celebrity radar - gossips

APC Will Ensure Buhari Recontests In 2019- Oyegun

Published

8 years ago

November 3, 2016

National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, has revealed plans by the leadership of the party to prevail on President Muhammadu Buhari to seek a second term by contesting the 2019 presidential election. Though the election is still more than two years from now, and Buhari is yet to make any official pronouncement on his plan, Oyegun told New Telegraph in an exclusive chat that the party’s leadership will do everything possible to ensure that the president contests the election. Oyegun hinged this decision on two factors.

One, he said the president is the only politician in Nigeria today that has the capacity to win 12 million votes without major campaign. Two, Buhari, he said, is the only man who has the courage to make the changes that Nigeria need.

According to him, “There is no another Buhari in this country. Buhari is the only man who can command 12 million votes even without any major campaign. So, you can see the picture. Yes, there will be changes, the party will get new members or lose a few members, but there is no Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). So, there is no strong party any more to say you are going to join and strengthen it. It is only APC that is really a strong party.”

Oyegun added that he would commit Buhari’s second term project to prayer. His words: “I will pray, fast to God that Buhari agrees to contest in 2019. If he contests, Nigeria will be better for it. “My prayer is that we can get Buhari to re-contest in 2019. We don’t know his mind yet, but I will do anything in my power to ensure that he re-contests in 2019. Why? He is the only one who has the moral front and the courage to make the changes that Nigeria needs.

“We need more than four years to get this country to subscribe to a new morality, a new ethic and turn its back on corruption of the very type we are trying to uproot now.” When asked if he is convinced that the APC would win the election given the disenchantment over the party at the moment, Odigie-Oyegun said: “Of course, APC will win.”

The national chairman of the governing party ruled out the possibility of the PDP bouncing back in 2019. On the possibility of the PDP bouncing back in 2019, he said: “Well, let them come back first. I am not a theorist. If they bounce back, we will have to deal with that, but as at now, they are not bouncing back. PDP is in confusion. PDP is suffering a terminal illness. The party is unlikely to recover from this cancer that is afflicting them.

The division is a major illness; it is cancerous.” When reminded that the PDP exuded such confidence with its boast of being in power for 60 years before its shocking defeat in the 2015 elections, the APC national chairman, said: “Well, I’m not clairvoyant; I’m not seeing into the future; it is the immediate future that I’m seeing. “APC will continue to be the force to be reckoned with. I cannot tell you how long it will last, but that we will continue to be the chief host in Nigerian politics, there is no question about it. When new parties start developing, then you can ask me the question again. But as at now, the parties don’t exit.”

He, however, did not rule out the possibility of some members of the APC aligning with others to form a new party ahead of the next election, but insisted that they will not make any impact. His words: “APC has come to stay. As at today, strictly speaking there is no other party in the country.

It is possible that a few people within the APC might join others to form other party, but a party doesn’t grow in one day to win an election. So, APC will continue to be the strongest and the largest political party in Nigeria for quite a while, because you don’t form a party today and win an election tomorrow.”

He dismissed opposition’s belief that the president is dragging the country back, saying: “That is what they say. The reality is there for us to see. They have run the country aground. They did not foresee the collapse of oil price; we did not foresee it too. If the collapse of oil prices had happened when Goodluck Jonathan was in office, I doubt if there would have been Nigeria again today.

That is why I said that God brought Buhari at that point in history to make sure that Nigeria remains one country. “Nigerians should continue to trust APC. Yes, we inherited a very difficult situation and the economy has been battered by the collapse of the oil prices, but we have a government that is even-minded in the application of the dwindling resources to produce the very best in the circumstances. The president is working to develop other sources of income like mining and agriculture.

Odigie-Oyegun, who also admitted that Buhari inherited myriads of problems that won’t be solved in four years, said: “We inherited a whole mass of problems. Everything Buhari is doing now is to solve all those problems. If the measures taken begin to yield fruits in the next few months, people will start appreciating that all this time we thought we are suffering; in fact things were being done to save the situation.

And, of course, the picture will change. We are hopeful that the measures being taken will bear fruits before the middle of say next year. We are hopeful that things will change.” While absolving the APC of the crisis rocking the opposition party in Ondo State, he said: “Who else would they blame?

They will look for a scapegoat. That is natural. Who is paying attention to them? Is it APC that is fighting them in Ondo State, where they have a governor that is PDP? Even we have a bit of crisis in Ondo, but things are looking good for us.”

Buhari’s second term project has been in the offing before now with kites being flown in that regard by some chieftains of the ruling party. The belief is that either the arrowheads of the bid are using it to test political waters or to scare potential contenders.

Former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aliyu Wamakko, and erstwhile Zamfara State governor, Senator Ahmad Sani Yerima, were among the first supporters of second term agenda for Buhari.

For them, Buhari needs to rule beyond 2019 to address the rot in the country. Meanwhile, Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, yesterday disclosed that Buhari will soon address the APC faithful on the need to unite and move the nation forward.

Okorocha, who is also the Chairman of Progressive Governors’ Forum disclosed this yesterday in Abuja after a two-hour meeting with the leadership of the House of Representatives. He noted that they were the foot soldiers that worked hard to actualise change, adding that change was dare to them.

Okorocha boasted that APC will not fail but would continue to remain the ruling party. He however noted that the victory had not been well managed. The governor disclosed that angry party members would be reconciled.

On his part, Speaker Yakubu Dogara said a common decimal at the round table meeting were discussion that those elected in position of authority must put the interest of the people first. He said that the country cannot afford the luxury of arms of government going in different ways. Dogara assured that the APC will deliver on its campaign promises.

celebrity radar - gossips

Celebrating a Distinguished Patriot and Statesman: General Olu Bajowa @84

Published

5 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Celebrating a Distinguished Patriot and Statesman: General Olu Bajowa @84

Today, we gather in spirit and gratitude to celebrate a man whose life epitomizes selfless service, courage, and unwavering dedication to the progress of our nation, Nigeria. At 84, General Olu Bajowa, OFR, CFR stands as a towering symbol of patriotism, leadership, and philanthropy.

General Bajowa’s influence transcends the military. He has consistently provided wise counsel and leadership in public service, contributing meaningfully to national development. His voice remains a beacon of reason and vision, advocating for policies that uplift the Nigerian people and preserve the nation’s unity.

Born to Lubokun Royal family, at Igbotako Osooro in Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, on 27th December 1940. Prince (Rtd) Major General (Dr) Sir Joseph Oluyemi Bajowa attended Anglican Elementary School, Igbotako, Manuwa Memorial Grammar School Iju-Odo, Okitipupa, Gboluji Anglican Grammar School, Ile-Oluji, Ondo. He finished his Secondary Education at Gboluji in 1959, and later attended Federal School of Science, Lagos 1960, for his “A” Levels. He worked as a civil Servant in the then Federal Ministry of Lands and Survey in Lagos and later as a 3rd Class Clerk in the Houses of Parliament, Lagos.

Professionally, General Olu Bajowa joined the Nigerian Army as a Cadet in training at the then Military College, now Nigerian Defence Academy Kaduna in September, 1960 and was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant at Mons Officer Cadet School, Aldershot, England in 1961. He was later attached to the British Army in the Rhine, Western Germany during the “Cold War”, after which he was posted to 4th Infantry Battalion of the Nigerian Army Ibadan in 1962 to start his Military Career.

He took part in the United Nations Peace keeping Operations in the Congo and the Nigerian Civil War. He climbed through the rungs of the Officer Corps to the rank of Major General and retired meritoriously from the Nigerian Army in 1980 at the age of 40 years.

Amongst the appointments held while in Military Service were Platoon Commander, Military Transport Officer, General Staff Officer Grade 111 and General Officer Grade 11 both at Army Headquarters, Ministry of Defence, Lagos, Company Commander, Brigade Major, Battalion Commander, General Staff Officer Grade 1 at 3rd Infantry Division Headquarters, Brigade Commander, Acting General Officer Commanding 3 Infantry Division of the Nigerian Army, Adjutant General of the Nigerian army, and Quarter-Master-General of the Nigerian Army both at Ministry of Defence, Lagos. He was also Commandant of the Armed Forces Command and Staff College. Jaji-Kaduna, (1978-1979).

Significantly, He was on active service in Western Germany with the British Army in 1961, during the “Cold War”. He served two tours in the United Nations Operation in Congo with 4 BN NA in 1962, at Kinshasha, and in 1963 at Leopoville (now Zaire) with 1st BN NA. He took active part in the Nigerian civil War. Infact he was the one as the Commanding Officer 11 BN NA at Iwo road Ibadan, Olusegun Obasanjo ordered to move his Battalion on 9th August 1976 from Ibadan to defend the Western Region Boarder at Ofusu/Owena River bridge, to prevent the incursion of the 101st Division of the Biafran Army during its advance to capture Ibadan and Lagos and occupy Western Region, after the fall of Benin City and Mid-Western Region, in a Biafran Army lighting operation of 101st Division of the Biafran Army. He held the Ofusu/Owena Bridge and fought in the legendry Ore Battle (“Ija Ore, Oleku”). He miraculously survived four (4) coups while in military service and three (3) coups after his recall from retirement, to serve the nation in different capacities, during the Military Interregnum.

On the Military-Political Front, he was a Military Member of the Executive Council of the then Western State of Nigeria, Military Member of the Executive Council and Acting Military Governor of the Southeastern State (now Cross River and Akwa Ibom States); and also Acting Military Governor of Rivers State (now Rivers and Bayelsa States).

After retirement from the Nigerian Army, he went into business, politics and later into academics. He enrolled into the University of Lagos in 1983, where he obtained Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with Second Class Honours, Upper Division, (2.1) in 1988. He was awarded Doctor of Theology by the Theological Seminary, Durban, South Africa, in London, 2005, in affiliation with Trinity University and College, Delaware, USA and he has currently enrolled for Bachelor of Law Degree, University of London, England.

He was a Member of the Governing Council of Ondo State University (1981/1982) and in 1983 he was
appointed Chairman Rubber Research Institute of Nigeria. He was also appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive of Nigeria Airways Limited in January 1988. Sole Administrator of Nigeria Airways Limited in October same year and Managing Director and Member of the Presidential Task Force of Nigeria Airways Limited (1988-1989). He was later appointed as Special Assistant in the Presidency and Co-ordinator Movement of Seat of Government and Federal Ministries from Lagos to Abuja. He was appointed the Director-General/Permanent Secretary, Deputy Minister Ministry of Defence in 1990-1993 and Permanent Secretary, Federal ministry of Industry in 1993-1997, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Science and Technology from 1997-1999, and Chairman of all related Companies and Parastatals of the Ministries.

His decorations include Medals of the United Nations Peace Keeping Operations in the Congo, The Nigerian civil war. Forces Meritorious Service Star (FSS) in 1983, and Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (OFR), in recognition of his Military Service (1960 -1980), and gazette in 1998 for the honour of Commander of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (CFR), in recognition of his Federal Civil Service (1988 – 1999). He is a Distinguished Fellow of the Institute of Security Nigeria (dfisn).

In recognition of General Olu Bajowa’s contribution to the security and development of Ikale-Land, his people honoured him with the Chieftaincy titles of Jagunmolu of Ikale-Land and Ojagbulegun from The Source (Ayeka Kingdom), and Ajagungbade of Idepe-Okitipupa, Ondo State of Nigeria. He was a Member of the Board of Governors of International Foundation for Science (IFS) in Stockholm, Sweden, and also Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB) in Trieste, Italy, (1997-1999). He creditably concluded his tenure as the Chairman of Programmes and Budget Committee (PBC) of the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) in Vienna, Austria, a post he held for one year (1997/1998).

He is a sports enthusiast, philanthropist and happily married with children. He is an author and had to his credits four (4) books, namely: Spring of a Life, Ikale, Soldier by Choice and Egbaiyelo (Legacy of a legend).

General Bajowa’s commitment to preserving Yoruba culture and heritage is equally commendable. As a proud custodian of tradition, he has tirelessly championed initiatives to celebrate and protect the rich cultural tapestry of his people.

As he celebrates this remarkable milestone, we reflect on a life well-lived—a life devoted to God, country, and humanity. At 84, General Olu Bajowa remains an icon of hope and inspiration, a symbol of resilience, and a beacon of wisdom.

On behalf of friends, family, and admirers across the globe, we wish General Olu Bajowa a happy 84th birthday. May your days be filled with continued joy, good health, and fulfillment. Your legacy shines brightly, and we are forever grateful for your immeasurable contributions to our nation and beyond.

DARE ADELEKAN

celebrity radar - gossips

Wilfred Ndidi Spreads Christmas Cheer to 2,000 Kids in Ajegunle, Lagos

Published

11 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Wilfred Ndidi Spreads Christmas Cheer to 2,000 Kids in Ajegunle, Lagos

In a heartwarming gesture of generosity, Super Eagles and Leicester City midfielder Wilfred Ndidi on Thursday, December 26, brought immense joy to over 2,000 children in the bustling city of Ajegunle, Lagos. The festive spirit filled the air as the star athlete, alongside local dignitaries and notable figures, made Christmas unforgettable for the children in this vibrant community.

The grand event, held at the Maracana Sports Centre, was a collaborative effort between Ndidi, renowned businessman Yemi Idowu, Fatai Ayoola, the chairman of Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Area, and the traditional ruler of Iwa and Apapa, Mohammed Amodu-Tijani. The Boxing Day children’s party became a major highlight of the Christmas season in Ajegunle, attracting widespread attention from locals and the media.

Despite currently sidelined due to a hamstring injury, Ndidi took the time to give back to the community in a deeply personal way. The 28-year-old midfielder was seen serving food to the excited children and distributing gifts, bringing smiles and happiness to everyone present. His presence at the event served as an uplifting reminder of the power of generosity and community spirit.

Speaking to the crowd, Ndidi explained that his own childhood experiences were a driving force behind the initiative. “I feel like it’s a festive period and these kids deserve something like this. It’s something they will have to remember and the memory sticks with them,” Ndidi said, his voice filled with sincerity.

He continued, “The happiness on the faces of the children can’t be explained. When you do something for adults, the emotions stay with them only, but when you do something for kids, the adults see it as well, so they also try to do the same. All we are trying to do is to create memories, and I’m happy to be doing this because some of us didn’t have this experience while growing up. I grew up in the barracks like most people know. This is not about football now. Schools are on break and this is a time to create memories, especially among kids.”

The event was not only about the celebration but also about fostering a sense of unity and shared joy. Yemi Idowu, CEO of Cana Sports, expressed his admiration for Ndidi’s involvement. “This is part of something we do every year to try and celebrate with the kids, especially because we are here in Ajegunle and they are friends. I am very happy to have the king, the chairman, and Wilfred to support us in doing this. It has a bigger impact when we all work together.”

The Ajeromi-Ifelodun Local Government Chairman, Fatai Ayoola, commended the collective effort to bring smiles to the faces of the children. He highlighted the meticulous organization that made the event a success, explaining, “What we have done is to first accredit them from the LGA secretariat and we drove the kids into this venue. We also made arrangements for those who would come unannounced at the Maracana Park, and they would equally be taken care of as much as those inside so we can have a perfect party. It’s a back-to-back celebration for the kids of Ajegunle, and we are elated to host Ndidi. This month alone, we have had three visitors who have given the kids befitting Christmas gifts. So, what we are doing is to make them happy in grand style.”

The event served as a beautiful reminder of the true essence of Christmas — bringing people together, spreading joy, and creating lasting memories. For the children of Ajegunle, it was a day filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable moments, thanks to the unwavering commitment of Wilfred Ndidi and his collaborators.

As the community continues to celebrate the season, the impact of Ndidi’s kind gesture will no doubt be felt for years to come, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to be part of the festivities.

celebrity radar - gossips

Nollywood Star Omoborty Seals Her Love Story with a Stunning Legal Wedding

Published

13 hours ago

December 27, 2024

Sahara Weekly

Nollywood Star Biodun Okeowo, “Omoborty,” Officially Ties the Knot in Legal Ceremony

Nollywood actress and entrepreneur Biodun Okeowo, widely known as Omoborty, has officially tied the knot with her partner in a heartfelt legal ceremony. The event, which comes months after their traditional wedding, was held on a significant day for the actress—her birthday.

Omoborty took to Instagram to share the joyous news, posting stunning photos from the ceremony. The images captured the love and joy of the occasion, which marked a new chapter in her life.

“In the euphoria of my birthday, I’m thrilled to share the memories from one of the most beautiful days of my life. The day I legally said ‘yes’ to the man of my heart before God and man,” she wrote in her caption.

The actress emphasized that all necessary customs and protocols were observed, expressing pride in her journey to becoming “Mrs. Biodun Sofuyi.” Reflecting on the milestone, she added, “My first wedding, and by God’s grace, the last. Amen.”

Omoborty’s fans and colleagues have since flooded her social media pages with congratulatory messages and heartfelt well-wishes, celebrating her new status as a legally married woman.

The actress, known for her captivating performances and entrepreneurial spirit, continues to inspire with her authenticity and joy. With this union, she embarks on a fresh chapter filled with hope, love, and the blessings of a bright future.