DAILY DIGEST

By Bisade Ojoye

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun, has tasked members of the Association of Feto-Maternal Medicine Specialists in Nigeria, on the need to come up with medical solutions capable of reducing maternal and infant mortality rate in the country.

Abiodun stated this while receiving members of the Association led by its president, Professor Saturday Etuk, on a courtesy call in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, on Wednesday.

He noted that as an important branch in the medical field that deals with issues relating to pregnant women and their unborn children, the Association should be given all the needed attention it deserves.

“I must say that the world and the society at large owes a lot to you because that is the beginning of life. But for the sacrifices and the commitment of people like you, we won’t be where we are anywhere in the world.

“The pressure statistics you reeled out to us are due to the efforts and dedication of people like yourselves who continue to come up with practices to ensure that we have more people that are surviving maternal care or more children that are not born as still birth”, the governor added.

He emphasized the importance of health sector to the enthronement of good governance, saying that the current administration since inception has made huge investment in the sector through the rehabilitation of over 236 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs), provision of modern medical equipment as well as employment and improved welfare package for health workers.

“When we came in, there were five ambulances for a population of between six to seven million people. That makes it one ambulance for one million people. But we thank God that now we have about 50 ambulances; we are even running an ambulance service to cover the whole state.

“Also, on my assumption of office, my first visit was to the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital, Sagamu being our flagship tertiary health centre. I wanted to see things for myself. I want to tell you that I was highly disappointed with what I met on ground. The infrastructure had collapsed totally and the hospital was understaffed.

“We are repositioning the hospital now with new medical equipment and we have also carried out recruitment of medical personnel. Very soon, the hospital will have a world class mother and child ward in the hospital”, the governor said.

While assuring that his administration would continue to prioritise the health sector, especially on issues relating to mother and child, Abiodun informed that some of the steps taken were in line with his administration’s policy towards the well-being and wellness of the people, as only healthy people can contribute to the development of the state.

The governor who thanked the association for the visit, assured that his administration would continue to put more efforts to ensure that the state known for its medical proficiency, reduce the diseases to the barest minimum, promising that the government was willing to assist the association in any area.

“We are glad that you are bringing your conference to Ogun state. We hope that your deliberations will promote excellent maternal and child healthcare, and standardize the practice of gynaecology in the country”, he submitted.

Earlier, the President of the Association, Prof. Etuk, said the aim of the association was to find ways of reducing infant and maternal mortality in the country, adding that they were in the state for a scientific conference to find ways of training their specialists on how to handle issues relating to unborn babies and their mothers.

He commended the governor’s vision on health, which he said tallies with that of the association and for the huge investment in the health sector has helped to reduce maternal mortality rate in the state.

By Our Correspondent

The Chairman of Ado-Odo/Ota Local Government, Hon Sherif Musa, aka ‘SAM 20’, on Wednesday, advocated enabling law aimed at checking indiscriminate dumping of refuse and other environmental law violation in the society.

He dropped the hints in Ota while leading both the executive and legislative arms of the council to an environmental training aimed at ending climate change.

“Let’s make enough law to make us behave. We already knew that in nature if there is no law people will do anything they like, not minding the adverse effects of their action on the society.

“There is need to moderate, regulate, put law enforcement mechanism on ground and even build prisons in the society because some people will still want to run foul of the law. They should be made to conform to the law.

“It is written in the holy books that you reap whatever you sow. If you do good you will get good, do bad, you will also get bad. It is high time we knew that dumping of refuse affects not only government but also people in the area.

“We should not allow erosion to send us packing from our homes. People who feel lackadaisical to abiding by environmental law should be taught a good lesson”, he said.

Other stakeholders prominent in the PROGRAMME, aimed at arresting climate change include, the leader and deputy leader of the 8th legislative arm, Hon Bukola Balogun, AFED Chairman/Board of Trustees, Bolaji Oyedeko, AFED Executive Director, Sola Afariogun, Christian, Islamic leaders, community, youth leaders, health officers, as well as men of the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

The programme organised by African Foundation for Environment and Development, AFED, and funded by CIVICUS also hosted world renowned environmentalists such as Director of Health, Godwin Olubunmi Omoroga and National President United Nation Environment Program Ecosystem, UNEP. EBAFOSA, James Oyesola, who is also Director in Tree Crops, as resource fellows.

Earlier in his welcome address, Afariogun said the programme on climate change was specifically organized to check increasing violation of existing environmental law in Ado-Ota/Ota.

He warned that the council is now on the world map, warning that people of the council are being watched all over the world.

“They call us from all over the world. So we should be careful on how we behave and what we do. Let’s legislate enabling law, remove the outdated ones and add the necessary ones to conform to the reality of the modern days.

“We are having training and Advocacy training. There is an existing law prohibiting dumping of refuse indiscriminately. Local Government is collaborating with us. We have people from Nigerian Bar Association, NBA who can help us modernize the law that will speak on the reality on ground.

“We will examine the law and see what to add or remove. The legislatives will take these to the chamber and deliberate on it. We too will have a small committee to deliberate on it”, he said.

Condemning poor road network, Oyedeko said lack of drainage is major factor contributing to bad roads, leading to flooding at homes.

A community leader, Alhaji Taofeek from Agbara, spoke on proper designing of buildings and their locations. According to him, many buildings that are located on the path of erosion is an invitation to their destruction because water would find its way.

The training continued after the opening ceremony.

By Bisade Ojoye

Remo Growth and Development Foundation (RemoGDF) has congratulated a member of its Board of Trustees, an Industrial giant who is the Chairman of Coleman of Coleman Group, Asiwaju (Dr.) Solomon Kayode Onafowokan, Asiwaju of Remoland and his Scion, George Onafowokan, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Coleman Group, manufacturers of Coleman Wires and Cables on the occasion of the landmark achievement of commissioning the first ever fiber optic cable factory in Nigeria.

According to a press release by its Head of Media and Publicity, Omo’ba Abiola Ogundeko, the Foundation acknowledges that Asiwaju Onafowokan, as the number one Industrialist in Remoland, had always been the touchstone of Remo socio-economic development and as additional feather to his cap, he is pioneering one of the biggest Remo owned Industrial conglomerates, in Remoland and indeed the Nigerian nation.

The congratulatory message read in part:
“We felicitate with the whole of Remoland, led by His Royal Majesty, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, FCA, LLM, FBIR, DSC, the Remo Traditional Council, the Akarigbo Corporate Council and all Remo sons and daughters at home and abroad, on this globally acclaimed achievement.

By Bisade Ojoye

Remo Growth and Development Foundation (RemoGDF) has congratulated a member of its Board of Trustees, an Industrial giant who is the Chairman of Coleman of Coleman Group, Asiwaju (Dr.) Solomon Kayode Onafowokan, Asiwaju of Remoland and his Scion, George Onafowokan, Managing Director and Chief Executive of Coleman Group, manufacturers of Coleman Wires and Cables on the occasion of the landmark achievement of commissioning the first ever fiber optic cable factory in Nigeria.

According to a press release by its Head of Media and Publicity, Omo’ba Abiola Ogundeko, the Foundation acknowledges that Asiwaju Onafowokan, as the number one Industrialist in Remoland, had always been the touchstone of Remo socio-economic development and as additional feather to his cap, he is pioneering one of the biggest Remo owned Industrial conglomerates, in Remoland and indeed the Nigerian nation.

The congratulatory message read in part:
“We felicitate with the whole of Remoland, led by His Royal Majesty, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler, Oba Babatunde Ajayi, FCA, LLM, FBIR, DSC, the Remo Traditional Council, the Akarigbo Corporate Council and all Remo sons and daughters at home and abroad, on this globally acclaimed achievement.

By Bisade Ojoye

Chairman of Ogun State Council of Obas who is also the Akarigbo and paramount ruler of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Ajayi will on July 15, 2022 Commission Remo Secondary School Old Students’ Association (RSSOSA) Secretariat.

The newly elected RESSOSA, led by Aare Adetola Olaonipekun EmmanuelKing who is also the CEO/GMD of Adron homes and properties we gathered has been instrumental to building and renovation of a number of laudable projects in the school as a way of giving back to their alma mater.

According to a statement signed by the Public Relation Officer of Remo Secondary Secondary School Old Students’ Association, Sanyaolu Balogun the event is scheduled to hold at 12.00 at the school premises, Sagamu, Ogun State.

Remo Old Students’ Association which pride itself, “leader among equals” has been adjudged as one of the best Old Students’ Association in the Nigerian Nation as a result of its resourcefulness and forward looking drive.
“RSSOSA is a pacesetter. We lead while others follow”, Sanyaolu Balogun stressed.

He added that the association, under the visionary leadership of Aare Adetola EmmanuelKing would continue to evolve innovative ideas into the administration of RSSOSA.

The leadership of the Remo Secondary School
Old Students’ Association, Sagamu has used the opportunity to call all old students community to attend, being the maiden edition of RSSOSA
Leadership Workshop.

The Public Relation Officer of the association said that physical attendance would strictly be by invitation, urging interested old students who would not be able to attend physically and members of the public to also join virtually via the link provided in flier

The newly renovated Secretariat has been named in honour of the paramount Ruler of Remoland, His Royal Majesty, Oba Babatunde Ajayi who had his secondary education at the school.

By Bisade Ojoye

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun has said it was imperative for every son and daughter of Ijebuland to take the opportunity of the festival to plan for the continued development of Ijebu-Ode, Ijebuland and the state, said that his administration would continue to put in place measures that would help to develop the tourism sector.

Abiodun, made this known while speaking at the 2022 Ojude Oba Festival, held in Ijebu Ode on Monday,

The governor restated that his administration would not develop any part of the state at the expense of the other, disclosing that his administration had been able to deliver over one thousand five hundred affordable housing units across the state, reconstructed over a thousand classrooms, renovated over a hundred primary healthcare centers out of the two hundred and thirty Six targeted.

Abiodun while noting that the theme of the festival, ‘The return of Ojude Oba’ is very apt considering that the festival was not celebrated in the last two years as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, said that the celebration of the 2022 festival was an opportunity to gather, pay homage to the monarch and plan ahead for the new year.

The Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has reiterated his administration’s commitment to reviving the Olokola deep seaport project which he noted is in line with the transport master plan of the incumbent state government.

He gave the assurance that the project located in the Ogun Waterside Local Government Area would be completed and inaugurated by his administration.

“Let me formally announce the revival of the Olokola Deep Seaport in Ogun Waterside area of our state, this is in line with our transport master plan. And the promise I made to our people and our father, the Awujale, is that the port will be built in his lifetime and we will commission that deep sea port,” he said.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the year 2022 Ojude Oba Festival and Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, while noting that the festival has grown to become one of the most important cultural events not only in the state, but in the country, said that the festival has continued to be the unifying symbol which cuts across faith and tribes.

Sanwo-Olu commended his Ogun State counterpart for the great work done on the Ijebu-Ode-Epe expressway.

He also called for the unity of the Yoruba race as well as the support for the presidential bid of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu come 2023.

“Let me make this rallying call on all sons and daughters of the Yoruba race to pronounce that in the unifying spirit of the Ojude Oba festival, it is my hope and belief that the entire Yoruba race will rise up and unite as one to ensure that the candidacy of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, a proud Lagosian and Yoruba man is supported,” he said.

In his welcome address, the chairman, Planning Committee of the festival, Wahab Osinusi, thanked God for the return of the festival after a two year break.

He urged the people of Ijebuland to be mindful of the security challenges confronting the nation, remain calm, peaceful and law abiding throughout the duration of the festival.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

The presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has announced Senator Kashim Shettima as his running mate in the 2023 general elections.

He made the announcement on Sunday in Daura, Katsina State, the hometown of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The APC flagbearer disclosed this to reporters at the end of about an hour close-door meeting with Buhari at the President’s residence.

Tinubu said Senator Shettima was selected because the former Borno State governor was “competent, capable, reliable and able to be picked as a running mate”.

Tinubu full speech read:

1. Fellow Nigerians, we enter a moment of renewed hope. We hold the chance to move the nation and our collective cause forward as never before. Let us seize this moment so that history may write kindly of us.
2. It is time to focus with utmost devotion and love of country to do all we can do to advance the ideals of democratic and progressive good governance in the land.
3. We must end poverty and bring greater prosperity and more lasting peace. Let us be wise of thought yet courageous in action, as we embark on a collective enterprise that brings jobs, education, food, medicine, hope and belief in a better life to those who need them.
4. I stand ready to begin this journey with you, hopefully, to lead the nation on this needed path as your next President by the grace of God. I believe this is a pivotal moment at which the dynamics of history and destiny call us forth to reshape our beloved nation. This is our moment.
5. We all must answer the nation’s call. For some, this requires of us that we step forward, assuming new roles and responsibilities. For others, it may mean something else. For all of us, it requires that we dedicate ourselves to the collective national task as never before.
6. To re-envision and reshape the nation, I must compose the best team possible, a team put together with but one overriding purpose: to forever establish just, capable, and compassionate governance for the people of Nigeria without regard to religion, region, or ethnic origin.
7. In the weeks since becoming the presidential candidate and standard-bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC), I have been touched as Nigerians from all walks of life have demonstrated their faith in my capacity to lead this country. I thank you for the outpourings of support for they reveal to me the hope you hold for this nation’s greatness. As long as we walk together and work together, we shall arrive at our national greatness together. To this glad and great endeavour, I fully devote myself and my future labour.
8. In full compliance with existing law and regulation, I submitted all necessary documents regarding my nomination as the APC presidential candidate to INEC. But, as was expected, the choice of my vice presidential running mate remained an open and burning question.
9. This gave rise to much speculation and debate.
10. Recent events [the voluntary withdrawal of my dear friend and brother Ibrahim Masari] mean that I am called upon, today, to put an end to the speculation.
11. I have never been an indecisive man and have no present intention to become one.
12. What I am, however, is a democrat. And a democrat must listen to, and consult with, the people and his advisors so that he may reform and govern wisely and on their behalf. This I have done. My political career was not built on blind indifference to the views of others. I appreciate the perspectives of leading members of the party, political allies and key national figures who see Nigeria’s future as I do. They gave me their views so that I might add their valuable insights to mine to reach the best decision possible and do so in a manner that strengthens the institutional fabric of our party as well as accelerating the evolution of our political democracy.
13. I am also a founding member of the APC. I hold our party’s core principles close to heart such that I shall do nothing to betray the spirit in which the party was created.
14. Having now listened to the sage, careful advice of a broad section of the party and of the nation, there are a few points I feel I must make about the exceptional and extraordinary person with whom I will share the APC ticket and the principles of open and good governance that informed this choice.
15. A dominant theme of my political history and my personal life is my staunch belief in our diversity. Greatness lies in embracing our diversity and making it work to enhance the dynamism and justice of our political system. My selection of a running mate comports entirely with this longstanding inclination.
16. The concurrence of my party in this matter has been a source of comfort and encouragement. We are truly building a progressive party that not only represents a departure from other political parties but one that truly may well be the best hope for democratic good governance in Nigeria.
17. I realize the momentous times we have entered. I know what lies in the balance. I also know that our political choices and activities send both intended and unintended signals to portions of the Nigerian electorate.
18. All my life, my decisions regarding the team around and supporting me have always been guided by the principles of competence, innovation, compassion, integrity, fairness, and adherence to excellence.
19. When I was Governor of Lagos State, these principles helped me assemble one of the most capable governing cabinets any state or this nation has ever seen. I trust enough in these principles to allow them to, once more, guide me to construct another exemplary team that can do Nigeria proud.
20. Second, this chapter in our country’s history demands a bold yet pragmatic approach, a path already chartered by the progressive ethos of the APC. The foundation for sustainable progress has been laid these past seven years by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. The challenges of today are consequential because the lives and livelihoods of millions of Nigerians lie in the balance. Visionary and creative leadership will take us to our goal.
21. Our focus, therefore, must be on getting the job done; and that means getting the very best and competent people to do it. In this crucial moment, where so much is at stake, we must prioritize leadership, competence, and the ability to work as a team over other considerations.
22. I am mindful of the energetic discourse concerning the possible religion of my running mate. Just and noble people have talked to me about this. Some have counselled that I should select a Christian to please the Christian community. Other have said I should pick a Muslim to appeal to the Muslim community. Clearly, I cannot do both.
23. Both sides of the debate have impressive reason and passionate arguments supporting their position. Both arguments are right in their own way. But neither is right in the way that Nigeria needs at the moment. As president, I hope to govern this nation toward uncommon progress. This will require innovation. It will require steps never before taken. It will also require decisions that are politically difficult and rare.
24. If I am to be that type of President, I must begin by being that type of candidate. Let me make the bold and innovative decision not to win political points but to move the nation and our party’s campaign closer to the greatness that we were meant to achieve.
25. Here is where politics ends, and true leadership must begin.
26. Today, I announce my selection with pride because I have made it not based on religion or to please one community or the other. I made this choice because I believe this is the man who can help me bring the best governance to all Nigerians, period, regardless of their religious affiliation or considerations of ethnicity or region.
27. May I say this to all of you, especially to those who will be disappointed in my selection based on religious considerations. I will not and cannot ignore the religious concerns and ethnic sensitivities of our people. Taking them into due consideration is an important part of good and able governance. But religion, ethnicity and region cannot always and fully determine our path. To forge ahead as a nation toward development and prosperity, we must break free of old binds. We must recalibrate our political calculations to where competence and fairness matter more than reductive demographics.
28. This is why, today, I announce the selection of SENATOR KASHIM SHETTIMA as my partner and running mate in the mission to advance and reclaim the fortunes of this great country and the hopes of its people.
29. Senator Kasim Shettima’s career in politics and beyond shows that he is eminently qualified not only to deliver that all important electoral victory, but, also, step into the shoes of the Vice President. As a man with the talent, maturity, strength of character, and patriotism he has my implicit confidence and faith.
30. I am aware that many will continue focus on a particular detail, the question of his faith.
31. However, if we truly understand the challenges upon us a nation, then we must also see the imperative of placing competence in governance above religious sentiment.
32. In 1993, Nigerians embrace Chief MKO Abiola and a fellow Muslim running mate, Baba Gana Kingibe in one of our fairest elections ever held.
33. The spirit of 1993 is upon us again in 2023.
34. As such, the ticket we present today represents a milestone in our political history. It symbolizes our party’s determination to be a leading light among political parties in Africa.
35. The democratic process and the decorum that characterised our presidential primaries and the selection of our vice presidential candidate exemplifies why we are the party of the people and of the betterment of their future. With this selection the All Progressives Congress surely shall continue to be the party that shows the way and carries this nation towards its best future. I implore you all to join with me on this journey to a brighter future.

Signed.
Asiwaju Bola A. Tinubu,
APC Presidential candidate

By Walter Adeyemi

The General Overseer of Omega Power Ministry, Port Harcourt, Pastor Chibuzor Chinyere, has offered to sponsor the marriage of distressed actor, Kenneth Jideofor, aka Kenneth Aguba, to any interested lady, but on certain conditions.

Pastor Chinyere had on Tuesday gifted the actor, a home in Port Harcourt, after the story of his homelessness went viral on Monday.

The Omega Power Ministry General Overseer gave any lady interested in marrying the actor the following conditions:

1. “You must live with him for ten years after wedding without separation or divorce. Meaning; both of you must live together for 10 years. After 10 years, you are free to either remain in marriage or divorce.
2. “You shall operate a joint account for the business Omega Power Ministry is opening for both of you. Meaning, for any bank withdrawals, both of you must go to the bank together.
3. “You must never deny him access to perform his conjugal rights after wedding.
4. “A team from the church would be visiting your home once in a month to ensure that everything is going on well and peaceful.”

By Adekunle Kolebaje

As the Big Brother Naija, (BBN)a popular reality television programme hosted on DSTV and GOTV channels is about to start its 7th season, Nigeria Tobacco Control Alliance (NTCA), has warned that the promoters of the should not repeat the violation of the National Tobacco Control (NTC) Act of 2015.

Briefing journalists in Abuja, on the ban on Tobacco Advertising Promotion and Sponsorship (TAPN), the Program Officer, NTCA, Chibuike Nwokorie said that the on-screen smoking in the Big Brother Naija reality show threatened the gains made on the ban on TAPN in Nigeria.

There was public outrage when participants at the 2021 reality show in openly smoked on the live show, a development that was said to be an affront to the provisions of NTC Act on on-screen smoking.

“When it happened, the tobacco control community called on the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), to act immediately”, he stated.

“This year, as the program is about to begin its 7th season, we are drawing the attention of the NBC to pro actively engage the organizers of the show to ensure that there is no repeat of last year’s violations.

“We wish to make it clear that should there be a reluctance on the part of the regulators or the organizers to ensure a smoke-free program, we will explore every available option in the interest of the public health.” He opined that entertainment products set the agenda for many young people.

“We call on the NBC to exercise its mandate to ensure that BBN does not flout any provision of the NTC Act and should any of the provisions be flouted, the commission must enforce to full effect such penalties as listed in the law,” Nwokorie said.

By Adetunji Oredipe PhD

As the news filter to me in my remote location in Monrovia that Senator Kashim Shettima has been announced as the Vice-Presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), my immediate reaction is that APC might have given Nigeria and Nigerians a unique opportunity to taste governance at a different level.

To start with, permit me to introduce my focal character in the person of Senator Kashim Shettima. He is a true Nigerian, with friends all over the country. His networking acumen is second to none. Setting the record straight. I am from Ijebu-Ode in Ogun state, while as you all know the Senator is from Nimeri Korongoso, Lamisula, Shehuri North, Maiduguri, Borno State. Our path crossed as classmates at the master’s class at the University of Ibadan many years ago. Since then, Senator Kashim has continued to nurture and cherish that relationship. By the grace of God, I have a good job and cannot be classified as hanger-on by any classification, but I owe it a duty to myself and my conscience to come out to identify with a committed and loyal friend of all seasons at this moment in the history of our dear Nation.

True to the topic of my discussion, I will dwell more on Senator Kashim’s attribute as a Bridge Builder per excellence. But before doing that, let me see him from the lens of a brilliant politician and seasoned administrator. He is no doubt well-groomed to assume the position of the Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. He is highly qualified and his contribution to nation building has been referenced in so many fora and would not be my focus in this piece, which is solely aimed at showcasing his rare attributes as a true Nigerian and Bridge Builder. Bridge builders are considerate people who do their very best to support others.

At this moment of decision making and when the country is battling with several issues, especially the ominous ethnic and tribal sentiments in decision making, we must factor these twin attributes in selection of the new breed of leaders that will take us to the next dispensation. Many commentators in the affairs of the Nation have argued that tribalism is one of the most disruptive influences confronting the country. Tribalism, they argue, is the basis for hatred between peoples in the country today. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence suggesting that the failed efforts to eliminate tribal identities may have contributed significantly to Nigeria’s catastrophic problems. If Nigeria is to take her rightful place in the scheme of development, tribalism must be destroyed. The last time I checked on the attributes of a bridge builder, which is a very important attribute deserving of a leader in Nigeria at this crucial time, I found Senator Kashim Shettima scoring very high in all areas.

Senator Shettima as a Bridge builder like to help to connect people. He has a way of recognizing what someone else needs and his minds start searching for ways to help them move ahead. He is a leader who knows precisely what the next step is for his followers. He is very painstaking in decision making and never pushy; he just wants you to achieve greatness. He will do it for free. His search and selection of his successor in Governor Babagana Umara Zulum is a case in point. Ultimately Senator Shettima is a fine leader.
Senator Shettima understand the power of a kind word. He is first at making a timely phone call or a note of praise. He once called me and repeated five times “Oredipe you are a good man”. It was indeed a morale booster for me coming from a second term sitting Governor. I, therefore, congratulate my dear friend as a bridge builder. Nigeria needs him because of the difference he can make in the lives of average Nigerian.

We all need that one person who understands and distracts you from your anxieties. A friend you can call anytime, who you know will be available to you and can talk you through your stresses. We all need a sounding board, somebody who will give sane advice and provide you with strength when needed. This is the real definition of our in-coming Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Kashim Shettima.

I would like to join other well-meaning friends and his many admirers all over Nigeria to congratulate him for crossing the first hurdle and to wish him success as he moves to the election proper. He should be ready to harvest the goodwill he has amassed over the many years of sustained relationship with Nigerians across ethnic and religious boundaries in the period leading to the election proper. I am already feeling proud of my good friend, and I know that he will make us proud with his track records. He has always dreamed of working for the people, and he has demonstrated it in his home state. Very soon, he will have the opportunity to do it for the entire country. Congratulations, Senator Kashim Shettima on your amazing success.

By Olufemilade Oyinade

As we mark and celebrate Eid-el-Kabir, may we keep in remembrance the true meaning of this holiday. More importantly, let us always strive to conduct our daily lives in accordance with the clear and beneficial message of this occasion. May I use this moment of gratitude to extend my sincere greetings to Muslims in Nigeria and around the world as well as to people of other creeds and faiths.

For His munificent blessings and abiding love for humankind and for assuring us that good shall always triumph over its opposite, we give utmost thanks and express profound gratitude to Almighty Allah SWT. Eid reminds us to place our faith in the compassion and wisdom of Allah and to be obedient to His instructions as demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim. By his action, Prophet Ibrahim demonstrated true Islam and submission to Allah. Prophet Ibrahim understood that the ways and commands of Almighty Allah SWT are supremely more life giving and enlightening than the ways of man.

Thus, as we celebrate Eid, let us use this moment to rededicate ourselves to greater adherence to the spiritually-enriching commands of Almighty Allah SWT. We must show the true spirit of Islam in our lives and not just on these special holidays. The holidays are given to us not merely as special moments to celebrate, but as kind reminders to strive as we must to become the people and nation we are meant to be.

We face stiff challenges as a nation. Most troubling is the spate of violent attacks on innocent Nigerians. We must take a stand against terror and injustice. These evils lie forever outside our faith. Those who perpetuate such inhumanity do so in opposition to Islam and all that it means.

To be true Muslims is to adhere to the principles of peace, tolerance, justice, and charity. Our faith asks us to stand against those perpetrating evil and visiting untold misery on others. And we must remain forever obedient to the society

By Olufemilade Oyinade

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun has felicitated Muslim faithful in the state over the celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival, with the call to celebrate with moderation.

Abiodun in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Somorin, on Friday, noted that as Muslims all over the world celebrate the festival, it is time to merry and share with the loved ones, urging Muslims in the state to ensure they also share goodies with the less privileged.

He further urged them to be guided by the faith, perseverance and obedience demonstrated by Prophet Ibrahim when he was reminded by God to fulfill his promise of sacrificing his son, if he was blessed with a child.

Abiodun, who said the country is presently going through challenges, called on the adherents of Islamic religion, to use the festival and offer prayer for Nigeria, particularly on security and economy.

“I felicitate Muslims in our dear state for joining Muslim Umah all over the world to celebrate Eid-el-Kabir. As we are aware, this is one festival that symbolizes Allah’s blessings and love for mankind, I urge our Muslims brothers in observing this important act of worship.

“As we know that the country is being confronted with challenges, particularly, security, I want to enjoin our Muslim brothers to celebrate with moderation. And as Islam preaches, they should also remember the poor and share the merry with them.

“Similarly, the festival must be used to invoke Allah’s mercy on our country, state and homes, especially at this period our nation is faced with banditry, terrorism, kidnapping and insurgency”. Abiodun was quoted to have stated in the statement.

He, however, reiterated his administration’s commitment to providing good governance and conducive ambience for businesses and investment to thrive in the state, with the aim of making life more meaningful to the people.