Politics

By Oluwakayode Banjo/Bolanle Adesida

The All Progressives Congress APC in Oyo State has expressed delight at  Wednesday’s judgment of the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal which validated the victory of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the poll held on February 25, 2023.

The party described the verdict as an indication that the nation’s democracy was moving in the right direction with a prospect of meeting up with the global standard.

A 5-man panel of judges led by Justice Haruna Tsammani had ruled that various petitions from former vice president and the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic party (PDP), Atiku Abubakar, and former governor of Anambra State, who was also the presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) at the 2023 general election as well as that of the Allied People’s Movement (APM) lacked merit, and thereby affirmed the APC presidential candidate, Tinubu, as validly elected and sworn-in as the President of Nigeria.

Reacting to the development in a statement issued on Wednesday and made available to journalists in Ibadan by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC posited that the Judiciary arm of government had again proved that it was ready to play its role as a reliable custodian of justice and the rule of law that is always ready to safeguard democracy and also serve justice to all without fear or favour.

“As active contributors to the transparent processes that produced President Bola Tinubu as the candidate of our great and the coulorful electioneering which had issue-based campaigns as its nucleus as well as his electoral victory on February 25, 2023, we had no doubt in our mind that challenging Tinubu’s mandate in court were only chasing shadows. We are indeed glad that the court did justice to the matter in the face of blackmail, propaganda, and threats of harassment.

“While we are using this opportunity to congratulate our dear leader, President Bola Tinubu, and the leadership of our great Party on this hard-won victory yet again, we urge Mr. President to forge ahead in his efforts aimed at uniting Nigeria and also reposition the country to reclaim its pride of place in the global community. The present administration cannot afford to lose focus on the mission to fix all the key sectors of the economy, power, security, health, agriculture, ICT among others and it is on this premise that we call on all patriots, including members of the opposition, to join hands with President Tinubu to move the nation forward.” Oyo APC stated.

In a similar development, Oyo APC has congratulated its National Assembly members who have had their electoral victory upheld by the various tribunals.

“It is a thing of joy that the mandates given Sen. Abdulfatai Buhari and Sen. Sarafadeen Alli as well as Hon. Akin Alabi, Hon. Olaide Akinremi, Hon. Akeem Adeyemi and Hon. Lateef Muhammeda by the good people of their Senatorial districts and constituencies respectively have been affirmed by the courts as this is an eloquent testimony that the Judiciary remains the last hope of the common man,” APC concluded.

Similarly, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has congratulated President Bola Tinubu and Vice President, Kashim Shettima on their resounding victory at the Presidential Election Petition Tribunal.

In a statement in Abeokuta, Governor Abiodun said the tribunal’s verdict was an affirmation of the trust reposed in the President by Nigerians as shown in the outcome of the presidential election.

The Governor said that the tribunal’s ruling that President Tinubu was duly elected as announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission 

was a further testament to the fact that the judiciary is the last hope of the people.

He described the judgment as sound, detailed and comprehensive, noting that the judges displayed 

unmatched courage in the discharge of their duties.

The Tribunal, in a unanimous decision, threw out the petitions filed by the Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi and his Peoples Democratic Party PDP counterpart  Atiku Abubakar.

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Culture

By Bolanle Adesida

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has declared Monday, 21st August 2023 as public holiday to commemorate annual Isese Day.

Isese Day is set aside by traditional religious worshippers to celebrate Yoruba culture and tradition.

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary Mr. Lekan Adeniran, Governor Abiodun said his administration would continue to promote existing harmony among the adherents of all religions in the State.

Governor Abiodun explained that his administration was committed to supporting and respecting all religions in the state.

He also expressed the commitment of his administration to promote, preserve and nurture the culture and tradition of the people of the state.

While congratulating the traditional religion worshippers on the occasion, the Governor urged them to celebrate with decorum and abstain from any act capable of threatening the existing peace in the state.

Governor Abiodun issued an executive order on the 7th, march 2023, declaring August 20 of every year as Isese Day in Ogun State, and the state House of Assembly gave legal backing to the executive order on 11th July, 2023.

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Sport

By Bolanle Adesida

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has inaugurated the Organising Committee for the 2024 National Sports Festival with a promise to surpass the achievements recorded during the previous editions of the game.

Governor Abiodun, who gave the assurance during the inauguration of the committee at the Executive Chambers of the Governor’s office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, said the state was ready to put in place world class sporting infrastructure across the length and breadth of the state.

He reaffirmed his determination to use the competition to showcase the talent, culture, potential and the unique sense of hospitality of the people of the state.

Governor Abiodun who noted that the National Sports Festival would bring together the energy, creativity of youths in the country said the biennial event also serve as a platform for them to showcase their diverse talents and potentials.

He described the festival as a testament to the commitment of his administration to empower the next generation by offering them the opportunity for growth and self development, the Governor implored members of the committee to embrace the responsibility given to them with a deep sense of purpose.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee and former Commissioner for Youths and Sports in the State, Mr Bukola Olopade had  commended Governor Dapo Abiodun for bidding and winning the right to host a successful National Sports Festival.

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Religion

By Iyabo Adebisi

Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde has felicitated the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and across the country on the occasion of the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir.

The governor congratulated all residents of the state on witnessing the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 A.H., marking the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir, praying to Allah (SWT) to accept the worship and sacrifices of the Muslim Ummah across the country. 

Governor Makinde, who appreciated the Muslims for their support and prayers during the four years of Omituntun 1.0, called on them to continue to pray for his administration, the state and Nigeria.

According to the governor, the continued peace and prosperity of Oyo State and the success of his government are hinged on the prayers and support of the people.

The governor maintained that once the people continue to support his administration, the government would be able to deliver on its commitment to move the state to greater heights through the action plans highlighted in his Roadmap for Sustainable Development, 2023-2027.

He said: “I use this occasion to congratulate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and, indeed, all residents of the state on witnessing the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir.

“I appreciate their prayers and support over the years and call for more prayers and support as we work round the clock to improve the lives of our people and deliver sustainable development as promised during the electioneering.

“My prayer is that Allah (SWT) will accept the act of worship and sacrifices of our Muslim brothers and sisters. “Barka De Sallah.”

Funmi Adekoya 

Similarly, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has congratulated the Muslim faithful and entire Osun citizens on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. 

The governor, in a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, extolled the citizens of the state for their exemplary good virtues while urging them to use the occasion of the celebration to rededicate themselves to their creator.

He urged Muslims to use the occasion to spread love through cheerful giving, identifying obedience as key to unlocking the unending grace of Allah.

Governor Adeleke restated the determination of his administration to create a just, harmonious and prosperous state for all and sundry, stressing that a better Osun state beckons under him.

The governor, who stressed the importance of harmony, enjoined the people of Osun state to tolerate one another and live peacefully, noting that development and progress are only possible in a peaceful environment.

He called on Muslim faithful to use the occasion of the Eid ul Adha celebration to renew a sense of sacrifice and brotherhood, saying the lesson inherent in the act of Prophet Ibrahim (ASWM) is that there is reward in obedience.

Governor Ademola Adeleke encouraged the Muslim ummah to exhibit the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir which includes, Faith, patience, love and sacrifices 

Bolanle Adesida

In the same vein, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in felicitating Muslim Ummah called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of selflessness, sacrifice and patriotism in the quest to build a virile and economically viable country.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message, Governor Abiodun said sacrifice, love and unity would lift the country to a greater height.

Governor Abiodun who stressed the need for Nigerians to contribute their quota towards ensuring  national unity and economic growth,

also urged Muslims to follow the example laid down by Prophet Ibrahim.

The governor reiterated the determination of his administration to improve on the wellbeing of the people of the State through various intervention programmes.

While congratulating Muslims on this year’s celebration, Governor Abiodun urged them to pray for the peace and progress of the country.

Mosope Kehinde

In its message to celebrate Eid with Muslims, the Oyo State House of Assembly urged all the Muslims to use the occasion to pray for themselves, the country and the state in particular. 

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Honourable Waheed Akintayo, the Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin.

Ogundoyin charged them to spread love to the less privileged, orphans and the physically challenged by sharing the festival goodies with them so that they can feel the importance of festive season. 

He also admonished them to pray for directions and guidance for the country’s political leaders, stressing that the country will soon overcome the current hard time it is going through.

The statement also enjoined all well-to-do Nigerians to uphold the teachings of Islam by sharing foods, meats and drinks with their neighbours and other less privileged in the society.

Ogundoyin prayed for the safe return of all Nigerian pilgrims who are currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 2023 Hajj, while assuring Oyo State residents that Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration of Omititun 2.0 will continue to take dividends of democracy to their doorsteps.

Oluwakayode Banjo

On its path, Oyo All Progressives Congress, APC, on the occasion of the Eid-el-adha, urged Nigerians, particularly Islamic faith adherents to use the sacred period to seek Allah’s increased wisdom and guidance on the nation’s leaders to enable them move the country forward.

Eid-el-adha is celebrated globally on the tenth day of the last month of the Islamic (Hijrah) calendar and a day after pilgrims on Hajj exercise have completed possession rites on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia. 

In a special Eid message contained in a statement issued in Ibadan and made available to news men by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC implored Muslims to imbibe the the spirit of faithfulness, altruism and love for humanity as exemplified in the lives of Prophet Ibrahim, his son (Ismail) and the family members. 

“Events in the last one year have further indicated that Nigeria is a divine project as we have been made to appreciate the good plan of Allah (God) for our dear country. The dramatic emergence of the best individual as the APC presidential candidate from a crowd of good aspirants, his electoral victory on February 25, 2023 and his inauguration as the 16th President of in the country, against all odds, remain pointers to the fact that God is involved.

“And now that the global community has been made to see the prospect and promise in the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is important we all support his government in all ramifications. We call on all and sundry to intensify prayers for Nigeria and the world at large so that the desired peace and stability will be entrenched and sustained.

“Meanwhile, Oyo APC uses this medium to congratulate the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen.) Mahood Olalekan Balogun, and the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdulganiy Abubakre (Agbotomokekere) as well as all other eminent leaders and residents of the state on the occasion of Muslim festival while we pray Allah to grant them longevity, bliss and prosperity.” Oyo APC stated.

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Health

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has received a shot of the Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccines.

The State Commissioner for health, Doctor Tomi Coker administered the vaccines on the State Governor at the Executive Chamber, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta.

Others who received the vaccines alongside the Governor include the Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Secretary to the state government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi, Chief of staff to the Governor, Alhaji Shuab Afolabi and other members of the state Executives council.

Earlier, The Governor took the delivery of the first batch of 50,000 doses of COVID 19 vaccines with a call on people of the state not to see the arrival of the vaccines as an avenue to disregard the use of the nose masks and other COVID 19 safety guidelines.

Receiving the vaccines at the Secretariat, Oke-mosan Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun acknowledged that the National Agency for food and Drug Administration and Control had certified the vaccines safe for the use of Nigerians.

Governor Abiodun promised to lead members of the state Executives Council in taking the COVID-19 vaccines as a demonstration of faith in the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.

The Governor explained that the state would administer the vaccines in line with the scheduled guidelines by the National Primary Health Care Agency, adding that Frontline health workers, and Elders would be given priority.

While pointing out that Ogun State was the first state in the country to receive the vaccines, Governor Abiodun urged the people of the state to register for the administration of the vaccines through the designated portal. 

Bolanle Adesida