News

The Federal Government has cancelled the parade earlier scheduled to mark Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary on Wednesday, October 1.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

“The Federal Government wishes to announce the cancellation of the Independence Anniversary parade, previously scheduled to mark the 65th Independence Day on Wednesday, 1st October. The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary,” the statement was signed by the Director of Information and Public Relations, Segun Imohiosen.

It added that the government regrets any inconvenience caused, but stressed that, other activities lined up for the anniversary will proceed as scheduled. These include the traditional presidential broadcast, cultural programmes, and the grand finale of the National Campus Debate.

“The Federal Government deeply appreciates the understanding of Nigerians, the diplomatic community, and invited guests, and urges all citizens to continue to support the Renewed Hope Agenda of the present administration,” the statement added.

This year’s theme is “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on Deck for a Greater Nation’’.

Culled/ Taiwo Akinola

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Politics

By Funmi Adekoya-Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on Nigerians to pray for the continuous peace and prosperity of the country.

The governor stated this in his message to commemorate the 2023 Independence Day celebration. 

Governor Adeleke, while acknowledging the unfavorable prevailing economic and security situation across the country, urged all political, religious, traditional, and business leaders to unite purposefully and find lasting solutions to the issues bedvilling Nigeria in line with the vision of heroes past who fought hard for the nation’s independence.

“We are currently in a difficult situation; the precarious economic situation is affecting everyone. This is our reality, and we must face it. As leaders, we must collaborate to find lasting solutions irrespective of our cultural, religious, political, and social affiliations. We must also seek for divine intervention from God, I believe in prayer, so I will always urge us to continue to pray” the governor said.

He called on the leaders to be committed to the progress of Nigeria’s society, while the followers must hold the leaders accountable, stressing that everyone must play their roles for the sake of posterity.

At IPADE IMOLE, I will be giving a full report of my stewardship directly to the people of Osun State. I shall be opening the governance book of the state for everyone to see. I am determined to run an all-inclusive government that is owned by the people and truly for the people.”

The governor said he is determined to be a more responsive and accountable leader, to repay the faith reposed in him by the people of Osun State with their votes.

“In the spirit of celebrating the Independence Day, I urge the people of Osun State to continue to pray for the success of our administration while we remain steadfast in our development agenda that is pro-people and pro-good governance”, the statement concluded. 

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News

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde has said the country is currently at a crossroads in the nation’s history saying that the moment calls for renewed hope , unity and a shared commitment to prosperity on the part of citizens of the state and Nigerians in general.

He stated this in his  address titled:”Renewed Hope for Unity & Prosperity” at this year’s Independence Day anniversary celebrations held at the Lekan Salami stadium, Adamasingba , Ibadan 

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal , expressed optimism that best days are still ahead despite the economic challenges the country is faced with.  

He urged the citizens of the country to  remember the sacrifices made by its  forefathers by  working tirelessly to develop a Nigeria that they would be proud of where every person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to prosper.” 

Governor Makinde while reaffirming  his unwavering belief in the potential of Nigeria and its people, governor Seyi Makinde said the renewed hope for unity and prosperity is not a mere aspiration but a call to action.

The occasion witnessed the usual match past parade by the men and officers of the Nigerian Police Force as well as students and voluntary Youth organizations in the state

Radio Nigeria reports that members of the organised labour unions in the state shunned the annual celebrations as a result of the proposed industrial action slated to commence on Wednesday, October 3, 2023 nationwide


Religion

By Dayo Adu

Worship centres in Ibadan metropolis today were saturated with songs of praises and jubilation to God by congregants as they celebrate the 63rd Independence anniversary of Nigeria.

The worshippers in some of the churches visited, dressed in touch of the national colours with exciting look as they danced to melodious tunes from the choir to thank God for the democratic journey of the nation.

In an interview, the priest-in-charge of Wonderland Baptist Church, Orogun, Reverend Peter Olaniyi, wants the president and his new cabinet members to crack the current economic challenge bedevilling the country.

The cleric, who explained that the nation was seriously seeking solutions to rejuvenate the economic downturn consequent on the removal of subsidy on petrol, charged the president to speed up his economic policy in order to ameliorate the suffering of the people.

On his part, the General Overseer, Men of Issachar Vision incorporated, Ibadan, Reverend Samson Ajetomobi wants the federal government to strengthen the security architecture of the country so as to eliminate the divisible tendencies of the nation.

Reverend Ajetomobi noted that security of lives and property should not be handled with levity hence, the need to address the problem of hunger, unemployment and ethnicity in order to remain a strong and indivisible nation.

In the same vein, Pastor Matthew Adedeji of Believers’ Evangelical Mission, Agbowo, encouraged Nigerians to intensify in their prayers for the nation rather than complaining about the trend of events.

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News

In commemoration of this year’s Independence Day celebration, the Oyo state government has unveiled the lined-up activities earmarked to celebrate the day, with the theme tagged ‘Strength in Unity.

The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Asiwaju ‘Seun Fakorede, made this disclosure in a statement made available to newsmen, in Ibadan.

According to him, the 62nd Independence Day anniversary will commence with the special thanksgiving service at the Cathedral of St Peters Aremo, Ibadan, on Sunday 25th September 2002 by 9.00 am, urging the Christian faithful among the political office holders, Civil /public servants to grace the significant event.

While stating that a special plenary session of the Youth Parliament will hold at Oyo State House of Assembly on Monday 26th September 2022, He added that quiz and essay competitions organized for the Primary and Secondary School students will take place in the Conference room of the Ministry of Education, Science and Technology on Tuesday 27th September 2022.  

The statement equally maintained that Tug of War involving military and paramilitary operatives in the state will take place at the car park of the office of the Governor, Secretariat Ibadan, with a cultural game known as ‘ayò olópón’.

He explained that the independence walk, which is expected to kick off at the Government House Arcade on Thursday, September 27 2022, would involve the participation of political office holders, top government functionaries, OYRTMA personnel, Man-O-War, Federal Road Safety Commission, FRSC and Paramilitary officers in the state. 

Similarly, a special Jumat service will hold at the Government House, Mosque, Agodi Ibadan at 1.00 pm on Friday 30th September 2022, and Muslim faithful have been urged to converge on the mosque to pray for Nigeria. 

The grand finale of the Independence Day celebration will take place at Lekan Salami Sports Complex, Adamasingba, Ibadan on Saturday 1st October 2022 at 8.00 am. 

The highlights of the programme will include a March past by the primary school students, Voluntary Organizations, Cyclists and Artisans.

Similarly, the Cultural Display by the Oyo State Cultural Troupe and the Cultural Troupe of Bishop Philips Academy, Ibadan will entertain the guests at the event.

The Commissioner assured pupils that prizes will be distributed to the schools that excel and have outstanding performances in the various competitions organized to mark the annual national anniversary. 

He, however, appealed to the parents and guardians to release their children/wards to participate actively in the celebration, stressing that the State government will provide adequate security to guarantee the safety of lives and properties throughout the period of celebration.

Iyabo Adebisi

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News

Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State has urged Nigerians, especially the youths to concentrate their efforts on building a favourable nation for all citizens, irrespective of the tribal, religious and political affiliations.

Governor Abiodun made the plea at a Special Parade to mark the 61st National Day Celebration of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The governor encouraged the youths to be self assured, creatively involved and open-minded towards enhancing national development.

While calling on policy makers to provide the conducive environment for the people to harness their potential to move the country forward, Prince Abiodun said his administration would continue to formulate people-friendly policies and implement valuable programmes.

Also, a former military Administrator of the Ogun State, Retired Navy Commodore Kayode Olofinmoyin advised the state government to give priority to the education sector in the bid to safeguard the future for the younger generation.

In a remark, a representative of the Civil Society groups, Mr. Yinka Folarin called on the federal government to strengthen the security architecture across the country.

Highlights of the occasion were symbolic washing of hands and presentation of gifts after the special parade by the Armed forces, the Nigerian Police} , representatives of Labour and trade unions as well as schools pupils from different parts of the state.

Bolanle Adesida

Politics

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has announced that there would be 10pm to 6am curfew for two days across the state starting from from Wednesday tonight, as part of efforts to ensure that 60th Independence Anniversary is celebrated in an atmosphere of peace and security.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, CPS, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun said restriction of operations of commercial motorcyclists from all major roads in the state and suspension of operations of all commercial buses would begin at 10pm Wednesday night to 6am on Friday

The governor also explained that Taxi cabs were permitted to operate within the hours outside the daily curfew period, while all forms of gatherings in the state were restricted to a maximum of 20 persons from 10pm tonight till 6am on Friday. 

Governor Abiodun pointed out that his administration opted for a low-key Independence Anniversary celebration as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, adding that grand finale of the nation diamond anniversary earlier scheduled to hold at June 12 Cultural Centre, had been rescheduled to hold at arcade group Oke Mosan Abeokuta.

While urging residents of the state to monitor and report any suspicious movements in their neighbourhood, 

Governor Abiodun said his administration was committed to ensure security of lives and property during and after the 60th Independence Anniversary.

Bolanle Adesida

Religion

As the nation celebrates its 60th independence anniversary ,Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state wants Nigerians to thank God who has kept the nation united in the last six decades inspite of various challenges.

He stated this during during a special church service in commemoration of the Nigeria’s 60th anniversary, held at St. Peters Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan.

Governor Makinde who was represented by the Secretary to the state Government, Mrs Olubamiwo Adeosun said there was every reason to give thanks to God who has not only kept Nigeria together as a united nation but has equally given Nigerians hope for the rebirth of the nation and Oyo state.

Governor Makinde believed that with sustained adherence to democratic tenets, the nation would get to its desired destination of growth and development.

He urged the people to continue to support the incumbent administration in the state for the desired developmental heights.

The Governor stressed that the ongoing revitalization of Moribund Companies and construction of roads were targeted at boosting the economy and reduce unemployment rate in the state.

In a sermon titled, let there be Justice, The provost of the St.Peter’s Cathedral, Aremo, Ibadan, the Very Reverend Adebiyi Adewale said there is nothing that makes a nation Peaceful than justice.

The Very Reverend Adebiyi attributed some of the challenges facing Nigeria since it’s independence as lack of fairness, equity and justice.

The Very Reverend Adebiyi therefore called on Nigerians to continue to pray for the development of the nation.
Adebisi Iyabo

Yoruba

Ilé isẹ́ ọmọ ológun orílẹ̀dè yíì, ti ké sáwọn aráalu láti máà se fòyà rárá lórí ìgbésẹ̀ ìbọn yínyìn tí yóò wáyé lákokò ayẹyẹ àyájọ́ òmìnira ilẹ̀ fún tọdún 2019 tawàyí.

Èyí ló jẹyọ nínú àtẹ̀jáde kan tígbákejì olùdarí agbẹnusọ fún ilé-isẹ́ ológun náà, ọ̀gágun Haruna Tagwai fisíta nílu Abuja.

Ọgagun náà tó tọ́kasi pé, ayẹyẹ òmìnira ilẹ̀ yíì tójẹ́ ọdún kọkàndínlọ́gọ́ta ni yóò wáyé lọ́jọ́ ìsẹ́gun nílé àarẹ tó wà nílu Abuja, wá rọ àwọn ọmọ orílẹ̀dè yíì láti máà se fàayè gba ìbẹ̀rù kankan lọ́ọ́kan àyà wọn lọ́jọ́ náà.

Agbẹnusọ fúnlesẹ́ ológun ọ̀hún kò sài sọ́ọ́di mímọ̀ pe, ìgbésẹ̀ ìbọn yínyìn náà ló wà lára akitiyan tó ń sàmì ayẹyẹ ọjọ́ òmìnira ọ̀hún.

Kẹmi Ogunkọla/Osamudiamen Idemudia