Politics

Obasanjo Calls for Stronger Leadership, Citizens Collaboration

By Web News 586

Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo has stressed the need for a stronger collaboration between political leadership and the people to collectively address some of the challenges confronting the nation.

Chief Obasanjo stated this when he paid a visit to Governor Seyi Makinde in his office to commiserate with him over the demise of his mother.

President Obasanjo, who was also in Ibadan to attend a function, explained that apart from security challenges, the country was also facing unstable political leadership, economic challenges among others.

He urged Nigerians to ensure that all hands are on deck to change the country’s current situation for better.

President Obasanjo noted that he was impressed by the stories of development in the Oyo State, particularly in Oke Ogun region, promising to keep abreast of happenings in the state. 

Responding, Governor Seyi Makinde, while explaining some of his policy thrust, especially on agriculture which he said would move the state away from dependence on federal allocation, appreciated Chief Obasanjo for his fatherly role always. 

Governor Makinde said he would continue to visit the former president regularly for wise counsel on policies of governance 

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Obasanjo Congratulates Ghanaian President On His Re-Election

By Web News 764

Former Nigerian President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo says the re-election of the President of Ghana, Mr Nana Akufo-Addo for the second term, was a result of his performance in office.

Chief Obasanjo in a congratulatory letter to President Akufo-Addo, government and the people of Ghana on the successful conduct of the Ghanaian general elections made available to newsmen in Abeokuta urged him to be magnanimous in victory, unite the nation, and bring all hands on deck for the growth, development and progress of Ghana. 

The former Nigerian President advised the Ghanaian President to remain enthusiastic, energetic, focused, and committed as in the last four years of service to the people of Ghana.

Chief Obasanjo noted that his re-election when the world was emerging from the socio-economic devastation of the COVID-19 pandemic should encourage him to take leadership and explore available means to secure safe and affordable COVID-19 vaccines for all Ghanaians.

Wale Oluokun

Lifestyle

Encomiums As Oyo Gov.’s Mother, Madam Omojolagbe Makinde Is Buried

By Web News 1168

The remains of the mother of the Oyo State governor, Madam Abigail Omojolagbe Makinde has been interred at the cemetery of the Cathedral of St. Peter, Aremo, Ibadan.

In a sermon, the Archbishop of Ibadan Diocese, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo, said Madam Makinde lived a fulfilled life, and described her as an epitome of love.

Most Reverend Okubadejo urged all to be their brother’s keeper, number their days, and bear in mind that death is inevitable.

Governor Seyi Makinde, in his tribute, said he has started having sleepless nights since the demise of his mother as the bond between him and his mother was very strong.

Governor Makinde who could not hold his feelings, burst into tears as he showered encomium on his late mother.

The funeral service held at the Cathedral of SS Peters, Aremo, Ibadan church was graced by the former president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, represented by his wife, Chief Mrs Bola Obasanjo; Members of the Federal Executive Council, chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Governor Kayode Fayemi; the chairman, governors of the Southwestern states, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Others are PDP National Chairman, Chief Uche Secondus; the former governor of Oyo state, high Chief Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, service chiefs, monarchs, amongst other dignitaries.

Also, the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osibajo visited Governor Makinde at the Government House in Agodi to commiserate with him on the demise of his mother.

Professor Yemi Osibajo during his visit to Governor Seyi Makinde

Mama Abigail Omojolagbe Makinde Nee Omoregie died in the early hours of Thursday, October 15, 2020, at the age of 80.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Rawlings was a committed, patriotic and courageous leader – Obasanjo

By Web News 815

Former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo says the late former Ghana president, Mr Jerry Rawlings was a quintessential patriot and courageous leader that will be remembered for his critical role in the evolution of modern democratic Ghana.

Chief Obasanjo in a condolence letter to the people of Ghana on the death of her former leader and President, made available in Abeokuta eulogized the former leader as passionate about peace, security and leadership issues in Africa.

According to the former Nigeria President, the late President Rawlings will be missed for his exemplary leadership across Africa for his contribution to nation-building in the Republic of Ghana as the Military Head of State and as a democratically-elected President.

He said former President Rawlings provided the much-needed leadership and direction which impacted positively on the social stability and democratic progress recorded thus far achieved in Ghana. 

Chief Obasanjo said he worked closely with late Rawlings within the last two years of completing his second term in office, as a democratically-elected President of Nigeria during which he found in him a reliable friend, ally and confidant. 

The former Nigeria President said they worked together under the auspices of Africa Union with constructive contributions at the various fora in their joint efforts at charting a new future for Africa particularly in tackling the scourge of malaria on the continent.

Chief Obasanjo said he joined the government and the good people of Ghana as well as millions of others around the world in mourning a man, who dedicated his life to the growth and development of Ghana, his country, in particular, and Africa as a whole praying to God Almighty to give the family of late former president, the government and people of Ghana the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss of the committed nationalist.

Wale Oluokun

Lifestyle

Men are not superior to women – Chief Obasanjo

By Web News 726

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for more investment in the education of the girl child in the interest of nation’s growth and development.

Chief Obasanjo made the call while hosting officials of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, UNIDO, and Women Entrepreneurs and Professionals Development Network, WEPDN at his Abeokuta residence.

The former President stated that there should be no justification for the girl-child not having equal opportunities with their male counterparts regarding access to education.

Chief Obasanjo stressed the importance of women in the society and noting that men are not superior to women.

According to the facilitator of the meeting, Chief Alaba Lawson, women should not be seen as pushovers, as it is believed in some quarters and he called for more empowerment for them.

The Country Representative of UN Women, Ms. Comfort Lamptey while speaking said early child marriage is a big issue in Nigeria and called for proactive action to fast-track the development of the country.

The Country Director of United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) Mr. Jean Bakale acknowledged the role of Chief Obasanjo in nation building and the development of Africa in general.

During the meeting, issues of child marriage, inadequate participation of women in politics and appointments of women into public offices were areas identified to be in need of urgent government attention.

Wale Olukoun