A three-day International Conference organised by the Priesthood Leadership Development Initiatives tagged “LEIC NIGERIA 2021” begins on Wednesday, November 10 at the Treasure House of God, Quarry Road, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The theme of the Conference which will be attended by delegates from over 15 countries is “Post Pandemic Leadership Reset”.
A release issued by the International Director, Media and Communication, LEIC Pastor Wole Dosumu, said the sessions would hold from 10 am to 2pm everyday.
It stated that eminent personalities would address the conference included the Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor, Alhaji Afolabi Salis who would speak on the topic “Financial Global Investment Direction”, Prof Sam Oluwalana whose topic is themed, “Place of African Plant” and the Ogun State Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Toyin Taiwo would be speaking on “Tourism for Economic Stability”.
Other speakers include Ghana’s Reverend Henry Hubert billed to speak on “New Church Setting”, Cote d ivoire’s Rev. Theophile Waza who will join Nigeria’s Apostle Olusesi Obateye International Coordinator (LEIC) to speak on the topic “New Generation Church and E Service” and the Ogun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr. Adeola Odedina who will deliver a paper on “Agriculture Entrepreneurship”.
This is the second time that Abeokuta, the capital city of Ogun State, will be hosting the annual Leadership Empowerment International Conference, LEIC. The maiden edition held in 2019 while the 2020 edition could not hold as a result of COVID-19.
The Ogun State Government has proposed over N85billion as capital and overhead cost to be expended in the 2022 fiscal year, to complete ongoing projects in the three senatorial districts of the State.
Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Ade Akinsanya said this in Abeokuta at the Treasury Board Meeting on year 2022- 2924 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the 2022 Budget, stating that the proposed fund would ensure the speedy completion of some roads and projects in the State, which includes Atan-Lusada- Agbara road and the Cargo Airport among others.
Akinsanya said Ijebu- Ode-Epe Road and Atan- Lusada-Agbara would to be tolled to increase revenue, adding that the completion of ongoing projects, as well as river crossings and overhead bridges would further enhance infrastructure drive of the State.
He added that there would be construction of more durable roads in major towns, as well as commencing the process of establishing one asphalt plant and additional functional material testing laboratory in the year 2022.
With presidents and statesman looking on, Gen. Colin Powell was laid to rest Friday after a funeral at Washington National Cathedral marked by stirring eulogies befitting his status as a barrier-breaking military leader and top diplomat.
A military bearer team moves the casket during the funeral for former Secretary of State Colin Powell at the Washington National Cathedral, in Washington, Friday, Nov. 5.
Powell, the down-to-earth son of Jamaican immigrants who famously boasted that “the Bronx never left me,” died last week at 84 of complications from COVID.
“Colin Powell was a great lion with a great heart,” his son Michael Powell said while choking back tears during his eulogy. “We will miss him terribly.”
The younger Powell remembered his late dad’s famous common touch, recalling a time he rebuked an Army captain for demanding that an underling salute him 100 times to atone for some transgression.
“That’s fine, but you make darn sure you salute him back, every time,” Powell told the captain, his son recalled. “The exchange of salutes is a sign of mutual respect.”
President Biden sat in the front row for the tribute to the larger-than-life soldier and statesman who rose from humble beginnings in the South Bronx to become the youngest and first Black chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and the first Black secretary of state.
Also in the pews were Powell’s ex-boss, former President George W. Bush, and former President Barack Obama, who became the first Black president two decades after Powell declined to run for the nation’s highest office.
“I came to view Colin Powell as a figure who almost transcended time,” said former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright. “His virtues were Homeric: honesty, dignity and loyalty and an unshakeable commitment to his calling and word.”
Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright walks by the casket of former Secretary of State Colin Powell during a funeral service at the Washington National Cathedral, Friday, Nov. 5, in Washington.
Powell was serenaded in death by the U.S. Army Brass Quintet’s rendition of Bob Marley’s “Three Little Birds,” the iconic soundtrack of his beloved West Indian island homeland.
Notably absent was former President Donald Trump, who derided Powell after his death, making no effort to hide the grudge he held against Powell for opposing his White House runs.
President Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Michelle Obama and former President George W. Bush stand during a prayer during the funeral for former Secretary of State Colin Powell.
Powell burst to national prominence as the nation’s top military leader during Operation Desert Storm, in which the U.S. ousted Saddam Hussein’s Iraqi military from Kuwait.
His self-confessed biggest mistake was vouching for false claims about Saddam’s supposed weapons of mass destruction that enabled the disastrous second Gulf War in Iraq.
Alma Powell is escorted to her seat at the funeral for former Secretary of State Colin Powell along with Michael Powell and Albright, Richard Armitage delivered a eulogy. Armitage served as deputy secretary of state under Colin Powell, and the two were close friends.
Powell died Oct. 18 of complications from COVID, one of more than 750,000 Americans who have died of the virus. He was vaccinated against the virus, but his family said his immune system was compromised by multiple myeloma, a blood cancer for which he had been undergoing treatment.
Powell’s rise to prominence was a quintessentially American tale, forged in the Hunts Point section of the South Bronx.
Michael Powell gives a eulogy for his father, during the funeral for former Secretary of State Colin Powell at the Washington National Cathedral, in Washington, Friday, Nov. 5.
In his autobiography, “My American Journey,” Powell recalled a post-Depression Era childhood in a proud West Indian household. In his childhood, Powell lived at 952 Kelly St., between E. 163rd St. and Westchester Ave.
A so-so student, Powell caught the military bug during his first year at the City College of New York in 1954. Inspired by seeing fellow students in uniform, he enrolled in the school’s Reserve Officer Training Corps.
Powell would go on to serve 35 years in uniform, including two tours in Vietnam, where he was wounded in combat.
The flag-draped casket of former Secretary of State Colin Powell is carried into the Washington National Cathedral for a funeral service. The flag-draped casket of former Secretary of State Colin Powell is carried into the Washington National Cathedral for a funeral service. (Manuel Balce Ceneta/AP) Powell rose to become the top military leader and the top diplomat, achievements that led many to believe he could one day become the nation’s first Black president. In the end, he rebuffed calls for a White House run.
He put his credibility on the line when he made the case for the second war against Iraq at the United Nations in 2003. His stellar reputation was stained when the intelligence he cited turned out to be riddled with lies and the war in Iraq spiraled into a bloody morass.
After retiring from government, he became an elder statesman on the global stage and the founder of an organization aimed at helping young, disadvantaged Americans.
Colin Powell during a lecture in Spain in 2006. Colin Powell during a lecture in Spain in 2006. Seeing him as a potential candidate with crossover appeal, Republicans still wanted him to run for president. After becoming disillusioned with the GOP, he ended up endorsing the last three Democratic presidential candidates, who welcomed his support.
Tai Solarin University of Education which was closed down last week following an unrest will reopen for academic session on Tuesday, November 9, 2021.
This was contained in a release by the Management of the institute which also announced that the second semester examination which was truncated due to the face-off between the university students and some security operatives would also resume on Wednesday, November 10, 2021.
A release reads: The Management of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun Ogun State hereby announce the resumption of academic activities for the 2020/2021 academic session on Tuesday, 9th November,2021.
The second semester examination would resume on Wednesday,10th November,2021.
Students are advised to remain law abiding and peaceful as they return to the University for the conclusion of their examinations.
Prince Abiodun in warm handshake with David Alao, Ogun First Statistician-General
By Our Correspondent
The First Statistician-General in Ogun State, Mr. David Alao has eulogised the Prince Dapo Abiodun-led administration for its giant strides’ achievements spread across the three Senatorial Districts of the State.
Alao stated this in an interview with OGIS correspondent in Abeokuta at the special reception organised in honour of the outgone Heads of Service, Alhaja Selimot Ottun and other retired and retiring Permanent Secretaries in the State, saying that the various feats recorded in the health, agriculture, education and housing sector, as well as the massive road construction and rehabilitation were unprecedented in the history of Ogun State.
Thes retired first Statistician-General in Ogun State, who is now on a contract job as the new Statistician-General, Bureau of Statistics, said the present government has been able to imbibe the culture of continuity in governance by completing most of the road projects embarked upon by the previous administration.
“The Prince Dapo Abiodun’s administration is the best so far in Ogun State. This is evident from the continuation of most of the unfinished projects embarked upon by the last administration. This government is indeed a good one that is without bitterness or discrimination”, he stated.
The Statistician-General added that the Governor has proved to be a true example of a good democrat, urging other political leaders to emulate him for the State to achieve greater success.
Speaking on the retirement of the Head of Service, Alhaja Ottun, Alao described her as a dedicated, hardworking and God-fearing woman with a large heart, saying he was not surprised at her appointment.
He charged civil servants in the State to be committed and diligent to their duties, saying there is always a reward for hard work.
Speaking in a separate interview, the Acting Statistician-General in the Bureau, Mr. Olusola Folarin, while congratulating Mr. Alao on the well-deserved appointment, described him as a steadfast and hardworking leader, whose reputation precedes him.
Gov. Dapo Abiodun of Ogun has appointed Dr. Nafiu Aigoro as the new Head of Civil Service in the state. The statement stated the appointment takes effect.
This is contained in a statement issued today in Abeokuta by Mr Tokunbo Talabi, the Secretary to the State Government.
Dr. Nafiu Aigoro who was until his appointment was the Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, joined the state public service at the hospitals management board as consultants (Orthopaedic), Grade level 15 on January 6, 1998.
Arising from the recent flagging-off of the COVID-19 vaccination campaign in Ogun State, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, has enjoined political office holders, including the State lawmakers and Councilors to mobilise people en-masse, towards getting vaccinated, with a view to flattening the curve of the pandemic, especially as the festive period approaches.
Oluomo gave the admonition in Abeokuta, while responding to the submission of a member representing Yewa North I State Constituency, Hon. Adeyanju Adegoke, who spoke under Personal Explanation at a plenary session.
The Speaker noted that it was imperative for all opinion leaders, Community Development Councils and Associations to mobilise and orientate members of the public on the need to take the vaccine, which is free in all health centres and designated points.
He lauded the 60 -day window of opportunity provided by the State to enable more people, including residents of border communities and people living in high density areas to get vaccinated.
Meanwhile, the State Assembly has granted approval to the State to participate in the Federal Government’s facility for 35 States in the country to the tune of N18, 746, 059,992.57 to cushion the effect of repayment of Federal Government intervention facilities earlier granted to Ogun State during the past administration.
The approval followed the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation by its Chairman, Hon. Kunle Sobukanla, who thereafter moved the motion for its adoption, seconded by Ademola Adeniran and unanimously supported by other lawmakers through a voice vote.
The essence of the facility according to the report, was contained in a letter conveying the approval of the President, addressed to 35 States expected to benefit from the loan, as signed by Hon. Minister for Finance, Budget and National Planning, Dr. (Mrs.) Zainab Ahmed.
Speaker Oluomo subsequently directed the Clerk and Head of Legislative Service, Deji Adeyemo to convey the Assembly’s resolution to the State Governor for necessary actions.
Ogun State Governor has said the decision to join the Value Added Tax (VAT) fray was to ensure that the State got a fair share from the money generated from the system.
It would be recalled that Ogun joined Rivers and Lagos States to demand that States and not the Federal Government, through the Federal Inland Revenue Service, should collect Value Added Tax (VAT).
Governor Dapo Abiodun stated this in Abeokuta, while playing host to members of the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), saying despite the huge amount generated from VAT, the State’s share does not reflect what is generated.
While informing his guests that his administration is strictly adhering to the tenets of good governance, Prince Abiodun said the State generated the sum of N75bn in the last nine months and was working towards surpassing it this next year.
“We have joined the fray on the Value Added Tax because we believe Ogun is not getting a fair share of the proceeds. Not only are we producing, we are also a consuming State. We generate so much money, yet we don’t have a bigger chunk of that same fund that we generate”, he noted.
He said the country was spending so much in subsidising petroleum products, hence wasting fund needed to provide basic amenities which could be used to fast track development.
On the State’s Accountability Index (AI) position of the ICAN, the State helmsman said though the State had moved from the 29 to 19, government’s desire was to see the State in the first three position in future.
The Governor urged the Institute to look at ways of partnering the State in the area of youth development, saying the Institute Entrepreneurship Training Centre planned for the State is a welcome development.
Enumerating some of his administration’s achievements in less than three years, Abiodun hinted that housing projects sited across the State, was part of the sustainability model strategy to generate employment and at the same time, provide affordable houses to the people.
Earlier in her remarks, the ICAN President, Mrs. Comfort Eyitayo, noted that the exemplary leadership style of the Governor had impacted positively in the health, education, youth development and other sectors of the State’s economy.
The ICAN President who said the Institute had made its position known on VAT and the Petroleum Industry Act, added that it would soon embark on another round of Accountability Index assessment across the country, calling for the cooperation of the State Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The Olu of Ilaro and Paramount Ruler of Yewaland, Oba Kehinde Olugbenle, has said the lawmaker representing Lagos West in the National Assembly, Sen. Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, is a true and bonafide son of Yewaland.
He said Adeola deserved the title of Aremo of Yewaland conferred on him for his contributions to the growth and development of Yewaland in general.
The monarch made this known at his palace in Ilaro, Ogun State, when he received the kinsmen of the Senator from Pahayi in Ilaro and Ishaga Orile, who paid a thank you visit to the Yewa Traditional Council through the paramount ruler, for the Aremo of Yewaland title bestowed on their son.
He said Adeola, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Finance, should have been honoured with the title years ago by the council, “but the honour has to be deferred because of the political climate”.
Oba Olugbenle announced during the visit to the Onibata family of Pahay in Ilaro, the family of Senator Adeola and the representatives of the monarch of Isaga Orile that Aremo of Yewaland is not the only chieftaincy title to be bestowed on the Lagos West senator, he said ahead of his installation as Aremo of Yewaland, he will be conferred with the Aare Gbobaniyi of Ilaro.
The Olori Ebi Onibata family, Chief Micheal Ogundimu, said they were at the palace to appreciate the Olu of Ilaro and other traditional rulers for the honour bestowed on their kinsman.
Rescue Operatives who have been in search of both survivors and dead in the 21 story building which crumbled to the ground on Gerrard, Ikoyi Lagos have on Thursday evening, retrieved identified remains of Femi Osibona, developer of the building from the heap of rubbles.
Many people, including the developer’s friend, personal Assistants and other workers were trapped in the rubbles which Lagos State Government’s agencies having been helping to clear with heavy equipment digging through the ruins.
Our sources disclosed that Femi Osibona’s remains were discovered and pulled out of the wreckage around 7.00 pm and identified by officials of the Ministry of Physical Planning and family members before it was evacuated in an ambulance.
Although no official announcement has been made to that effect but we gathered from impeccable sources that Osibona’s remains have been found and recovered and put inside a body bag which was immediately moved into a waiting ambulance.
As at the time of this report, we gathered over 50 persons are believed to have been trapped in the building while no less than 36 have died in the incident.
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has declared a – three – day mourning in honour of those who lost their lives in the tragedy, directing that, during the mourning period all flags should be flown at half-mast in public and private buildings in Lagos State.
According to Gbenga Omotoso, the State’s Commissioner for Information & Strategy, the Governor has also ordered that a number of official engagements cancelled during the period as the Governor commiserated with all those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate incident.
Governor Sanwo-Olu had visited the site thrice to encourage the rescuers and console relations of those who are believed to have been trapped or died in the collapsed building.
Prince Dapo Abiodun presenting a certificate to Dr. Joy Adesina
By Bisade Ojoye
Prince Dapo Abiodun presenting Letter of Allocation to Dr. Joy Oyinlola Adesina, who was gifted a bungalow, 5million Naira cash award, and free scholarship for her residency programme at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, OOUTH in recognition of her sterling performance, having emerged Best Graduating Student ever produced in the history of Faculty of Clinical Sciences, OAU, Ile-Ife
Dr. Joy Adesina hails from Ijebu North Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs of Ogun state House of Assembly on Monday was on working visit to Ijebu Ode Local Government to carry-out her oversight duty on 2021 Budget Performance Evaluation between July – September 2021.
The Executive Chairman, Ijebu Ode Local Government, Alhaji Babatunde Emilola Gazal ably represented by the Vice Chairman, Hon. Dare Alebiosu gave account of the stewardship of his administration since inception in July 2021.
He told the Honourable members of the assembly that his administration came into office, effective July and they have been able to make impacts in building infrastructure, grading of roads and maintenance of existing asphalted roads in Ijebu Ode metropolis”
“I want to thank His Excellency, Prince Dapo Abiodun for giving us opportunity to showcase our God giving talents” said Hon. Alebiosu.
Hon. Ajayi Bolanle Lateefat, Chairman House committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, expressed appreciation to the leadership for the warm welcome right from their arrival into the Council Secretariat.
She reiterated the commitment of 9th Assembly in the discharg of their duty according to the constitution of Nigeria without any fear or favour.
Hon. Ajayi urged the Executive and the Legislative arm of the council to maintain utmost cooperation in order to achieve more success.
Hon. Ganiu Alani Oyedeji, member, House committe on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, attested to the cordial agreements between the executive and legislative arm after the confirmation from the Majority Leader, Hon. Balogun Said.
Other members of Ogun State House of Assembly present included: Hon. Soneye Damilola Kayode, Hon. Osho Solomon. Also present at the meeting was Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) Mr. Dapo Banjo and the Directors, among others.
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