeyemi Bamidele, who hailed the appointment of Chief Bisi Egbeyemi as Fayemi’s running mate.

What did the Muslims do? They strongly and peacefully expressed their dissatisfaction over what they tagged “the continuous marginalisation of Muslims in Ekiti State”, but what happened after that? Nothing! Just the social media outcry, and that was the end.

The next news we heard was that the same Ekiti Muslims opened the doors of their Central Mosque for Governor Fayemi to observe Solatul Jumat (Friday Prayer Service) with them, a similar gimmick used by the former Governor Ayodele Fayose (again, a Christian) during his eight years in office.

Governor Fayemi quickly rushed to his Twitter handle on Friday, October 19 to break the news, saying he performed a “Jumat Thanksgiving Service” at Ado Ekiti with “my Muslim brothers and sisters”.

Suddenly, the evidently marginalized Muslims of Ekiti became the marginalizing Governor’s “brothers and sisters”, despite the fact that there was no single Muslim among his first three appointees – the Secretary to the State Government, the Chief of Staff and the Chief Press Secretary.

Heaven did not fall, because Yoruba Muslims are reputed to be the most tolerant set of people in Nigeria. The media did not go gaga on the religion of Fayemi’s running mate, and the first three appointments he made as Governor, in a state where the Muslim population is arguably between 35-40%.

However, when the Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai presented Dr Hadiza Balarabe as his running mate, The Punch quickly changed the narrative with the sole intent to trigger religious crisis with the headline: “El-Rufai picks fellow Muslim, Hadiza Balarabe as running mate” in its online and print edition of Saturday, November 3, 2018.

The newspaper, which had hitherto hidden the religious identities of Ortom’s and Fayemi’s running mates, mischievously used “fellow Muslim” to describe El-Rufai’s running mate, in a clear bid to incite the good people of Kaduna State against the Governor on the choice of Dr Hadizah, which they claimed would fuel the violent clashes between Muslims and Christians in Kaduna.

The media and other El-Rufai critics conveniently forgot that Plateau and Benue States – with Christian/Christian tickets – have been in turmoil for the same reasons in the last couple of years. Hence, if it is wrong for El-Rufai to field a Muslim/Muslim ticket, then it is equally blameworthy for Simon Lalong and Ortom to field Christians as running mates.

As if that is not enough, another medium, ThisDay newspaper, came with a more damning, inciting and screaming headline: “El-Rufai Dares Southern Kaduna Christians, Picks Muslim Woman as Running Mate”, as republished on its website.

This same ThisDay, five months ago, did not give Fayemi the El-Rufai treatment. In fact, the religion (Christianity) of Bisi Egbeyemi was conspicuously missing in its headline as seen here: “Ekiti 2018: Fayemi Picks Former Commissioner, Egbeyemi as Deputy”.

One wonders why the same ThisDay refused to be interested in the rich credentials of El-Rufai’s running mate, but decided to go for the jugular of Nigeria’s security and its citizens’ safety by featuring a treasonable and conflict-prone headline.

But, is Hadizah even a Muslim? There is no clear evidence of that from the intimidating profile of hers released to the press by Mr Samuel Aruwan, Governor El-Rufai’s spokesman.

The Punch, ThisDay and other media only deduced their assumed “Christianity” from her name, while being totally ignorant of the fact that there are many bearers of such names in Southern Kaduna and the northern states who are actually Christians.

There are also reports that Hadizah is neither a Fulani nor a Hausa woman. Hadizah is rather a Numaya Christian from Gwantu town, a 100% Christian community in Sanga Local Government Area in Kaduna state.

Is it not funny how the above fact, which is virtually everywhere, escaped the celebrated and acclaimed “investigative reporting department” of The Punch, ThisDay and other frivolous media?

While it is essential for the Kaduna State Government to clear the air on the religious affiliation of Hadiza Balarabe to douse the needless tension the terror-triggering reports have generated on the cyber space, it is also important for journalists to leave out what is doubtful, just as they must refrain from reporting outright lies deliberately.

In straight news stories, for instance, the job of journalists is to report recent events judged to be newsworthy the way they are, without the writer’s opinions or false impressions capable of promoting hatred or religious division among members of the community.

Hence, it would have been more accurate for The Punch, ThisDay and other media who mischievously incited the public with the “Muslim/Muslim ticket” rhetoric to have said: “El-Rufai picks running mate…”, similar to the manners they reported the Plateau and Benue stories, or better still, “El-Rufai picks woman as running mate”, as earlier published on Friday by The Punch online before the Saturday Editor painted the story with a religious coloration.

Interestingly, the female angle is in itself very newsworthy and positive, since such male-female pairing is very rare in the Northern States. This is only the second time a female would be chosen to run as Deputy Governor in the 51-year history of Kaduna State and as indicated in the press release, it was part of Governor El-Rufai’s “deliberate policy on promoting women, their causes and their involvement in politics”.

But whose interests are these rogue media pushing. Are they interested in fuelling religious and ethnic crisis? Are they really interested in a peaceful Nigeria? Do they realise they are also citizens of Nigeria? If I may ask, are these media not justifying the suspicions and allegations that they are doing the bidding of the destructive opposition and enemies of the Nigerian nation?

Irrespective of their interests, The Punch, ThisDay and other mischievous media should realise they are free to investigate El-Rufai’s claims and the religion of Dr Balarabe if they truly care. They could go beyond mere news reportage via news analyses, features, columns or editorials, which reflect their official opinions about the issue and the events that surround it.

– Rasheed Abubakar is a journalist and the author of “Hijab and the Nigerian Press” | Twitter @rawshieldpr

You ‘ll be Victorious in 2019 Reps Election, Ibadan North Wards’ Chairmen Tell Akinremi

By
Peter Ayoade
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By Yakubu Temitope

The aspiration of a prominent and influential Ibadan son, Prince Musiliu Olaide Akinremi (a.k.a. Jagaban) to represent the people of Ibadan North federal constituency at the House of Representatives got a boost on Saturday as the twelve wards Chairmen of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) pledged their support for his candidature as the campaign for the 2019 general elections takes off later this month.

Akinremi, the APC House of Representatives flagbearer in Ibadan North is a renown contractor and international businessman.

A release dated October 30, 2018 jointly signed by Messrs Rauf Adepoju Animashaun and Kareem Abiodun Alao, Chairman and Secretary of the forum respectively said: “we want to assure you of our unalloyed loyalty to the party and also pledge our total support to you in the forthcoming constituency election in Ibadan North local government, which by the grace of Almighty God you will emerge victorious”.

The wards Chairmen also seized the opportunity to invite Akinremi to attend a meeting slated for Saturday, November 10, 2018 at the party’s meeting house in Oke-Apon playing ground area of Ibadan.

The essence of the meeting, according to them, “is to foster mutual relationship with our people at the ward level and as well discuss a way forward towards the progress of the party and successful outing during the general election come 2019.”

My Govt has Spent N200billion on Road Construction -Ajimobi

By
Peter Ayoade
-

The Oyo State government has committed over N200bn to road construction and rehabilitation under the Governor Abiola Ajimobi-led administration, across rural and urban centres of the state.

The governor disclosed this during the inauguration of Impact African Television (IATV), a sister company of Ibadan-based Impact Business Radio and Impact Business School, in Ibadan, on Thursday.

He said that the administration policy thrust that centred on having good road network, as well as peace and security, was borne out of its desire to attract investors and enhance movement of goods and services within the state.

According to him, the influx of local and foreign investors, including multinationals, to the state since he took over the mantle of leadership was a direct fallout of the ease of doing business in the state.

Ajimobi said, “Our administration has spent over N200billion on road construction since we assumed office about seven years ago, because we realized the need to make our roads well paved for movement of goods and people.

“We were also determined to beautify the environment to give the state a new look, all which have attracted foreigners and even local business interests to Oyo State.

“Our administration also took seriously promotion of peace and security for these businesses to thrive. I have no doubt that the factors that attracted several businesses to our state also encouraged Impact African Television and Radio to come here.

“We salute the courage of the board of directors and management for adding another television to many others that already exist in Oyo State, as this would create more employment opportunities for our youths.”

The governor advised the management of the media outfit to make use of value-based ideas and strict culture-enhanced language in broadcasting their contents, which, he said, must add value to the lives of their viewers.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Vice-Chairman of Impact Group, Mr. Owolabi Oladejo, disclosed that the new station would focus mainly on issues relating to economy, businesses and investments.

Beyond education and entertainment, he said that the broadcast media should impact positively on the people’s lives by dishing out information that will promote good policies and harmony in the society.

Oladejo said, “Until now, Nigeria did not have a broadcast medium that is devoted to economic development and business, as well as financial and investment information. This inspired the establishment of Impact Business Radio and now the TV.

“Electronic media has very great potential to impact people’s lives. Thanks to its widespread availability and reach to all strata of the society. We promise to make a difference in the lives of our people.

“It is particularly effective in providing life-transforming information to people living in poverty or promote good policies and harmony in the society, which we will religiously pursue.”

Remi Oseni Explodes: In ADC, We Have Been Cheated, No Wonder Nigeria Didn’t Work

By
Peter Ayoade
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“We are not leaving the party now.  But I will tell you my next line of action very soon. Many people don’t want anything good for Oyo state but to trade on her destiny and glory. N5.4million was covered only on form. What would you cover when you get to office? We must know all those who took part in the screening at all levels without payment for nomination form”
Engr. Remi Oseni is one of the G13 Governorship aspirants of the opposition African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo state. An Ido local government area of Ibadan-born billionaire businessman and pastor but relatively an underdog in the political abracadabra of Oyo politics, he tells his political experience to supporters on Thursday afternoon. Pacesetter News serves you the detail; read and learn…
I want to thank all of you for your total support so far.  I tried my best to minimise my communication on the issue of our Governorship pry as a true leader. I did my best in d interest of d party, in the interest of my leaders despite their insufficient support for my political ambition.
I gave support to my Governorship aspirants colleagues in pursuing common objectives even when some of their opinions are not in line with my ideology. I failed to abandon them when they needed me most. I supported Senator Femi Lanlehin when my leader sought for my support.
The national leadership succumbed to the request of G G13 and asked the 13 Aspirants to select one person within themselves.
Unfortunately, they came back to say the man that emerged didn’t pay for form. If they knew they would not make use of the result why did they allow it to hold and Senator Lanlehin took part in it.
Listen, even if he is not a popular candidate he has emerged. If Senator had won we would not know that Nure didn’t pay for form. We are in trouble.
Now, the truth is this, why was Nure given the form when he didn’t pay. Where in the constitution was part payment allowed. Why was he allowed to be screened along with us. Everything is fraud.
I am sure it may not be Nure alone who got form without payment. Our internal auditor should swing into action.
They must be prosecuted. The form sales must be probed. Look at people who want to unseat a Government.
Why is it now constituency project becomes screening criteria. Why was the requirements not released before purchase of nomination form.
The only thing I remember they were saying everyday to our ears was money and statement of account.
Because they knew their candidates may not be able to provide evidence of financial capability they suddenly dropped it.
They started looking for other means to discredit some of us.
Why did party suddenly dropped the request for bank statements at the screening as initially canvassed by the leaders.
Look, the country needs deliverance. Our political leaders need deliverance.
John 8: 32 says the truth that you know will make you free. When you tell one lie , you need another one to cover it. What you are reading and hearing are products of deception and poor leadership qualities that the country is going through.
Where did the keenly contested election they claimed originally took place. Nomination was already concluded before screening. This is what is hunting everyone. When you murder sleep you may not be able to sleep.
Why did the party allowed all the members to be subjected to this endless and avoidable pain when we already had candidate before screening .
All because of personal  interest. All the leaders came to the screening with their  independent candidate that’s the cause of the trouble we are going through.
Look at God at work. That’s why we are suffering now. The will of God should be allowed to prevail. Unfortunately, with candidate that can’t win election on a good day. We are in serious trouble.
Thank God for divine intervention. You can’t cover truth. All would be well IJN.
I wish they all understand deeply who the true God is. He is a God of judgement. It is a matter of time. The inequities of the father would be visited to the first and the 3rd generation.
Anyone that is set out to destroy ADC would not go away with. Anyone that rob Oyo State genuine leadership wouldn’t go away with it.
All those behind ADC crisis should remember God will not forgive them except they repent.
In 2 Chronicles 7:14, the bible says “if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”
I will address press conference very soon. We are not leaving d party now.  But I will tell you my next line of action  very soon. Many people don’t want anything good for Oyo state but to trade on her destiny and glory. N5.4M was covered only on form. What would you cover when you get to office. We must know all those who took part in the screening at all levels without payment for nomination form.
I will still fulfil the agenda of God for Oyo State. God bless you all. No matter how late. Once again thank you.
Engr. Remi Oseni

Ilaka, PDP Senatorial Candidate Donates Table Tennis to Agodi Inmates

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Our Reporter

Oyo Central Senatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bisi Ilaka, on Wednesday, donated table tennis facility to inmates of the Agodi prisons in Ibadan, the state capital.

Speaking with newsmen before delivering the facility, Ilaka said the donation was a fulfillment of the promise he had made to the inmates while leaving them a few weeks ago.

Ilaka was remanded in Agodi prison for about 18 days on account of a shooting tragedy that led to loss of two lives at the palace of the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, during the recently celebrated Oranyan festival.

“Having spent a bit of time in that establishment, I saw that the prison, which was probably built in 1894, not much has happened to the facility since its establishment. The people in the prison have been by and large forgotten. They are inmates on remand as well as sent sentenced prisoners who have spent time under lock and key.

“There are no recreation facilities in the prison. Modern jails would at least have certain kinds of facilities. This goes to the heart of what the prison system is supposed to be. Is prison about rehabilitation, reformation, retribution? I don’t think we have answered those questions as a country.

“Some of the inmates there committed no crime whatsoever. They have just been locked up. These people are going to be re-introduced into the society and therefore there must be some kinds of facilities for them to interact of a social level, recreational facilities for them to learn about sportsmanship, gamesmanship and so on.

“We should make them feel they are part of this human race. So, I thought that in as much as the regime can be quite inhospitable, the least I could do is to try and put a little bit of human face to it.

“When I was on my way out, they said they had been clamouring for table tennis facilities. They said they wanted a little bit of sports. The place is a really small place. Even when they play football, they play monkey post, three aside. So, there isn’t anything in terms of sports. So, they did ask me for a table tennis and I gave my word that I would secure one for them and I did.

“I met people who have been incarcerated for being at the wrong place at the wrong time and were picked up and have been languishing in prison for two years. I also met the bankers that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) charged to court for allegedly converting dirty naira notes to personal use,” he said.

Buhari, Atiku, Others Must Sign Undertakings Before 2019, YCE Scribe Tells Electorate

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Rebecca Akinkanju

With the 2019 general elections few months away, the Secretary General of the Yoruba Council of Elders (YCE), Dr. Kunle Olajide has tasked the electorate to extract meaningful commitments from elective office seekers before they go to the polls.
Olajide said leading Presidential aspirants like President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) must be interrogated and commitments extracted from them on ranging controversies like the restructuring and other sundry national issues confronting the nation and various ethnic nationalities.
Olajide said doing so, would make the leaders to be alive to their responsibilities and understand the basic facts that Nigerians can no longer be taken for a ride.
He spoke at a lecture organised by a sociopolitical organization, the Oyo State Consultative Group (OCG), as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 58th Independence Anniversary and the nation’s preparedness for the 2019 general elections.
Speaking on the topic “Is there any hope for Nigeria again?” Olajide said there was still hope for the country only if Nigerians are ready to take their destinies in their own hands.
According to him, Nigerians should not fold their arms. We have to buckle up and do needful by ensuring that we elect those who know where shoe pinches us. Whoever we want to follow must write an undertaking and we should also look at his or her antecedents from their immediate community or environment.
“Political parties are the same but the operators are not the same in characters. Inspite of this, there are some people who still have the traits of Omoluabi; interest of the people at heart. So there is hope for Nigeria if we take the right decision,” Olajide added.
In his brief comment, the Chairman, of the Community Development Council (CDC) in Ibadanland, Alhaji Fatai Oloyede commended the organisers of the event.

‘Lanlehin Remains Oyo ADC Gubernatorial Candidate’

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Adams Akorede

Fourteen African Democratic Congress (ADC) members in the Oyo State House of Assembly have commended the party’s National Working Committee (NWC) for sticking to the choice of Senator Olufemi Lanlehin as the governorship candidate, describing him as the right choice whose popularity and connectedness with the masses will deliver the state to the party in 2019.

The lawmakers, who constituencies spread across local government areas in Ibadan city, Ibadan outer city, Oyo and Oke-Ogun and Ogbomosho zones, said the voting masses had been waiting for the choice of Lanlehin as the one worthy of their votes in 2019, having distinguished himself prior to and while serving as Senator for Oyo South district between 2011 and 2015.  

The lawmakers, who spoke through their spokesperson, Hon. Gbenga Oyekola representing Atiba State Constituency, urged the ADC NWC “to discountenance any orchestrated dissension over the choice of Lanlehin, tasking the party leadership not to listen to the purported choice of another aspirant within the party.

Some of the lawmakers are the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Musa Abdulwasi (Saki West State Constituency), the Minority Leader, Hon. Ademola Akeem Ige (Ibadan South-East II); Hon. Adesina Fatai (Ibadan South East I); Hon. Olusegun Olaleye (Ibadan North State Constituency II); Hon. Lukman Balogun (Oorelope State Constituency).

Others are Hon. Ganiyu Oseni (Irepo/Olorunsogo State Constituency); Hon. Afeez Adeleke (Iseyin/Itesiwaju State Constituency); Hon. Muyideen Olagunju (Oyo East/Oyo West State Constituency); Hon. Waheed Adeniyi Adeoye (Ibadan North-East II State Constituency); Hon. Bolaji Badmus (Akinyele State Constituency II); Hon. Biliaminu Azeez (Ona-Ara State Constituency); Hon. Lasun Oguntade (Egbeda State Constituency II); and Hon. Peter Oyetunji (Ogo Oluwa/Surulere State Constituency).

Oyekola said it was strange for a group of 12 governorship aspirants to oppose the choice of Lanlehin and be clamouring that they should be allowed to pick the party’s governorship candidate from among them, adding that no serious party would cede the power to pick candidate to a group of aspirants.

“The aggrieved aspirants submitted themselves to a process approved by the NWC and when the outcome did not favour them, they started kicking against the decision of the leaders arising from the assignment given to them by the NWC. Can they be the judge in their own case?

“It is a good thing that they are in court to challenge how Lanlehin was arrived at by the leaders and the NWC of the party. They will have their day in court if they are hell bent on slowing down the wheel of progress of Oyo ADC.

“The pensioners, traumatized lecturers and depressed segments of the state are waiting for Lanlehin to come and pay them their pension arrears and salaries and put smile on the faces of populace.

“The feedback from the voting masses since the announcement of Lanlehin has been very positive and comforting. We recall that one of the aspirants was on a radio station ranting weeks ago and one of those who called into the programme told him Lanlehin is a popular choice that the people will vote for.

“We stand by the decision of the collegiate leadership of the party led by Senator Rashidi Ladoja; Chief Michael Koleoso; Dr Adebisi Busari and Chief Layiwola Olakojo supported by the NWC of the party. We dare these 12 aspirants to test their collective and individual popularity in another party rather than slowing down ADC unnecessarily.

“We task the NWC to wield a big stick on any erring member or aspirant against the choice of Lanlehin, while we forge ahead with campaign and strategy for the election. ADC, we are convinced, is a government-in-waiting,” Oyekola said.

 

Ibadan Boys High School Turns 80, Celebrates Ali’s Philanthropy   

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Ademola Babalola in Ibadan

Education is generally perceived as the only liberator from the shackles of poverty and the only catalyst for national development. With this believe, Ibadan Boys High School was born.

Hence, as part of activities marking the 80th anniversary of their alma mater, which has transformed their lives to benefit themselves and the society, dignitaries from all walks of life led by the National President, Ibadan Boys High School Old Boys’ Association, Chief Bode Amao converged on Ibadan, the Oyo State capital to celebrate.

Activities marking the event with the theme ‘Celebration and Intervention’ kicked off on October 24 with the inauguration of projects; the four-day event was rounded up with a gala/dinner night where awards of excellence were conferred on outstanding alumni.

The school began with a visionary man, Chief ‘Layide Oyesina. With only five pupils in a room in his house at Oke Bola, Ibadan in January 22, 1938, Oyesina was an uncommon dreamer.

Armed with the Yoruba proverb that “uneasy lies the head that wears the crown”, Oyesina was not a man who readily takes no for an answer. Within about four months after the school’s commencement, the Ibadan Native Administration saw the doggedness in him and granted him six plots on which he erected a school building.

As if that was not enough, a week or so later, he got six more plots to propagate mass literacy in Ibadan. That was how Oyesina, at 34, started the school he named IBHS, the second oldest private secondary school in Nigeria (now public); the first being Aggrey Memorial Secondary School, Arochukwu, founded in 1931 by another educationist, Dr. Alvan Ikoku.

Prior to IBHS, Ibadan could only boast of the existence of Ibadan Grammar School and Government College, Ibadan established in 1913 and 1929 respectively. Admission to Ibadan Grammar School was strictly for all Church Missionary Society (CMS) missions across Nigeria because it was founded by Alexander Babatunde Akinyele, an Anglican Bishop who had encouraged members of the CMS to establish a secondary school in the ancient city.

The GCI also founded by the Department of Education then in Lagos ensured that admission was not exclusive to neither Ibadan indigenes nor residents hence the resolve of Oyesina, an enterprising Ibadan indigene to change the dynamics by admitting more of his fellow indigenes in order to promote mass education; providing educational opportunities to all eager-learners.

Decades down the line, the IBHS like every other public school has suffered neglect due to underfunding. It became worse with attendant decrepit and dilapidated classrooms until recently when the old boys came together to rescue it from its parlous state and rebrand it for quality learning.

Today, a visitor to the Oke Bola area of the city will be dumbfounded by the turnaround that had taken place in the past few weeks in the school, as activities to mark its 80th anniversary, which climaxed with the presentation of awards to deserving old boys, past and present principals and other spirited members of the public, took off in grand style.

The school is now a beauty to behold as the fence, gate house and drainages have breath life once again into it. What about the paved interlocking from the school gate to all the adjoining classrooms carefully laid to leave visitors in awe? Other projects inaugurated for the anniversary included a multipurpose sports court; ICT facilities/administrative office; e-library; sick bay; water reticulation; renovated science laboratories; renovated Oyesina Hall, among others.

The seed planted 80 years ago has now grown in leaps and bounds producing high fliers in the society, including two former governors of the state; late Chief Kolapo Ishola who was governor between 1991 and 1993; Rashidi Ladoja, the current Osi Olubadan of Ibadan Land, who was governor from 2003-2007.

Others include a former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) and President of IBHS Old Students Association, Chief Bode Amao; a retired Deputy Comptroller of Customs, Dr. Olusegun Agbaje; Basorun Reuben Famuyibo; Elder Dimeji Lawal and a media consultant, Mr. Taiwo Ogundipe and Chief Tunde Aluko who launched the magazine for N1 million.

It was naira rain at the event as individual alumnus and set leaders pledged millions for the second phase of the rehabilitation of other structures in the school including the sports fields, hostel facilities and many more.

One of the awardees and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mallam Yusuf Ali was specially recognised for his ceaseless financial support to the school as a worthy ambassador of IBHS. Ali, a passionate philanthropy, according to Amao has been using the Yusuf Ali Foundation, which he is the founder and sole financier to intervene in many public institutions by donating to the scholarship worth N2.088 million to 50 students of IBHS for WAEC and NECO exams.

Ali, the current Vice-President of the school, singlehandedly reconstructed the fence with gate of the school after it was pulled down by the government for road expansion on Oke Bola/Molete axis; special contributions to the success of the 80th anniversary and his latest promise at the grand finale celebration of the school to take over the renovation and complete rehabilitation of another building in the school; donation of a twin dormitory to the University of Ilorin; and donation of an 80-bed hostel to the Osun State University.

Ali’s foot prints on the sand of time also included the donation of 30 unit ICT centre to the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife; a 10-bed advanced trauma centre to the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital; 30 unit ICT centre to the College of Law, Crescent University, Abeokuta; endowment of the Crescent University College of Law Building; 40 unit e-resource centre to the Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin; a brand new Kia Rio 2014 model to the University of Ibadan for use at the Department of Arabic and Islamic Studies; donation of 20-room luxurious hostel to Fountain University, Osogbo and reconstruction of Ratibi Mosque for his grandparent at Ifetedo.

For all these philanthropic gestures and others, Amoo who presented Ali with the award of excellence for being the school’s pillar of support, using his hard-earn wealth, professional feats to promote IBHS, also prayed God to repay him in multiple folds.

Other awardees included Alhaji Tiamiyu Bello; Dr. Robert Okojie; Senator Ladoja; Prof Chukwuka Okonjo, the Obi of Ogwashi-Ukwu as the oldest living principal. The oldest old boy award was presented to 96-year-old Pa Oyenuga Richard Olakiitan; and a posthumous award went to Rasak Akinola.

The highlight of the 80th anniversary of IBHS was the introduction of the annual Bode Amao Lecture, which will hold in October.

.Editor’s Note:  This story was first published in THISDAY

Against Permutations, Nureni Adeniran Floors Lanlehin, Sharafadeen Alli, Dele Adigun, Others to Clinch Oyo ADC Guber Ticket

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Adams Akorede

Hopes of Senator Olufemi Lanlehin, Chief Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli and Mr. Ayodele Adigun clinching the controversial gubernatorial ticket of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo state failed on Tuesday evening as an underdog, Dr. Nureni Adeniran was announced as winners of the tension-soaked election among all the 13 governorship aspirants.
The consensus by election among all the aspirants became the last resort because Senator Lanlehin who was earlier picked by elders of the party, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Michael Koleoso, Dr. Busari Adebisi and arguably Chief Layiwola Olakojo, did not go down well with the other 12 aspirants, hence the latest development which produced Adeniran.
The 12 aggrieved aspirants had earlier approached a Federal High Court in Abuja, seeking the nullification of Lanlehin’s candidature as illegal because his emergence was unknown to the party’s constitution.
The front and back development forced the hand of the National Working Committee of the ADC to opt for a consensus election.
The 13 aspirants who participated in the election that produced Dr. Adeniran were Lanlehin, Sharafadeen Alli, Dr. Yunus Akintunde, Alhaji Taofeek Arapaja, Mr. Dele Adigun, Engr. Remi Olaniyan, Engr. Remi Oseni, Otunba Oluseye Opatoki, Chief Lowo Obisesan, Dr. Kola Balogun, Mr. Festus Wale Adegoke and Senator Gbenga Babalola.
Against all permutations by top aspirants in the race like Lanlehin, Alli and Akintunde, Dr. Adeniran garnered five votes to occupy the first position leaving them and others like Oseni, Adigun, Akintunde behind.
Adeniran was a former councillor, local government chairman and Commissioner for Education. He is a lawyer, politician and academic.

Ajimobi: Over 1.5m Citizens Benefit From Oyo Free Health Programs 

By
Peter Ayoade
-

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has disclosed that over 1.5million people have so far benefited from the administration’s free health programmes across the state from 2012 till date.

The governor disclosed this during a visit by a delegation from UK-based Jesus House Mission; officials of the Access to Basic Medical Care Foundation (ABC), led by the Founder and wife of the governor, Chief Florence Ajimobi; and state health ministry officials.

The team had visited the governor preparatory to the commencement of a five-day free health services, starting from Monday and targeted at 2500 beneficiaries across the state for the period.

With the support of ABC, Ajimobi said that many people suffering from minor to major ailments, including surgeries have been attended to under the free health mission in the last six years.

The governor said, “This is the first time since 2012 when started the free health mission that we are having a team of Nigerians in the Diaspora giving us support. This is very commendable.

“It is pertinent to inform you that our free health programmes, which berthed in 2012, have covered 1.5million people in the state, including the local communities. The coverage spanned various ailments from minor to major, as well as surgeries.

“The support Jesus House Mission is giving us today will go down in history of healthcare in Oyo State, just as the ABC has done in the area of preventing deaths through cervical cancer through collaboration with the state government.”

The leader of the delegation from the Mission, Dr Agu Irukwu, said that the programme was billed to complement the efforts by the state government in combating health conditions.

He said that the JHM was inspired to support the government in acknowledgment of what he called its noteworthy efforts to bring healthcare to the doorstep of the ordinary citizen.

Apart from free medical examinations, distribution of drugs and free eye glasses, he said that the team came to the state with over 1000 birth kits for pregnant women.

Irukwu said, “We are here because it gives us an opportunity to support the great work the state government is doing in the health sector.

“We must also commend another partner in the health sector which is ABC, among others, for taking care of our people especially on prostate cancer, which is the second common cause of death in the world today.

“We will be giving birth kits to over 1000 pregnant women within the five days of this programme like we did in other African countries and some states in Nigeria.”

 

Disregard Alleged Statement on Burial Site, Akpabio Urges Supporters

By
Peter Ayoade
-
By Our Reporter
A Former Governor of Akwa Ibom State and erstwhile Senate minority leader, Godswill Akpabio has lashed out at his detractors, purporting that he had vowed that, should the incumbent Governor, Udom Emmanuel, defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Obong Nsima Ekere, at the poll, “his remains should not be buried in his country home, Ukana”.
A news rejoinder issued by Anietie Ekong
Special Assistant, Media to the Senator and titled “Re: May I not be buried in Ukana, if Emmanuel defeats Ekere,” alleged that the news trending on the social media, was written and circulated by media agents of the Akwa Ibom State government.
According to a press statement made available to Pacesetter News, Akpabio’s aide further wrote as follows: “the sponsors and purveyors of such statement know within them that such frivolous and unfounded statement is not and can never be a creation of the Senator, as it existed only in their warped imaginations.
“The former governor will never utter such a gutter statement, in the face of an imminent electoral defeat of the ruling party in the state, as would be widely demonstrated by the electorate in February, 2019.
“It is, therefore, silly, nonsensical and the height of political irresponsibility on the part of any sane person to ascribe such uncouth, misplaced and non-existent statement to Senator Akpabio.
“Those who allowed themselves to be used for such infantile job for a mere  meal ticket, may have, unknown to them and their paymasters, succeeded in bringing to the public glare, the desperation and fear of the ruling party of its anticipated defeat at the poll, come 2019.
“Members of the public and the teeming supporters of Senator Akpabio and the APC in the state, are by this release, advised, to disregard such statement, because it is an attempt by the PDP and its imbecilic juvenile media characters to smear the records and achievements of the distinguished senator with statements that are not his, in order to achieve an unmerited and cheap political favour,” Ekong added.

48hours After Akala Says He Won’t Sleep over Delayed Workers Salaries, Ajimobi Approves 4-month Pay

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Our Reporter

Forty-eight hours after a former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala of Oyo state said he won’t sleep if workers salaries are not paid as at when due, the governor of the state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Monday approved payment of all outstanding salaries due to state workers.

Pacesetter News had monitored Fresh FM political circuit weekly interview programme on Saturday where Alao-Akala boasted that if given the chance again, he would employ simple economic term ‘opportunity cost’ to prioritise government spendings to cater for the welfare of the workers ahead of any other considerations.

Akala who recently fell out of favour with Ajimobi over the 2019 governorship race, also referenced scriptures where he said holy books even frowned at not paying wages of the labourers as at when due.

However on Monday, the governor approved with immediate effect the payment of outstanding salaries to the state civil servants and teachers under the payroll of the state government.

The State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun disclosed that the payment approved by Governor Ajimobi will cover the salaries of September and October 2018 which are outstanding in the state.

Arulogun restated that the State Government is committed to the well-being and welfare of the people of the state, noting that the payment is an indication of Governor Ajimobi’s steadfast commitment to the welfare of the workforce in the state.

The Commissioner noted that Governor Ajimobi is passionate about the welfare of the workers in the state, pledging that the governor is putting machinery in motion to ensure that workers in the state get their salary on or before 25th of every month.

“Before the economic meltdown, the Senator Ajimobi administration used to pay on or before the 25th of every month. During this period, workers in the state also received a 300% increase in salaries between 2011 and 2015 as well as 13thmonth salaries for three years consecutively. There is no doubt that this administration is strongly committed to the welfare of the people and efforts are being put in place to ensure that salaries are no longer owed” Arulogun said.

He charged workers in the state to be diligent, dedicated, devoted, committed and work assiduously towards ensuring financial sufficiency for the state, stating that it is through the Ajumose spirit of collective responsibility of all stakeholders that the financial reengineering being embarked upon by the State Government can be achieved.

It will be recalled that Oyo State government was owing up to seven months salary in 2016 and the government promised to clear the backlog in due course.

 

Ladoja to FG, Edo Govts: Tony Anenih’s Strides Must Not Go Unrewarded

By
Peter Ayoade
-

By Our Reporter

 

Former Governor of Oyo State, High Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, has described the passage of one time Chairman, Board of Trustees of Peoples Democratic Party, PDP and Uromi Edo State-born Chief Tony Anenih as a great and irreparable loss to both the political landscape and the security circle.

Senator Ladoja, Osi Olubadan of Ibadanland said in a statement by his media aide, Alhaji Lanre Latinwo in Ibadan, Oyo State, a copy of which was made available to Pacesetter News said Nigeria has lost one of her finest citizens.

He recalled the roles played by the deceased to midwife the current democratic experiment, noting that the nation cannot easily forget him.

Equally, Senator Ladoja noted that as one of the finest police officers in his era, who rose to the rank of Commissioner of Police, late Anenih was appointed Chairman of a national political party, the Social Democratic Party, SDP.

According to the Ibadan high chief: “definitely we can’t forget him in a jiffy as a national leader who also paid his dues to ensure that Nigeria occupies its rightful position amongst Committee of Nations.

“Not only that, the former PDP chieftain, as a phenomenon in the Nigerian political circle contributed his quota to the sociopolitical and economic development of the country, his efforts must not go unrewarded”, Ladoja added.

On behalf of his family, the Ibadan high chief while condoling the deceased family prayed for the repose of the late politician.

“I pray the Almighty God to grant the family, people and government of Edo State the fortitude to bear the loss”, he said.

 

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