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By Olufemilade Oyinade

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has greeted Muslims on the celebration of Eid-el-Fitri, which signified the end of fasting in the Holy month of Ramadan.

Governor Abiodun, who noted that fasting in the month of Ramadan is one of the pillars of Islamic faith, felicitated Muslims in the state for seeing the end of 29 days of spiritual exercise.

The governor in a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, on Saturday, however, enjoined the Muslim faithful to continue to hold on to the piety and spiritual elevation attained during the fasting.

He noted that, though the country was passing through some challenges, Muslims deserved to celebrate the end of the month of mercy and forgiveness.

Abiodun, however, urged the people to celebrate with moderation and ensure they share with the less privileged.

He further urged them to pray for peace in the country and the state, assuring that his administration would continue to create conducive atmosphere to enhance economic development and growth.

Reiterating his position during the Ramadan Lecture held on Friday, with the theme’ “Get Rich Quick Syndrome: Refocusing the Nigerian Youths for a greater future,” Gov. Abiodun said it was unfortunate that youths of today prefer to cut corners to get things done quickly.

Abiodun who noted that it was sad that the younger population are not ready to wait again, but to get rich quickly, said that the society has been faced with myriad of challenges more than ever before.

“All issues of kidnapping, ritual killing, robbery and other prevailing vices in our society are alien to us, many of us parents have not lived up to our responsibility, we aren’t paying attention to our children, we do not ask them questions, we do not talk to them.

“Our youths these days want to cut corners to get things done and their is no society where you cut corners and you don’t have problems, we now have a younger population that are not ready to wait again, they want to get rich quick and thereby engage in many untoward activities, therefore, our society is now faced with a myriad of challenges more than ever before,” he said.

Gov. Abiodun disclosed that his administration remained deeply committed to the successful implementation of ‘building our future together agenda’, stressing that the focus of his administration belongs to the youth.

Governor Abiodun while noting that it was important to carry along the youth, said that the population of youths in the country as at today was about 33% of the population of the country which stood at about Two hundred Million.

He added that the youths constituted a salient and active majority of the society blessed with the energy needed to drive socioeconomic development of the country, adding that he was convinced that any nation that deserved continuous development must find a way, not only in creating a platform for the youths to express their opinion on matters that concern them but also provide an enabling environment for the realization of their potentials.

Abiodun called on parents, guardians, school administrators, religious leaders and other stakeholders to come together to chart a course to harness the raw energies of the youths in the country towards positive enterprise, saying that parents must take up their jobs as parents and appreciate the fact that they have the divine responsibility for the proper upbringing of children as the entire process of socialization starts from the home.

The Governor, while challenging parents and guardians to note that it was their responsibility to provide a solid foundation for the socialization of their children before they go into the world, charged other critical stakeholders to continue to impress on the youth population the positive values and ideals of hard work, perseverance, commitment, believe and trust in God Almighty.

Abiodun who opined that the sermon from religious leaders usually have a positive impact on the youths, charged Imams and Alfas to use the opportunity of their divine mandate by their sermons to preach and counsel youths to follow the dictates of their religions.

While wishing Muslims faithful a happy Eid-el-Fitri celebration, the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the provision and delivery of good governance to the people of the state

By William Adeyemi

Arsenal defeated Westham United by 2 goals to 1 today as Mikel Arteta’s side continue to fight for top four.

Rob Holding fired Arsenal ahead before Jarrod Bowen draw his side level just before halftime and in the second half, Gabriel Magalhaes scored the winner for the visitors.

The first half between both sides ended in a 1:1 draw. Rob Holding headed home from Bukayo Saka’s corner to open scoring for the visitors and Jarrod Bowen fires home the leveller on the stroke of halftime.

In the 55th minutes, Gabriel Magalhaes scored another header to restore Arsenal’s lead. The Gunners could have had a third but Eddie Nketiah fired his effort wide of the post after being set through by Mohamed Elneny.

As it stands, Arsenal are currently in the fourth position with 63 points, three points behind Chelsea in 3rd place. The Blues failed to extend the gap after a 1:0 loss to Everton at the Goodison Park.

By Bisade Ojoye

Alaafin Adeyemi, an elder-statesman and patriot, was bold and courageous. He spoke truth to power. His interventions in national affairs helped the nation navigate difficult moments and helped usher a more just society.

This was the statement of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu when he spoke at the 8th Day prayer in honour of the deceased monarch of the ancient town of Oyo, one the most respected traditional institutions in the Yoruba race.

Asiwaju Tinubu, a Presidential aspirant on the platform of APC said, “I joined elders from across Nigeria to honour the blessed memory of Kabiyesi, Iku Baba Yeye, Alaafin Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III, today, the eight day of his passing”.

He said the foremost monarch played vital roles in the struggle for democracy, working assiduously towards the establishment of our democracy.

“Verily we belong to Allah and verily to him do we return. May his legacy endure and his memory remain blessed”, he chipped.

By Olamide Yinusa

Ahead of the governorship primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ogun State, no fewer than 200 loyalists of the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, in Ijebu North LG have joined and pledged their loyalty to Governor Dapo Abiodun.

The faction was led back into the mainstream of the APC by the former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye.

Welcoming the members at the Presidential Lodge, Abeokuta, Governor Dapo Abiodun noted that there could be misunderstanding among family members just as it is imperative for them to make peace.

“Being members of the same family, there is bound to be misunderstanding and disagreement. What is important is that we all agreed that APC must continue to be in power in the state. You must strive to achieve the objective of ensuring that party is still in control of the state. Now that that has been achieved, there is no need to continue to be a rebel. It is now time for all our members who have gone astray to come back to the fold.

“I know that your action was out of sense of duty and loyalty to your leader because it is our leaders that shape us. Like the father of the prodigal son in the Bible, I am receiving you in an inclusive style. You will not regret taking this decision, because here, we are one and the same. Please let us embrace our brothers and sisters who have decided to come back to the family”, the governor said.

Abiodun informed the returning members that he had no personal grudge against anybody as attested to during his campaigns and utterances as governor, recounting many reconciliatory moves he and his team had made in the past to unite all members of the party in the state.

“When we find ourselves in a position, it is to serve the people. Ogun State is a common patrimony and not anybody’s family business”, he said.

He posited that his administration was committed to the socio-economic development of the state as promised made had been fulfilled or in the process of being fulfilled.

According to him, “this administration is totally committed to the socio-economic development of this State. We have fulfilled and fulfilling all our promises in the area of road construction, rehabilitation of schools and health facilities. We are constructing an airport which will be commissioned before the end of this year. I can assure that you that I will continue to live up to expectation”.

The state chairman of the party, Chief Yemi Sanusi stated, “a good father should be happy to receive his children who had revolted against the family. Now that you have seen wisdom to return, go back to your local government and integrate properly. The doors of our party is open to everybody. We are happy to see and receive you. You are free to work as the party members”.

The Ogun East Senatorial District Chairman of the party, Dr. Adeleke Adedoyin, in his remarks, lauded the returnees for taking such a bold step to reintegrate with the mainstream, assuring them that there would be no new comers or old members.

Earlier, Ipaye, said it was time to move on and make up as family members could not continue to be at war with one another forever.

“Everything in life has a beginning and end. Life itself is a cycle. There is need to make peace and go in the same direction because we cannot fight forever. We are doing what we feel is right without being promoted.

“There was confusion at a time and we took the action that we deemed best at that time. Having reflected on what happened and the fact that we see ourselves as APC members, we decided that there was need to go back to the fold. We are proud to be back home not only to uplift our party, but to play our part in the good work the governor is doing in the three senatorial districts of the state.

“If the purpose of being in politics is to serve the people, then why should we continue to fight? We come to play our part and make 2023 a reality”, Ipaye stated.

Members of the group, Chief Olusola Odusina and Mrs. Caroline Animashaun who spoke at the meeting said it was time to move on and align with other members of the party to support the government that has been meeting the aspirations of the people, socially and economically.

By Bisade Ojoye

It is the award season in the US and across some western nations’ deserving citizens and immigrants have been recognized and honored for their contributions to humanity in many of the major cities in US.

The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) is the largest civil rights organization established over 113 years ago to advocate for the socio-economic and political rights of people of color are not left out of this yearly ritual.

The NAACP Awards are categorized from entertainment, social Justice and environmental Justice they can be national or regional (branch). Either way the 2022 Award cycle acknowledges the outstanding accomplishments from people of color who have inspired transformational changes over the years in socio-political, environmental climate justice, technology, and entertainment across the 2,500 branches.

This year was no exception as Jennifer Hudson was named entertainer of the year for 2022 during the NAACP 2022 Entertainment awards which highlight works from artists, entertainers, producers, and writers of color.

The NAACP 2022 Image awards also saw Samuel L. Jackson receive the NAACP Chairman’s award for his public service, social activism, and his acting achievements which have inspired thousands.

Some other notable NAACP Image awards winners this year include: Mr. Kevin Hart for his role in True Story and Ms. Nikole Hannah-Jones, who received the Social Justice Impact Award and Dr. Gbujie Daniel Chidubem, a Nigerian who was honored on the 20th of April 2022 by the NAACP’s Mid-Manhattan Branch in New York with the prestigious Environmental Climate Justice Award.

He is a multi-award winner, global health consultant and a UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) advocate who has been featured in China’s Forbes magazine edition in March 2021 as an emerging African social innovator for the app idea he created called “SpaceClime and RepClime” and having won the Manevia African Leadership Award in honour of Young Diaspora professionals inspiring change in Diaspora.

The profile of this exceptional young Nigerian who hails precisely from Akabor-Umuayaka, Ahiazu Mbaise LGA, Imo State in the South Eastern part of Nigeria has endeared him to
many Africans and non-Africans who have been excited by his feat of clinching of the environmental award last week.

Gbujie has been able to build an international platform using his organization, a youth-based environment group registered in the US called Team54Project.org, to rally tens of thousands of people, especially youth to join the push in locally addressing the climate crisis through education, training, skills, talents and exploration of technology.

Gbujie’s award has not gone unnoticed as notable international and continental personalities have also been sending congratulatory messages since the news was announced in New York a few days ago.

One notable international personality is the former President of the World Medical Association in 2015, Dr. Xaiver Deau of France, who a day ago posted online his congratulatory message by highlighting that Dr. Gbujie has always been exceptional, following his impressive performance at the WMA/Junior Doctor Network Award in April 2015 in far away from Oslo, Norway where he won an award for his innovative solution to addressing the dying medical education programs called medical residency in Nigeria. Dr. Deau said, “Gbujie, I have only good memories from our encounter, we are proud of you and share in the incredible journey you have paved, Congratulations”. He said.

Gbujie this year joins the likes of other Africans based in the USA who also have been winners of other NAACP awards though in different categories at the national and regional levels one notable mentions is Trevor Noah from South Africa who’s Shows won the outstanding comedy TV shows.

Gbujie displays an uncommon mental capacity and creativity that makes him stand out from billions of young people across the globe and he has joined the growing list of Africans representing the continent.

His accomplishments may have been responsible for H.E António Guterres the
Secretary-General of the United Nations to invite him to the 2019, UN General assembly and likely the same reason the UNICEF had him as one of their ambassadors and advocate for one of their community based project managed with Conceptos Plasticos, an international firm based in Latin America they currently are working at building high-end plastic schools in Cote d’Ivoire from solely plastic waste collected by locals in the West Africa nation.

In his words, Gbujie said, ‘Service to humanity is the currency that responsible human should pay for the advancement of our society, because it is what creates the ideal community that everyone wishes to reside in, however this peaceful environment must be intentionally created through genuine services to others, especially the most vulnerable in the society who can’t speak for themselves.’ he said.

A Namibian based in Windhoek, Nerson Tjelos in his social media posting explained that Dr. Gbujie has been a mentor and has inspired tens of thousands of Africa and that himself has benefited from the educational outreach, furthermore, he said Gbujie was instrumental to him coming for a climate reality project training in the US in 2018 where he was better able to understands the climate crisis and how it affects his country.

Nerson say he now works for a leading water management and renewable energy firm in and he is an active member of the Team54project family in Namibia.
Gbujie in his acceptance speech sent to the award-giving body and made public, Gbujie thanked the NAACP mid manhattan executive council who where the host of the environmental climate justice for 2022 and also the ECJ committee members who were jurists that selected him for 2022.

He gave thanks to the Almighty God and acknowledged the support he got from his wife, parent, relatives and members of the organization he founded.
Gbujie explained that
“African immigrants over the last 100 years have added value to the US and this is against the various forms of huddle set before them, many have continued to redefine what perseverance looks like and have gone on to share their success stories and accomplishment in the different sectors here in the US, am just keeping that tradition alive” Gbujie said.

Gbujie’s global and national contributions seem to go beyond that of the environmental concerns, they include community health program, youth mentorship, and social entrepreneurial training, developing conceptual content especially back on the African continent and few vulnerable nations in Pacific region.

He also congratulated other awardees like Ms. Chante Harris, one of the leading female minds addressing climate crisis through the use of technology and Rev. Dr. Patricia Singletary, who is one of the leading female clergywoman advocate to be first female to lead the black clergy association in the 90s, she is a known champion for the empowerment and respect for dignity to people of color in New York and across the US.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

A socio-political group, Ogun Progressive Agenda (OPA) has raised the alarm over what it described as “a sinister and grand plot to continue and sustain the campaign of calumny against the Governor of Ogun state, Prince Dapo Abiodun, by enemies of progress in Ogun state who are pained by the developmental stride of the Governor.”

In a statement issued in Abeokuta on Friday by the Patron of the group, Alhaji Rasheed Sanusi, it said it has uncovered “a plot by a notable politician, who lost out in the battle to install his stooge, got a bloody nose in the fight for the soul of the party and has refused to come to terms with the present realities.

“Now, the abrasive politician well known for rabble rousing, has recruited many hirelings and hangers-on who are hiding behind some faceless groups and organisations to concoct and spin lies against the hard-working Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun state.

“While we want to use this opportunity to alert members of the public and the good people of Ogun state about this grand plot, we equally want to urge them to take the lies, fake stories and propaganda with a pinch of salt.

“In the same vein, we wish to warn the heady one behind this plot that as good citizens of the state, we will not fold our hands and watch the political shenanigans, machinations and distractions aimed at distracting a very focused Governor who ratings continue to swell by the day”.

“In the meantime, our advice to Mr. Governor and leader of our party in the state is that he should not be distracted. He should remain focused on his agenda for the growth and development of our dear state. His landmark and laudable works speak for him in various sectors of our beloved state. And that is why we are resolute in our support for continuity of the good works since the reward for a job well done is more work.”

“Based on intelligence reports, we have alerted the public recently on the evil plans of these renegade politicians who continue to see the achievements of the current Administration as pointers to the extinction of their relevance. Worse still, for them, their discerning principal followers are leaving their ruptured camp in droves having realised they have been fooled and lied to for so long.”

The group admonished politicians to appreciate the fact that to everything and everyone under the sun, there are times and seasons, and that politicians should not be desperate, but should rather accept that power belongs to God and he gives it to whoever He wants.

“As the good book says ‘the race is not to the swift or the battle to the strong…but time and chance happen to them all’,” the group concluded.

By Oyinade Ojoye

As a follow-up to the promise made by Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State to pay at least 500 million Naira quarterly out of the outstanding gratuities owed by the previous administration since 2011, he has again redeemed the pledge by making the Q1 2022 payment of N500m, thereby making a total of N2.5bn paid since March 2021.

Governor Abiodun in fulfillment of his promise to cater for the senior citizens who served the State diligently said it is important to see to their welfare and wellbeing.

The Permanent Secretary, Bureau of State Pensions, Mr. Olukunle Sodeinde made this known in his office at Oke- Mosan, Abeokuta, stating that the present Administration would continue to honour and respect senior citizens.

He appreciated the Governor for keeping to his promise that N500m would be released every quarter of the year, urging pensioners that had yet to get theirs to be patient with the present Administration.

Speaking, some of the pensioners praised the Governor for paying their pensions and giving them support, while appealing to him to increase their gratuity as the economy improves.

By William Adeyemi

Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has told presidential aspirant and incumbent Minister of Transportation, Honourable Rotimi Amaechi that the ambition of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu remained the “rallying point” of Lagos.

Sanwo-Olu bluntly direct, outspoken but good nurtured manner told the Minister who had paid him a visit at the marina House, Lagos yesterday in continuation of his presidential consultation

The Minister, Amaechi and the former Governor of Lagos, Tinubu, are vying for the presidential seat of the Nigerian nation on the platform of the ruling All progressives Congress (APC).

Sanwo-Olu, who wished the minister well in his presidential ambition, noted that he was eminently qualified for the top job, but he as a beneficiary of Tinubu’s leadership, the state would support him to become Nigeria’s next president.

“I have sheer regard and respect for our leader, Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu. I have been a direct beneficiary of his leadership. I have been part of his cabinet.

“Personally, I continue to tow that line of leadership and what he stands for. I want to say to you that you’re eminently qualified and I want to wish you well in this journey. Clearly, for all of us in Lagos state, Asiwaju continues to be our rallying point, but the country is our country and we must continue to see it as the one that is indivisible and the one that we all rally round. I certainly know too well what your pedigree is and what you have done,” he said.

Speaking, Amaechi said it took a lot of courage to visit Lagos because he recognised Tinubu’s influence in the state.

“It is a difficult thing to even come here because we already know that our leader comes from Lagos State. And you come from that family of our leader.

“We know that our leader is eminently qualified to rule this country. He has led Lagos State,” he said.

By Bisade Ojoye

Ex-power Minister in Nigeria, Barth Nnaji has said that Nigerians might not be able to enjoy regular power supply until the country was able to meet the desire requirement in power generation.

The former Minister said this while addressing journalists on Friday in Enugu.

According to him, “Nigeria needs over 100,000 megawatts of power to address the persistent power crisis in Nigeria and put an end to Perennial Blackout”, Nnaji explained.

He attributed the problem in the sector to the supply value chain, stressing that the country had challenges in generation, transmission and distribution of power.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Political leaders and business men from Ogun West Senatorial District of Ogun State, have donated the sum of N50m to the State governor, Dapo Abiodun to assist in his campaign expenses for the second term in office.

The governor had on Thursday declared his intention to run for a second term while hosting the DA Mandate Group from Remoland, which presented him a cheque of N50m to purchase his nomination form.

But presenting the cheque on behalf of the Ogun West group to Abiodun, on Friday, at his Oke Mosan Governor’s Office, Otunba Akeem Adigun said the gesture was born out of love the people of the district had for the governor, particularly the brilliant way he has been executing projects across the state.

“We had planned to buy you the nomination form as part of our contribution to your re-election process, but our brothers from Remo beat us to it. Nevertheless, we are presenting this N50m cheque to help you take care of your campaign expenses”, Adigun stated.

Also Speaking, a former deputy governor in the state, Alhaja Salimot Badru, lauded the governor for treating all sections of the state equally in the area of project execution, adding that the district was also happy that the governor has again chosen his deputy who is one of them as his running mate.

On his part, a leader from Ogun West, Alhaji Muftau Ajibola said the gesture was to show appreciation to the governor for executing life-changing projects in the district, urging the governor to continue to treat all parts of the state equally and declared that Ogun West would always support him.

Responding, Governor Abiodun who recounted the huddles his team had to go through in the course of his campaign to get the people of the district buy into his vision, thanked the elders for believing and trusting in him despite all odds.

“I am very grateful for the rock solid support you have given me during and after the election. This has allowed me to remain focussed and committed in running the affairs of this state. Your patience and trust over the past three years is overwhelming.

“Initially, there was suspicion where other senatorial districts thought I was only going to develop some sections of the state to the detriment of others, but, I thank God, all parts are well taken care of and represented in all that we do.

Even in the civil service, we ensure that all parts are represented in the top hierarchy. I will continue to be fair, just and equitable to all”, Abiodun reiterated.

The governor recalled that the first road project and renovation of health facilities started in the district, saying major road construction was ongoing in different parts of Ogun West

“As we speak, the asphalting of the Atan-Agbara road has commenced. This road is so important to us, to the big industries and companies that operate in that axis. If we fail to construct that road, many big businesses will leave and that will not be good for us. By the grace of God, it will be commissioned around September this year”, the governor said.

Other roads receiving attention according to Governor Abiodun included Owode-ILaro, Ota- Idi- Iroko, as well as Sagamu- Papalanto-Ilaro roads.

While pledging that his government would continue to give the senatorial district the desired attention, he informed the group that efforts were on to extend the rail line from Okokomaiko in Lagos State to Agbara, assuring the people that they would always be consulted before a project is executed in their area.

By Our Reporter

Late Pa Samson Oladipupo AJILEYE, a foremost carpenter and renowned community leader in Ile Ife, Osun State, Nigeria, will be laid to eternal rest on Friday, 29th April, 2022

The deceased, a devout Christian, was the Grand Patron of Ifelodun Society of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, Iremo, Ile Ife, and father of Venerable Shadrach Olaniyi AJILEYE, Vicar, St. James’ Anglican Church, Iperu Remo; and Archdeacon, Iperu Remo Archdeaconry.

Pa AJILEYE, who died in his sleep on Saturday, 5th February, 2022 at IIe Ife, Osun State, at the age of 89, is also the Chairman of Oke Igbo Progressive Society, Ile Ife.

According to the burial arrangements released by the family, a Christian Wake-keep holds on Thursday, 28th April, 2022, at the deceased’s residence, 48, Oke Agbe Street, Oke Igbo, by 5pm, while the funeral service holds on Friday, 29th April, 2022, at St. Luke’s Anglican Church, Oke Igbo, by 11am.
Reception of guests holds at the church premises, shortly after the Interment.

The late Pa Oladipupo AJILEYE, patriarch of the AJILEYE family of Oke Igbo, is survived by twelve children, among whom are Ven. Shadrach Olaniyi AJILEYE, and Olagbaju AJILEYE.
Also surviving the deceased are Olusola AJILEYE; Olalekan AJILEYE; Bosede AJILEYE; and Oladunni AJILEYE.

May his soul rest in the Lord’s bosom, while praying that God grant the children; the AJILEYE family; and all those left behind to mourn the glorious transition of baba, the fortitude to bear his departure.

By Sunday James

National Leader of the All Progressives Congress and presidential hopeful, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu has donated 1800 bags of rice to residents of Kano State.

The rice which was distributed on Sunday is part of a Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Ramadan package for Islamic faithfuls in the state.