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Paradox of Progress and Patriotism – The Unpatriotic Response to Nigeria’s Advancements.

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Paradox of Progress and Patriotism – The Unpatriotic Response to Nigeria’s Advancements.

🇳🇬 Paradox of Progress and Patriotism – The Unpatriotic Response to Nigeria’s Advancements.

 

Recently, Nigeria has experienced significant advancements across various sectors under President Tinubu’s leadership, eliciting mixed reactions among the populace. Many Nigerian citizens applaud the improvements in security, economy, health, education and more, while a segment, predominantly from opposition parties, displays discontent and even hostility towards these positive changes.

 

This discord stems from entrenched political rivalries and divergent ideologies. Notably, during the distressing abductions of schoolchildren in regions like Kaduna, Sokoto and environs, some opposition supporters used these events as a platform to criticise the government, exhibiting joy over the incidents rather than showing solidarity or concern. This reaction highlights a troubling level of political polarisation, where progress is often viewed through the narrow lens of partisan agendas instead of as a collective national achievement.

 

Similarly, the economic strides made by the Tinubu administration, such as the stabilisation of the Naira by Tinubu’s ACE team comprising of Adedeji, Cardoso and Edun, improvement of international financial ratings, and innovative initiatives like the student loan scheme and the local refining of crude oil by Dangote refinery, have met with a lukewarm reception from some quarters. Initially, there was noticeable schadenfreude when the Naira faltered against major currencies, indicating that a portion of the populace seemed to prefer governmental failures as a validation of their political beliefs. This trend, though not unique to Nigeria, suggests a broader issue where political loyalty may overshadow an unbiased evaluation of governmental success.

 

The root of this antagonism often lies in the refusal of certain groups to accept electoral outcomes and a general frustration of their inability to draw support to their political base. Constructive criticism is essential for a thriving democracy, promoting accountability and continuous governmental improvement. However, when opposition results in wishing harm or failure upon one’s own country to score political points, it becomes detrimental rather than constructive. Looking ahead, encouraging an environment that encourages constructive criticism, independent of political affiliations and focused on national progress, could help mend these divisions and lead to a more unified approach to overcoming national challenges.

 

At its core, patriotism is driven by deep love and commitment to one’s nation, ideally rising above the divisive nature of political rivalries and personal biases. True patriotism means cultivating a collective identity and transcending ethnic, religious, or political divisions. It involves not only celebrating the nation’s achievements but also engaging in constructive dialogue to address its challenges. True patriotism calls for criticism and opposition that seek genuine national improvement rather than undermining the country’s successes for political gain.

 

It is profoundly disheartening and counterproductive when individuals and cyber bullies, driven by political bitterness following electoral losses, choose to denigrate their own country and wish ill upon it. Such behaviour not only undermines the spirit of democracy but also stalls collective progress. The essence of a truly democratic society is grounded in constructive opposition that aims to uplift rather than destabilise. Those who indulge in wishing failure upon their nation out of spite or disappointment betray the very principles of patriotism and civic responsibility.

 

As we continue to navigate the path towards growth and stability, it is crucial that all citizens, regardless of political affiliation, rally behind the collective good and champion their country’s successes as a unified front. In doing so, we honour the democratic process and contribute to our nation’s enduring strength and prosperity.

Naira Abuse: Understanding the Law and Avoiding Penalties

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Naira Abuse: Understanding the Law and Avoiding Penalties

Like the national flag, anthem and even the international passport, Nigeria’s Naira is more than just money – it’s a symbol of our nation’s pride.

 

However, many disrespect the Naira for inexplicable reasons by spraying it at events, writing on it, or tearing it outrightly.

 

These actions not only damage the bills but also violate the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Act.

 

Getting caught with defaced Naira can lead to serious trouble, including jail time!

 

Justice Abimbola Awogboro’s recent sentencing of Idris Olarewaju, aka Bobrisky for naira abuse serves as a warning. The law applies to everyone, regardless of social status or knowledge of what the law stipulates.

 

Imagine getting locked up for spraying money at a party. Believe it or not, that’s exactly what happened to Bobrisky.

 

However information on the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN website shows there are a handful of other offences that can constitute mishandling the Naira and are punishable crimes.

 

Not just spraying

 

Spraying Naira notes at events is illegal, though It might seem flashy, it can get one in trouble.

 

Also, writing or drawing on Naira notes is not only disrespectful but it is also against the law.

 

Another act that is considered illegal is the stapling of banknotes which damages them, instead, it is advisable to use paperclips or envelopes.

 

Tearing banknotes is another big no-no. the same way selling Naira notes is illegal. As a legal tender, one is expected to use the Naira to pay for goods and services, not to make a profit.

 

Basically, anything that damages or disrespects the Naira is an offense.

 

Enforcing the law

 

While Justice Abimbola Awogboro said the sentencing of Bobrisky, a controversial crossdresser, would be a deterrent to others who are found abusing and mutilating the naira, many have raised eyebrows on the perceived selective implementation of the law.

 

For instance, in 2020, PUNCH reported that the naira notes were mutilated at the wedding of Hanan Buhari, the daughter of former President Muhammadu Buhari.

 

Similarly, in 2020, Sahara Reporters revealed that wads of naira notes were abused at the wedding ceremony of Abdul Aziz Malami, the son of Nigeria’s Former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN).

 

Two years after, Guardian Nigerian News reported that Oluwadarasimi Omoseyin, an actress, was arrested by the EFCC for spraying and matching naira notes at an event. While those who abused the naira notes at Buhari and Malami‘s children’s weddings walked scot-free on account of their power and influence, Omoseyin was sentenced by a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos State.

 

Several other videos have popped up online showing highly-placed Nigerians brazenly abusing the Naira; a development that has seen some criticize the ‘selective’ judgement on Bobrisky

 

Bottom line

 

Mishandling the Naira has consequences beyond just the law. It costs the country money to replace damaged bills, slows down transactions, and weakens national pride. Dirty money can even be a health hazard!

 

It is expedient we all treat the Naira with care, keep it clean, don’t damage it, and use it responsibly.

 

As several financial analysts have posited, this is the right thing to do and will keep one out of trouble!

 

Credit: Green Press Nigeria

Ten Years Since Chibok—President Tinubu writes for Newsweek, says Nigeria will no longer pay ransom

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Ten Years Since Chibok—President Tinubu writes for Newsweek, says Nigeria will no longer pay ransom

Ten years ago today, 276 girls were abducted in the night from their school in Chibok, northeastern Nigeria. The attack by Boko Haram pricked the conscience of the world. From London to Washington, protesters held placards reading #BringBackOurGirls—the hashtag the girls’ families had posted to pressure their idle government into action. It would take almost three weeks for then-Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan even to make a public announcement. Critical time had been lost.

When this March, 137 children were tragically taken from a school in Kaduna, northwestern Nigeria, the shadow of Chibok lay ever present. Why, Nigerians and the world asked, after the passage of a decade was such an atrocity still happening?

This time, unlike Chibok, the girls and boys were brought back a fortnight later, the security and intelligence agencies deployed immediately to rescue them. Nevertheless, legitimate concerns over kidnappings persist in Africa’s most populous country.

Success in Kaduna has brought families relief and praise for the military, yet the government bears no illusions: The scourge of kidnappings must be routed once and for http://all.It begins with recognizing the changing nature of the threat. Boko Haram translates to “Western Education is Forbidden” and reflects an ideological impetus as jihadi insurgents opposed to the very idea of a Nigerian state.

Today, Boko Haram are splintered, and mass abductions are primarily the work of criminal gangs. There is no ideology here: kidnapping has become an illegal industry rewarded with ransoms. Within days of the Kaduna attack, the abductors were demanding 1 billion naira ($600,000).Nothing was paid. As president, I have been clear that ransoms stop. Resolution through payment only perpetuates the wider problem. This extortion racket must be squeezed out of existence.

Meanwhile, the costs for perpetrators must be raised: They will receive not a dime, and instead security services’ counter action.But compressing the kidnap for ransom market only addresses the pull factors. If we are to avoid funneling the same people into other crimes that cause normal Nigerians to feel insecure, we must address the push factors: poverty, inequality, and a paucity of opportunity. Criminal gangs can find easy recruits among those without either a job, or the prospect of one.

Some 63 percent of Nigerians are multidimensionally poor. They are bearing the economic consequences of a failure by successive governments to get to grip with the Nigerian economy. Fiscal and monetary albatrosses have grounded the country’s flight, when surging demographics demand high economic growth to just maintain current standards of living.A decades-old fuel subsidy was exhausting paltry public finances. By 2022, the cost had ballooned to $10 billion—more than the government’s combined spending on education, health care, and infrastructure in a budget of $40 billion.

Currency controls that artificially propped up the naira deterred investment and led to shortages of foreign exchange. For decades we have been financially ransoming ourselves. When my government took office last May, we faced a pile of debt obligations.

Just as with kidnappers, we had to be tough with the economy. Unsustainable market distortions had to be removed. As expected, floating the naira caused it to plunge. Given Nigeria is a net food importer, the average shopping basket has consequently risen in price. The removal of the fuel subsidy, in a country where many businesses and households rely on generators for power, has also had far reaching effects. These reforms have caused pain across Nigeria; they are still painful. Yet there is no better alternative: These and other difficult reforms are necessary to arrest the economic rot that lies at the heart of insecurity.

Green shoots are now visible. In the first quarter of this year, foreign currency inflows have almost matched those for the whole of last year. A multi-billion forex backlog at the central bank has been cleared, giving foreign investors’ confidence to invest in Africa’s largest economy, safe in the knowledge they can repatriate earnings. The naira has begun to stabilize after its initial downward trend and has made huge gains against the dollar. Talk of macroeconomics might seem remote from the challenge of insecurity. But without the fundamentals in place, it is impossible for an enabling environment where the private sector thrives, jobs are created, and opportunity is spread across the country. It is how we ensure children can go to school without fear.

For any who may have doubted our direction, it should now be clear. There will be no more ransoms paid—not to kidnappers, nor toward those policies which have trapped our people economically. Nigerians, and their economy, will be liberated.

Bola Tinubu is president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Published by Newsweek 15 April 2024

World Bank raises concern over widening gap between poorest, richest nations

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World Bank raises concern over widening gap between poorest, richest nations

The World Bank has said that, for the first time this century, half of the world’s 75 poorest nations are witnessing a widening income gap compared to the wealthiest economies, marking a significant historical reversal in development trends.

According to the report, per capita income growth in these countries has lagged the richest nations over the past five years.

 

“For the first time, we see there is no convergence. They’re getting poorer,” Ayhan Kose, Deputy Chief Economist for the World Bank and one of the report’s authors, told Reuters.

“We see a very serious structural regression, a reversal in the world … that’s why we are ringing the alarm bells here,” he said.

According to Reuters News, the report said the 75 countries eligible for grants and zero-interest loans from the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) risk a lost decade of development without ambitious policy shifts and significant international aid.

 

Kose said growth in many IDA countries had already begun to taper off before the COVID-19 pandemic, but it would be just 3.4% in 2020-2024, the weakest half-decade of growth since the early 1990s. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, climate change, increases in violence and conflict have also weighed heavily on their prospects.

 

Sub-Saharan Africa

More than half of all IDA countries are in Sub-Saharan Africa. Fourteen are in East Asia and eight are in Latin America and the Caribbean. Thirty-one have per capita incomes of less than $1,315 a year. They include: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Afghanistan and Haiti.

 

One in three IDA countries is poorer now than on the eve of the pandemic. IDA countries account for 92% of the world’s people who lack access to a sufficient quantity of affordable, nutritious food. Half of the countries are in debt distress, meaning they are unable to service debt or are at high risk of not being able to.

 

And despite their young populations – a demographic boon at a time when populations are aging nearly everywhere else – rich natural resources and abundant solar-energy potential, private and government creditors have been backing away from them.

 

U.S. Treasury Undersecretary Jay Shambaugh raised concerns about the worsening situation last week, warning China and other emerging official creditors against free-riding by curtailing loans to low-income countries.

 

Almost 40 countries saw external public debt outflows in 2022, and the flows likely worsened in 2023, he said.

 

Kose said ambitious policies are needed to accelerate investment, including domestic efforts to strengthen fiscal, monetary and financial policies, and structural reforms to improve education and increase domestic revenues.

 

Financial support

 

Significant financial support from the global community is also essential to make progress and lower the risk of protracted stagnation, Kose said, noting that the World Bank hopes to drum up a robust replenishment of IDA funds by December.

 

Stronger international coordination on climate change, debt restructurings and measures supporting cross-border trade would also be crucial, it said.

 

Indermit Gill, World Bank Chief Economist, noted that China, India and South Korea – now major economic powerhouses – had once been among the world’s poorest countries, but were able to tackle extreme poverty and raise living standards.

 

“The world cannot afford to turn its back on IDA countries,” he said.

Bobrisky treated as normal inmate – NCS officials

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Bobrisky treated as normal inmate – NCS officials

Controversial crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, who was handed a six-month prison sentence over naira abuse, currently shares the same cell with male inmates at the Ikoyi Custodial Centre.

Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos, while sentencing the convict, on Friday, April 12, 2024, said the judgment would be a deterrent to others who are found abusing and mutilating the naira.

 

Bobrisky who was taken into the Custodial Centre after the judgement was said to have been treated equally like other inmates.

 

A top official in the facility who spoke to our correspondent on the condition of anonymity, as he was not authorised to speak on the matter, said the crossdresser was examined at the point of admission.

 

According to the official, the outcome of the examination revealed that the convict had no realignment of gender or genital organs.

 

The source said that, “Bobrisky made a public declaration that he was a male and court proceedings are public records. Every inmate brought into a facility during admission is examined. He was equally examined and no realignment of gender or genital organ was discovered. The male biological features were the same.

 

“After that, a cell was allocated to him, and he had a certain number of inmates with him. A bed space was also allotted to him. It is just like a boarding house where your housemaster will issue you your personal belongings.”

 

The source added that the convicted crossdresser had been observing the rules and procedures obtained in the facility.

 

“When it is time for class, he attends. When it is time for food, he will go and get his portion. The same goes with prep and light out. He observes all these without preference. He has been going about his business just like other inmates since he was brought in here.”

 

While making a clarification on the claims that Bobrisky was being protected against abuse, the official noted that the facility frowned against any form of abuse by a fellow inmate.

 

“He is not getting any five-star treatment and is not being protected from anybody. He follows the same rules and regulations just like every other inmate. Single cells of isolation cells are to prevent outbreaks of communicable diseases. In a male prison, homosexuality is outlawed and it is a grievous offence. Sodomy or homosexuality, is frowned upon here in the custodial centre. So any inmate that tries to violate him will face the law.”

 

When contacted, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Command of the NCS, Rotimi Oladokun, declined to speak on the matter.

 

“I have no comment,” he said.

Nigerian bankers colluded with government officials to re-loot recovered Abacha loot: EFCC

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Nigerian bankers colluded with government officials to re-loot recovered Abacha loot: EFCC

Nigerian bankers colluded with government officials to re-loot recovered Abacha loot: EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has accused commercial banks of colluding with government officials to re-loot recovered loot of the late dictator, Sani Abacha.

 

In December 2017, the Federal Government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Switzerland on the return and monitoring of the $322 million Abacha loot.

 

The proceeds were intended for Conditional Cash Transfer under the Social Investment Programme which began in December 2016, under ex-president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

 

The looted funds were meant to provide N5,000 monthly stipends to the most vulnerable Nigerians across the country.

 

However, on Sunday, a spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, in a statement, said that the anti-graft agency opened investigations into other alleged financial malpractices from the ministry; involving the COVID-19 funds and the World Bank- assisted loan coordinated by the Humanitarian Ministry to assist poor Nigerians.

 

The EFCC said, “Discreet investigations by the EFCC have opened other fraudulent dealings involving COVID -19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the ministry by the Federal Government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate. Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.

 

“It is instructive to stress that the commission’s investigations are not about individuals. The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices. Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions. Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly. Additionally, the EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary.’’

 

The commission also revealed that N32.7 billion and $445,000 had been recovered from both past and suspended officials of the humanitarian ministry.

 

It added that the commission initiated investigations into the affairs of the humanitarian ministry inviting former minister, Sadiya Umar-Farouq, and her successor, Beta Edu, suspended by President Bola Tinubu in January for alleged abuse of office.

Fraud Investigation into Humanitarian Ministry, EFCC Recovers N32.7bn, $447,000

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Fraud Investigation into Humanitarian Ministry, EFCC Recovers N32.7bn, $447,000

Fraud Investigation into Humanitarian Ministry, EFCC Recovers N32.7bn, $447,000

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), weekend, said it had recovered N32 billion and $447,000 in the ongoing investigation of the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

 

EFCC was investigating suspended Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Betta Edu, following the alleged approval of N650 million payment into a private account.

 

President Bola Tinubu had ordered an investigation into the allegations and subsequently suspended Edu from office.

 

She was later invited for questioning by EFCC, detained and subsequently released on bail.

 

But she had also denied any wrongdoing.

 

The agency was also investigating Edu’s predecessor in office, Sadiya Umar-Farouk, over an alleged N37.1 billion fraud, as well as National Coordinator of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIPA), an agency under the humanitarian affairs ministry, Ms Halima Shehu, over alleged financial misappropriation.

 

Shehu was arrested and questioned by EFCC in connection with the movement of N44 billion from the NSIPA account to some suspicious private and corporate accounts within the last four days in December 2023.

 

A statement at the weekend by the anti-graft agency said investigation into the alleged fraud had “yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far”.

 

It said, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has noticed the rising tide of commentaries, opinions, assumptions and insinuations concerning its progressive investigations into the alleged financial misappropriation in the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Disaster Management and Social Development.

 

“At the outset of investigations, past and suspended officials of the humanitarian ministry were invited by the commission and investigations into the alleged fraud involving them have yielded the recovery of N32.7billion and $445,000 so far.”

 

EFCC stated that the discreet investigations by the agency opened other fraudulent dealings involving “Covid-19 funds, the World Bank loan, Abacha recovered loot released to the ministry by the federal government to execute its poverty alleviation mandate.

 

“Investigations have also linked several interdicted and suspended officials of the ministry to the alleged financial malfeasance.

 

“It is instructive to stress that the commission’s investigations are not about individuals. The EFCC is investigating a system and intricate web of fraudulent practices.”

 

The statement signed by the spokesman of the commission, Dele Oyewale, said, “Banks involved in the alleged fraud are being investigated. Managing directors of the indicted banks have made useful statements to investigators digging into the infractions.

 

“Those found wanting will be prosecuted accordingly. Additionally, the EFCC has not cleared anyone allegedly involved in the fraud. Investigations are ongoing and advancing steadily. The public is enjoined to ignore any claim to the contrary.”

 

On the issue of the works of the commission against naira abuse, dollarisation of the economy, and enforcement of extant laws relating to them, EFCC said it appreciated the avalanche of public awakening, support and involvement demonstrated so far.

 

It stated, “Increasingly, members of the public are drawing the attention of the commission to video recording of abuse of the naira by Nigerians from all walks of life.

 

“These gestures amply demonstrate rising consciousness of the public to the sanctity of our national currency and the need for collaborative engagement to sustain the tempo.

 

“To this end, the commission will always investigate and prosecute anyone involved in the abuse of the naira.

 

“Old videos being exhumed and flying around for the attention of the commission are noted as the commission is sensitive to the fact that its Special Task Force against Naira Abuse and Dollarisation of the economy commenced operations on February 7, 2024.

 

“However, going forward, new videos of such infractions will be investigated and prosecuted.”

 

The agency said at the moment, the commission was investigating several celebrities involved in naira abuse.

 

EFCC stated, “Many of them have made useful statements to the commission and many more have been invited by investigators working on the matter.

 

“The EFCC will not relent in its no-sacred-cow mode of operations and the public should be wary of running afoul of laws against the crime.”

Ghana’s economic crisis lingers as it fails to strike debt deal with two international Bondholders

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Ghana’s economic crisis lingers as it fails to strike debt deal with two international Bondholders

On Monday, The Ghanaian government said that it failed to strike a deal with two international bondholder groups in its bid to restructure $13 billion of international bonds and pull the west African country out of its largest economic crisis in a generation.

 

According to Reuters, talks were derailed for now after the International Monetary Fund (IMF) indicated that the deal would not fit into its debt sustainability parameters which usually suggest how much debt the IMF thinks a country can afford.

 

Since March 16, Ghana has been in formal talks with two international bondholder groups which include one “international” group of western asset managers and hedge funds and another one including regional African banks.

 

The Ghanaian government explained that it was working hard to arrive at a solution that would benefit the country and its international bondholders while fitting into IMF policies and parameters.

 

“The Government is actively working on solutions that it believes would be consistent with IMF program parameters under the set of policies currently being discussed, with the objective of reaching a mutual agreement acceptable to all parties,” the government said in the regulatory statement.

 

Ghana together with other African countries like Zambia and Ethiopia are struggling to rework their debt under the G20 Common Framework, a process set up during the COVID-19 pandemic to speed up debt overhauls.

 

However, the progress of the three African countries in its debt reworking pursuit has been slow.

 

Ghana is “confident… at some point” it will reach an agreement with bondholders,” Finance Minister Mohammed Amin Adam told a press conference on Saturday, without giving a timeline.

 

The IMF’s Ghana Mission Chief Stephane Roudet at a joint news briefing held at the end of the IMF’s second review of its $3 billion loan program with Ghana explained that the Fund needs to see continuous progress in Ghana’s talk with its bondholders.

 

Bondholders in the proposed new deal that fell through have pushed for the addition of extra clauses to the new deal. These extra clauses include a “loss reinstatement clause” that reverts the new bonds back to their original values in case of another default and provisions to limit the right of the government to legally challenge the deal.

 

Ghana is aiming to cut $10.5 billion from its external debt repayments and interest costs due from 2023 to 2026. It reached an agreement in principle in January to rework $5.4 billion of loans with official creditors, which will need to confirm that the bondholder deal is comparable to what they offered.

 

What To Know

In December 2022, Ghana, the world’s second-biggest cocoa producer, defaulted on most of its external debt of $30 billion, after debt costs and inflation surged when it was locked out of international markets.

 

The West African country is currently going through its worst economic crisis in a generation and it is seeking to restructure about $13 billion worth of international bonds.

 

Credit: Nairametrics

HOW AWUJALE OBA SIKIRU ADETONA REUNITED FOUR OGUN GOVERNORS

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HOW AWUJALE OBA SIKIRU ADETONA REUNITED FOUR OGUN GOVERNORS

Call it a triple celebration and you certainly won’t be wrong. The Awujale and paramount ruler of Ijebu land, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, Ogbagba II, on May, 10, 2024, gathered some of the most powerful personalities in the land to celebrate three significant milestones with him.

First, the highly revered monarch was celebrating his 90th birthday. Second, he was also celebrating his 64 years on the throne, making him the longest reigning monarch in the country and possibly one of the longest reigning kings in the world. Finally, he was also commissioning the Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Studies complex, Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) Ago-Iwoye. All of these were part of the week long activities lined up to celebrate the 90th birthday of one of Yoruba land’s most admired and respected monarchs.

 

The event hall named Ogbagba hall, after the monarch, was filled to overflowing. Everyone that mattered in Ogun State was present at the event. From the various royal fathers spread across some of the biggest towns in Ijebu land to captains of industry and politicians of repute.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo and his wife were in attendance along side prominent Ijebu high chiefs led by the Ogbeni Oja himself, (Dr.) Olorogun Sunny Kuku. Several senators, serving and former, House of Representatives members, both serving and former, spread across the country, were gathered at the event to celebrate with the Awujale.

 

Ministers, serving and former, like Dr. Mrs. Onikepo Akande, were also in attendance. The immediate past Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai was also present to felicitate with the paramount ruler of Ijebu land.

 

The high point of the event undoubtedly was when President Bola Tinubu conferred on the Awujale of Ijebu land, Oba Sikiru Adetona, the second highest national honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON) to mark the monarch’s 90th birthday celebration. This clearly took everyone by surprise as no one saw it coming. The President, who was ably represented by the vice President Kashim Shettima,, said the revered monarch deserved the honour because of his contributions to national building and meritorious service to humanity.

 

Just before the Vice President made the announcement, many of the guests present must’ve been puzzled when, in the middle of his speech, he demanded that everyone paid attention to what he was about to say. He went to specifically ask the Awujale’s Olori to put aside her phone and listen to what he was about to say next. And that was when he dropped the big news that the Awujale, Paramount ruler of Ijebu land, had been conferred with the second highest title in the land, the GCON.

 

The entire hall promptly rose to its feet in resounding applause as dignitaries took turns to congratulate the birthday boy. Apart from the commissioning and unveiling of the Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance Studies, there was also the presentation of a book titled; “Reinventing Governance in Nigeria: The Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona Model.” The voluminous book was shared around and given to almost everyone in the hall.

 

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who spoke through his representative, Vice President, Kashim Shettima, noted that the numerous contributions of Oba Adetona to national development, particularly in the education sector have expanded the sector to optimal delivery through various donations and endowments.

 

He described the monarch as forthright with exceptional character who stood his ground and confronted injustice in all ramifications, commending him for his role in ensuring the return of democratic governance in Nigeria. The President went on to aver that Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Studies would be taken over and managed by the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos.

 

“Because Kabiyesi Adetona has honoured our country and humanity with his many years of meritorious service, I, therefore, on this occasion of his 90th birthday ceremony confer on him the second highest National honour of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).

 

“The National Institute of Policy and Strategic Studies, Kuru, Jos, will be asked to take over the running and management of Oba Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Studies,” the Vice President announced to the gathering.

 

The event, anchored by the very beautiful Mrs. Afolake Badejo, Dr. Fassy Yusuf and Hon. Tunde Gazal was pretty well coordinated. Shortly after the national anthem was sang, the vice chancellor of the Olabisi Onabanjo University, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, mounted the stage to read the welcome address. This was followed by a brief speech about the School of Governance Studies by Professor Adetutu Adetona- Anyaegbunam, the Chairperson Governing Board, Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona School of Governance Sdtudies.

 

Another significant part of the event was the presentation of the book titled: Reinventing Governance In Nigeria: The Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Adetona model.

For many, the high point of the occasion would be the bringing together of four Ogun governors, three of them former governors and one serving governor. It is an open secret that that there is an unending hostility between former governors of Ogun State, Aremo Olusegun Osoba, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, Ibikunle Amosun and Governor Dapo Abiodun. It is so very rare to find all these four governors sitting together under one roof.

 

At Awujale’s event, they just did not sit under one roof, they sat close to each other and shared banters together. Even after the event was officially over, the four of them could still be seen stepping out of the hall together and laughing and enjoying each other’s company. It was indeed a rare sight to behold. People were nudging each other, pointing in the direction of these four illustrious sons of Ogun State as they were stunned to find the four men who many thought had been politically torn apart speaking freely together and savouring the joy of the ocassion.

 

Many agreed that only one person could’ve achieved this feat, and that is the Awujale himself. Not many could’ve achieved what the Awujale achieved, bringing these four political gladiators together under one roof without any fireworks going off in the process. It was indeed a pleasant sight to behold and many Ogun sons and daughters would certainly hope they will continue to see more of this type of reunion amongst the many politicians in the state who barely speak to each other.

 

Credit: City People

IranAttack : UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Condemns Iranian Assault on Israel

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IranAttack : UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak Condemns Iranian Assault on Israel

In a firm response to the recent escalation of tensions in the Middle East, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak voiced strong disapproval of Iran’s assault on Israel. Sunak’s condemnation came amidst growing concern over the volatile situation in the region.

“I condemn in the strongest terms the Iranian regime’s reckless attack against Israel,” stated Prime Minister Sunak, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation. He underscored Iran’s repeated attempts to destabilize the region, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to standing up for Israel’s security and that of its neighboring partners, including Jordan and Iraq.

 

“Iran has once again demonstrated that it is intent on sowing chaos in its own backyard,” Sunak asserted, highlighting the destabilizing actions of the Iranian regime. He further emphasized the urgent need for collective efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent further escalation.

“The UK will continue to stand up for Israel’s security and that of all our regional partners, including Jordan and Iraq,” affirmed Sunak, signaling unwavering support for stability and security in the Middle East. He reiterated the importance of working alongside allies to address the ongoing challenges and prevent further bloodshed.

 

As tensions persist in the region, Prime Minister Sunak’s strong condemnation underscores the gravity of the situation and the UK’s commitment to promoting peace and stability in the Middle East

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