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Abiodun celebrates 61st birthday at orphanage

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Abiodun celebrates 61st birthday at orphanage

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…declares ‘we are a promise keeping administration’

Ogun State governor, Dapo Abiodun on Saturday, celebrated his 61st birthday with children at the Stella Obasanjo Children’s Home, Abeokuta, and charged the children not to be distracted by their present conditions, but remain committed to the pursuance of their aspirations.

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The governor, accompanied by members of the State Executive Council to the Home, specifically admonished the children not to settle for anything less in the course of pursuing their dreams and aspirations in life.

The governor, who promised to always make himself available for the children, also instructed them to improve themselves towards achieving their set goals in life and be determined to be good citizens of the country.

As part of his commitment towards identifying with the course of the children, Abiodun however, promised that each of the children at the orphanage would be presented with a befitting state’s luxurious gifts to mark their respective birthdays beginning from Saturday.

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The governor however, presented sets of computers, food items, including bags of rice to the Home.

He also inaugurated the computer section of the Home for use at the center.

Meanwhile, Abiodun, has declared that his administration has recorded giant strides since it came on board two years ago, despite COVID-19 and other challenges.

Abiodun, who equally scored his administration high, said even strident critics of his government had concurred that the incumbent administration had made positive impacts in housing, infrastructure, education, health, agriculture, youth empowerment and other critical sectors.

The governor stated this in his state broadcast on the scorecard of his administration in the last two years.

While saying “ours is a promise keeping administration”, Abiodun however, said his government would continue to be strategic and deliberate in the allocation of resources, just as he restated that Ogun under his leadership would continue to prioritise projects that have direct and positive impact on the people and remain frugal in the management of the “commonwealth”

He said the current government in the state would sustain the tempo of delivering good governance, assuring residents to expect more projects in infrastructure, housing, health, education, amongst several others.

The governor declared that he was at peace with himself and delighted that he stuck with the promise he made to deliver good governance and espouse government that would be fair, just, equitable, accountable, open, transparent, inclusive and obey the rule of law, 731 days ago when he was sworn-in as the 5th civilian governor of Ogun State.

“In my inaugural speech, I made a covenant with God, and the good people of Ogun State that I will provide good governance. That is, a government that is fair, just, equitable, accountable, open, transparent, inclusive and obeys the rule of law. Two years down the line, I am proud to say that we are a promise keeping Administration. We have either fulfilled or are fulfilling all our electoral promises, in practical terms”, Abiodun noted.

He said his administration did not allow challenges of COVID-19 and #EndSARS to dampen its resolve to deliver on his electoral promises to the people of Ogun State, disclosing his first year in office witnessed commencement and completion of some infrastructural projects across the state.

Highlighting some projects espoused by his administration in 24 months, Abiodun said no fewer than 34 roads spanning over 270km had been reconstructed, while another set of 41 roads had benefitted from rehabilitation covering over 322 km.

“We have worked on over 600km of rural, intra-state, and inter-state roads spread across the three Senatorial Districts of the State, in line with our commitment to an even development of the state and the completion of inherited projects that benefit the citizens.

“It is important to note that some of the reconstructed roads are Federal Government roads which we have been compelled to do, because citizens do not care about the ownership of the roads, but geo-locate the pains they experience at the point of contact. Your government is committed to bringing relief to our citizens regardless of the cause or source of the discomfort.

“The reconstructed roads include our arterial roads linking us with Lagos State, such as Ray Power Road and Ikola/Navy-Osi-Ota Road in Ota which were commissioned three days ago; Ijebu -Ode to Epe road, scheduled for commissioning in the next few days; and Atan – Lusada-Agbara road which was flagged off last month and is due for completion in 15 months. Of note also is the reconstruction of Abeokuta-Sagamu Interchange, the major road to the State capital.
There are several other roads spread across the State that are either completed or at various stages of completion at an average of 3 roads per each of the 20 Local Government Areas”. The governor stated.

He added that the state had developed a multi-modal transportation master plan for the state that will integrate road, railway, water and air transport systems, saying work had also begun in earnest on the revived cargo airport at Ilishan-Remo which is strategically located to boost the agriculture value-chain and serve as the hub for export of agric products, not only for the State but for the region.

On youth development and empowerment, the governor said his administration determined to harness the potentials of “our technology savvy youth and the status of our State as the Education Capital of the nation in the digital economy”, adding “this has informed a number of initiatives, including the establishment of the Ogun Techhub and the recent flag off of Ogun State Digital Economy Infrastructure Project (OGDEIP)”.

“6,000 kilometers of fibre optic cables will be laid across the state to provide easily accessible and affordable broadband Internet connectivity across the nooks and crannies of the State, including our health and educational institutions. This digital infrastructure will bridge digital divide, support the industry as well as other initiatives in health (telemedicine) and education (virtual learning), amongst other benefits”. Abiodun pointed out.

While disclosing that the state had signed a Memorandum of Understanding to generate power for the state, with a target to achieve a 24 hour uninterrupted power supply to Abeokuta, the state capital, and a number of our major towns before next year, the governor added efforts would be put in place to explore alternative source of energy and power.

On health, Abiodun noted that his administration has invested heavily in health infrastructure and human capital development, saying “no fewer than 100 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) have either been rebuilt or newly constructed and adequately equipped, in line with World Health Organisation (WHO) standard”.

“Our target is to have at least a functional primary healthcare centre (PHC) in each of our 236 wards. We have concentrated on the PHCs because they are the closest to the people and as the foundation for our hub and bespoke healthcare delivery system. Our secondary and tertiary health facilities have also been given adequate attention to offer referral health service.

“The number of ambulances in the State has increased from 5 to 30 with provision of 24 hour ambulance service across the State. Furthermore, we have restructured the Ogun State Health Insurance Scheme (HIS) to address identified lapses and make it more efficient and affordable.

“The provision of health infrastructure, equipment and other initiatives are complemented with incentives to motivate the workforce. The incentives include upward review of salaries and allowances of health workers, provision of health insurance for the 7,800 healthcare workers, and recruitment of over 300 health personnel across various cadres for Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching University. In addition, there is ongoing recruitment of additional health personnel for other health facilities in the State.

On his administration’s intervention in housing, the governor said “our housing programme is the most ambitious in the history of our State. The Ministry of Housing and its two major implementation Agencies – Ogun State Housing Corporation, and, the Ogun State Property Investment Corporation (OPIC) are fully engaged in the provision of affordable housing units and medium to high income houses across the State.

“Already, over 1,300 units have either been completed or at different stages of completion. The target is about 3,000 units by 2023. I will be commissioning some of them in the coming weeks”.

He added that the security architecture in the had been enhanced by restructuring and reinvigorating Ogun State Security Trust Fund, with a new legislation and made it private sector led, with the view to ensuring security of lives and property of the residents.

“This was followed quickly with initial provision of over 100 patrol vehicles and 200 motorcycles fitted with communication equipment to our security agencies, thus facilitating timely information sharing and communication amongst the security agencies and their formations whilst enhancing operational effectiveness and efficiency.

“Furthermore, in response to some security challenges such as herders/ farmers skirmishes and kidnapping, we set up the Joint Security Intervention Squad (JSIS), a special task force, and deployed additional resources to the trouble spots. The State Security Network, Amotekun, has also been inaugurated and activated to complement other security agencies. Arrangements are in top gear to relaunch Operation MESA, a joint patrol that includes the Army, Police, Civil Defence, State Security Service and others. All these coordinated initiatives have yielded the desired results with our State being adjudged the most secure State in the country”. The governor stated.

Abiodun noted further that his government has restored the lost glory of the state in education, by declaring a state of emergency in the sector and initiated a number of multi-dimensional policies and programmes.

“For a start, we effected the promotion of over 10,000 teaching and non-teaching staff that had been outstanding for three years and resumed the payment of running costs to our public schools with over 120% increase. In tertiary education sub-sector, our first interventions was to restore Moshood Abiola Polytechnic (MAPOLY), Abeokuta and provide the conducive environment for academic activities at Tai Solarin College of Education (TASCE), Omu Ijebu to resume and be sustained.

“​We have also intervened in provision of infrastructure in all public schools primary, secondary and tertiary levels. About 1,800 units of classrooms have been renovated or constructed. Over 25, 000 school furniture have also been provided. The recruitment of 5,000 teachers under the OgunTeach scheme is on-going to fill the vacancies in the teaching service. Other initiatives include restoration of the award of scholarships for outstanding students payment of bursary to Ogun State Indigenes in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions”. Abiodun reeled out.

He said the creation of the Ogun Job portal, through which the unemployed or under-employed youth in the state were registered, had helped tremendously in matching the registered youth with job opportunities and other interventions both in the public and private sectors.

The governor added that through Ogun Youth Empowerment Scheme, 10,000 artisans annually undergo paid training and provided job opportunities, just as 35,584 jobs were created through linkage of farmers, including youth to Agricultural opportunities such as Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Anchor Borrowers and other intervention schemes.

“The economy of the State has improved tremendously under our watch. This has been due largely to a number of policy and regulatory reforms that we have implemented.
Some of these reforms include, but not limited to establishment of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) office backed with necessary legislation to provide the regulatory framework for investment engagement with private sector investors; standardize the partnership process with the state, and facilitate new infrastructure development projects”. He stated.

Abiodun further noted that the public service, as the engine room of the government, has been accorded the deserved importance by his administration, through prompt payment of salaries, pensions, promotions, training and capacity building.

“Ogun State is one of the first few states to fully implement the minimum wage and we will continue to pay as and when due, despite the obvious paucity of funds. We are also clearing the backlog of inherited pension liabilities. The ongoing promotion exercise is another demonstration of our commitment to staff welfare.
​In addition, we are intensifying our efforts to create the conducive work environment, provide tools and training to bring out the creativity and professionalism of our Public Servants”, he said.

“In two years, we have delivered on most of our promises and working on others; you now have a government you can trust; a government that is indeed for all parts of the state and all citizens, regardless of faith, political affiliation or ethnic groups. We have touched lives of the citizens of Ogun State; we are building the new Ogun State; and, we are institutionalizing a new culture and approach of keeping faith with the people. We do not promise to solve all the problems in four years, but we will deliver on whatever promise we make and leave Ogun State better than we met it.

“You are witnesses to the fact that we have delivered and continue to deliver on our promises in the last two years. Independent and respected organisations, based on empirical facts, have honoured us for our outstanding performance and deliverables. Even our most strident critics attest that we have performed outstandingly; that we have recorded giant strides in the last two years, despite COVID-19 and other challenges. Nonetheless, the outlook for the years ahead is even brighter. Indeed, our initiatives are gaining stronger traction and yielding dividends.

“Your government will continue to be strategic and deliberate in the allocation of resources. We will continue to prioritise projects that have direct and positive impact on the citizenry and remain frugal in the management of our commonwealth. We will sustain the tempo whilst you should expect more projects in infrastructure, housing, health, education, amongst several others. All we need from you is more collaboration, cooperation, support and prayers in the joint task of Building Our Future Together.

“Your government further needs you to discharge your civic responsibilities by paying your taxes and levies and taking ownership of the projects in your communities, protecting and guarding them against misuse or vandalisation. Those projects are not just public projects, they are our common patrimony; they are indeed returns on your investments through your prompt and appropriate tax remittances”. Abiodun submitted.

The governor, however, thanked members of Executive Council for their service and dedication, the state House of Assembly, development partners, judiciary and the people of Ogun for their trust and commitment to the success story of the Ogun State project.

E-signed
Kunle Somorin

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NASRE Applauds, Charges Tinubu On Economic Revival Amid 72nd Birthday

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NASRE Applauds, Charges Tinubu On Economic Revival Amid 72nd Birthday

NASRE Applauds, Charges Tinubu On Economic Revival Amid 72nd Birthday

 

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The Nigerian Association of Social and Resourceful Editors (NASRE), has extended heartfelt felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the occasion of his 72nd birthday.

 

NASRE Applauds, Charges Tinubu On Economic Revival Amid 72nd Birthday

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This is even as the group urged the president to use this occasion to ponder on the challenges confronting the country and evolve active ways to resolve them.

The President of NASRE, Femi Oyewale who, on behalf of the association, joined esteemed members of the general public to celebrate this significant milestone in the life of a distinguished leader, acknowledging President Tinubu’s dedication to public service and unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Nigeria.

According to him, “on this auspicious occasion, NASRE acknowledges President Tinubu’s notable achievements and contributions to the socio-economic advancement of our great nation. However, amidst the celebrations, we urge President Tinubu and his administration to redouble their efforts to further revamp the economy and prioritise our dear country’s security.

“As editors representing various media outlets across Nigeria, we are acutely aware of the challenges facing our nation. We must collectively work towards addressing these challenges and creating an environment conducive to sustainable growth and development.

While apprlauding steps taken so far to address forex volatility and the formation of Economic Team as well as re-opening of borders to ease suffering of the masses, he said, solutions such as Tax waivers for Businesses, especially, SMEs; addressing epileptic power supply; construction of and embarking on palliatives on major Federal roads that are in bad state; harmonisation and cordiality of fiscal and monetary policies for maximum economic impacts; tackling insecurity, escalating food price and so on should be prioritised.

“We call upon President Tinubu to leverage his wealth of experience and leadership prowess to implement pragmatic policies that will stimulate economic growth, create job opportunities, and alleviate poverty.

“Additionally, we urge his administration to intensify efforts to ensure all Nigerians’ safety and security, safeguarding lives and property across the nation”, he said.

He, however, pointed out that as stakeholders in the Nigerian project, NASRE pledges its unwavering support to President Tinubu’s administration in its quest to build a prosperous and secure nation for present and future generations.

“Together, let us forge ahead with renewed determination and resilience, towards a brighter and more prosperous future for all Nigerians.

“Once again, we extend our warmest felicitations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his 72nd birthday, wishing him good health, happiness, and continued success in all his endeavours”, he said.

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Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

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Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

 

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Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

 

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President Bola Tinubu has called on religious leaders to refrain from vilifying or denigrating the nation in their sermons.

 

Tinubu Appeals To Religious Leaders

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Speaking during Ramadan Iftar with traditional rulers and religious leaders at the State House on Thursday in Abuja, the President emphasized the important role of religious leaders in shaping public opinion and fostering a sense of unity among citizens.

He urged the leaders to be more constructive in their criticism of those in elective positions.

President Tinubu also declared that his administration is determined to turn Nigeria’s challenges into prosperity.

He reiterated that no terrorist can defeat the collective will of Nigerians, no matter how hard they try to prey on innocent citizens.

He urged traditional and religious leaders to forge a strong bond with the government to defeat terrorism, banditry, kidnapping, and other forms of criminality in the country.

”Yesterday in Abuja, I attended the burial of the 17 soldiers killed in action at Okuama, Delta State. I saw their pregnant wives and little kids.

”The love of the nation is in your hands. Pray for our country. Educate our children. The sermons we preach to the members of our churches and mosques are important.

”Do not condemn your own nation. As a Yoruba man and as our fathers will say, ‘No matter how slippery the bottom of your child is, you must leave the beads there.’

“Leave the beads there. This is your country; do not condemn it in sermons, do not abuse the nation. Leadership is meant for change.

”Yes, this leader is bad, fine. Wait until the next election to change him, but do not condemn your country. Do not curse Nigeria. This is a beautiful land.

The President, who acknowledged the birthday wishes and goodwill extended to him on the occasion, reminded the leaders that his birthday on March 29, 2024, coincided with Good Friday.

“I have earned the honour of having my birthday fall on Good Friday, and I pray that on this Maundy Thursday, you all shall return to your homes safely. May God guide and keep you and your families in good health, and lift your spirits,” the President prayed.

Different speakers at the dinner expressed gratitude for the opportunity to come together in the spirit of Ramadan to share a meal with the President and renew the bonds of friendship that unite the nation.

Vice-President Kashim Shettima emphasized the pivotal roles of religious and traditional rulers in promoting peace and unity, urging them to continue to ‘‘build bridges that transcend ethnic and religious divides.’’

The Vice-President expressed delight that the nation’s economy is on a rebound, noting the strengthening of the naira against the dollar.

”The President means well for the nation, and he has continued to redefine the meaning and concept of modern leadership.

”For many years, fuel subsidy was an albatross. The President took a bold decision from day one, and he hit the ground running. Now the economy is turning the corner,” the Vice-President said.

Speaking on behalf of the Traditional Rulers Council of Nigeria, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, assured the President of the unwavering support of traditional rulers and commended the government’s efforts to address the hike in food prices and the security challenges.

”You are not alone, Mr. President. The prices of food items and goods are gradually coming down. You are doing your best on security, and we cannot allow you to do it alone. We will join hands to support your vision for the betterment of our nation,” the Ooni said.

Ambassador Ahmed Nuhu Bamalli, Emir of Zazzau, speaking on behalf of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), highlighted the significance of Ramadan as a period of reflection, empathy, and unity.

On the security situation in the country, the Emir of Zazzau, who represented the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of NSCIA, expressed optimism that the country will return to peace and stability.

”I am happy to see representatives of Muslim and Christian communities in this room. I pray God Almighty blesses the President for him to do more to take the country to the Promised Land,” the Emir prayed.

Apostle Samson Fatokun, General Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), noted that the Ramadan dinner with religious and traditional leaders, coincided with Maundy Thursday, the Thursday before Easter, observed in commemoration of Jesus Christ’s institution of the Eucharist during the Last Supper.

The General Secretary, who delivered the address of CAN President, Archbishop Daniel Okoh, commended President Tinubu for fostering a harmonious relationship between the State and the Church.

”We are encouraged that your administration has shown great determination in tackling the challenges of kidnapping and banditry and bringing to justice the perpetrators of this dastardly act.

”We shall continue to show our support to your administration so that you can execute your noble intention for the nation,” CAN General Secretary said.

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Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

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Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

*Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

 

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The presidential election of Senegal have been held but if outgoing President, Macky Sall could turn the hands of time around, He would take the prophecy of Nigerian prophet, Primate Ayodele regarding the election seriously and follow his instructions – Maybe that would save his anointed candidate, Amadou Ba.

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Senegal Election: The Prophecy Of Primate Ayodele That President Macky Sall Ignored (VIDEO)

 

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The election saw the candidate of the opposition party, Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye becoming victorious in an unprecedented manner; the ruling party’s candidate had to congratulate him even before the results were fully released just to show that it was a landslide victory.

Beyond what many experienced in the Sunday election, Primate Ayodele had warned President Macky Sall before the election about his anointed candidate, Amadou Ba, who was the immediate past Prime minister of Senegal.

The prophet in a video publication mentioned that the people of Senegal will not accept Amadou Ba’s candidacy in the election while also giving the president some advice on how to go about winning the election for his anointed candidate.

Primate Ayodele mentioned three major instructions to President Macky Sall and they include changing strategy, seeking the face of God for the candidate and ensuring that Ousmane Sonko, the major opposition leader doesn’t come out of jail before the election.

These were his words

‘’Senegalese president Macky Sall doesn’t understand what politics is. The people don’t want his candidate, he needs to quickly do two things; he should strategize urgently to seek the face of God for his candidate to have his way. Also, if the main opposition still produces the man he sent to jail and he wins at the court and faces his own candidate, He will defeat your candidate. Don’t allow him to come out, let him stay as long as you want him there but the moment he is released from prison, He will toughen your candidate.’’

@primateayodele

#africantiktok #africatiktok #African #Africa #primateayodele #iescworldwide #senegalaise_tik_tok #senegal #senegaltiktok

♬ original sound – Primate Ayodele

From the foregoing, it’s obvious Primate Ayodele had foretold the loss of the President’s anointed candidate and if he had known, he would have followed instructions by seeking the face of God for Amadou Ba or even changing him since the prophet revealed that people will not want him to represent them.

Unfortunately, instead of doing things as instructed, President Macky Sall went ahead to jeopardize the chances of his party by attempting to extend his tenure and postponing the presidential election indefinitely.

Meanwhile, Primate Ayodele had warned the president against attempting to create tension in the country to avoid a military coup. Macky Sall went through the wrong route and this affected the chances of his party greatly in the election.

Similarly, the opposition candidates, Ousmane Sonko and Diomaye Faye were imprisoned but released 10 days before the election. As the man of God stated, their release from prison generated so much buzz around the candidacy of Faye and contributed to his victory in the election.

President Macky Sall was warned in Primate Ayodele’s prophecy about an imminent loss, he was given prophetic solutions to salvage the situation in his favour but he ignored all of them and decided to do things his own way. Unfortunately, it didn’t turn out well for him.

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