Politics

Out-of-school children, potential tools for insurgents – OBJ

By Web News 442

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has called for the government’s prompt response to the over fifteen million out-of-school children as they are potential tools for the insurgents in the nearest future.

The former president while speaking at the International Symposium organised by the Centre for Human Security and Dialogue in Abeokuta to mark his eighty-fifth birthday noted that government should not be complacent in handling the threats connected to the issues of out-of-school children.

Our correspondent reports that the symposium had in attendance, the United Arab Emirates minister of state for Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Shakbook bin Nayban and Former president of the Republic of Benin, Mr Nincephore Soglo among others.

His report.

Wale Oluokun

Lifestyle

OBJ@85: My good health is a result of God’s grace – OBJ

By Web News 664

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has advised elderly people to be conscious of their diets and ensure they rest appropriately to enable them to enjoy their old age.

The former president gave the advice shortly after leading his five-a-side team to defeat the Ogun State government team by four goals to two in a novelty football match organised as part of the activities to mark his eighty-fifth birthday. 

The twenty-minute match played on the pitch of the Presidential Library in Abeokuta saw Chief Obasanjo scoring two of his team’s goals while the other two goals were scored through penalty kicks awarded to the OOPL side by the referee.

Scenes from the novelty match

The Ogun State government side was led by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele.

The former president while speaking with newsmen said he enjoys the grace of God which avails him the opportunity of having good health.

He then advised elderly Nigerians to devote time to exercise their body, go for regular medical checkups and as well engaging in social activities.

The five-a-side football match also had in attendance former Nigerian international, Chief Segun Odegbami, traditional rulers and other sports enthusiasts.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

The political space is open to everyone, young or old – Atiku

By Web News 525

Former Nigeria Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has challenged the youths to compete with elders for elective offices in the 2023 general elections and not deny the old ones their constitutional rights to pursue their ambitions.

Alhaji Atiku made this known shortly after meeting former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Presidential Library Residence in Abeokuta.

The former vice president said the electoral field is also open for the younger ones to compete and expressed confidence that he will get the People’s Democratic Party, PDP ticket for the 2023 presidential race.

Alhaji Atiku who was silent on what he discussed with former President Obasanjo during the meeting, also visited the palace of Alake of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, where he recalled how he started work in Ogun State as a trained Customs Officer.

He was accompanied on the visit by a chieftain of the PDP, in Ogun State, Chief Ladipupo Adebutu and other top party functionaries in the state.

Wale Oluokun

Politics

Focus on achieving good things from 2023 elections – Northern Elders Forum

By Web News 809

The convener of the Northern Elders Forum, NEF, Professor Ango Abdullahi has called on Nigerians to strategize towards achieving good tidings from the 2023 elections.

Professor Abdullahi made this known after meeting with former President Olusegun Obasanjo at his Abeokuta residence.

He stressed that in spite of their age, the elderly could still contribute to society and the country, hence the meeting with the former president.

The scholar while speaking on the specifics of the meeting noted that they were on the same page with the former president on several issues.

The NEF chairman was accompanied by the Chairman, Board of Trustees, Coalition of Northern Groups, Mallam Nastura Shariff and the Director, Action and Mobilization, CNG, Mallam Aminu Adam who both stated that they were all on the same page with the former president on issues discussed during the meeting.

Wale Oluokun

Lifestyle

Christians should participate more in politics – Chief Obasanjo

By Web News 659

Nigerians as leaders in various capacities have been urged to strive towards making positive impacts on everyone in their circle and promote values for national development.

The President, Ogun Baptist Conference, Dr Oyewale Oyeniyi made the call in Abeokuta at a special birthday reception organised to celebrate Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s 84th birthday.

Chief Olusegun Obasanjo at the event

Dr Oyeniyi who said the event was put together to celebrate Chief Obasanjo who had contributed immensely towards building the peaceful and united Nigeria called on the people to emulate the patriotic disposition of the former president.

The President, Ogun Baptist Conference also advised Nigerians to adhere strictly to all the precautionary measures against the spread of COVID-19 and urged relevant authorities to give priority to efforts at strengthening the nation.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo applauded the Baptist Conference for honouring him, and encouraged Christians to consider taking more leadership roles in the country, through their active involvement in politics.

The former President while sharing his experience in office, attributed the successes recorded to the huge contributions of positive-minded people around him including family, community and religious institutions.

Oluwatoyin Adegoke