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GOOD GOVERNANCE AND PATRIOTIC LEADERSHIP: THE PASEDA EXAMPLE

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By Michael-Azeez Ogunsiji

 

According to the popular socialist and former Nigeria’s Health Minister,  Alh. Aminu Kano in one of his chronicles, postulated that “Nigeria will know no peace, until the son of nobody becomes somebody, without knowing anybody”.

 

The above submission by the elderstateman epitomizes the belief and political ideology of Otunba Rotimi Paseda (ORP). Prince Rotimi Paseda, a businessman cum politician broke the age long barrier in the political system of Ogun State, Nigeria by venturing into politics without attaching himself to the apron string of some godfathers whose without their endorsement no one can dare contest an elective position in Nigeria.

 

Born on 22nd June, 1966, Prince Olatunde Rotimi Paseda hails from Omu-Ijebu in the Eastern part of Ogun State. He is a UK/Mexico based business man. He came from a family of five, his mother was a retired teacher in public service and his dad was a store keeper at PZ, Paterzon Zochonic Nigeria Limited in the 60s. He started his career in PZ and ended his career in PZ. He was the longest serving staff at that point. Today, Otunba Rotimi Paseda is well-known as Omo Iya Teacher (Teacher’s son).

 

Paseda attended Baptist Academy for his O’level at Ikorodu, Lagos state. He thereafter travelled abroad for his University education. He attended the University of London, Berbeck College,  UK where he studied Transport Management and later got his Post Graduate Diploma in Tourism and Recreation Management from University of Cardiff, Wales, UK.

 

He is a member of the Chartered Institute of Transport, United Kingdom, and worked briefly as European Air Tour Operator with Euro Skyhop  International before establishing Skylink Travels and Tours over twenty-five years ago. This was his commencement of his self-employment venture in the United Kingdom and Worldwide.

 

Otunba Paseda, not minding the herculean task and daunting challenges before him, entered into the governorship race with only three months to prepare for the Governorship election in the state alongside the incumbent, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, PDP flagbearer, Prince Gboyega Nasir Isiaka. Though, he was not declared winner of the keenly contested election that almost plug the state into chaos, as he is from nowhere came (3rd). Paseda believes in the popular Yoruba adage…”Ti esin ba dani, a ma ntun gun ni”. Little wonder, he is once again seeking the support of the good people of Ogun State come 2019.

 

Paseda, worried about the economy effects on the people, he established “Paseda Legacy Foundation”,  a non-governmental organization to better the lives of the downtrodden in the society. ORP has fondly called, through his foundation,  PLF has empowered hundreds of youths, the aged, market women, students and health challenged victims at the hospitals.

 

A testimony to many of his kind gestures include; donation of Millions of Naira to young entrepreneurs who graduated from his Achievers Youths Initiatives Skills Acquisition training for many people in Obafemi/Owode local government of the state, flying out a Nine year-old Oluwatosin Solanke who has a kidney disease to India for surgery, complete payment of leg surgery of Animasahun Ismail who was to be amputated by local surgeon, but Otunba Rotimi Paseda saved the victim at Federal Medical Centre, Idi-Aba, Abeokuta with his prompt intervention, purchase of laptop computers for Gateway Polytechnic ICT Students, who ran to his foundation for help, provision of affordable and conducive accommodation for victims whose houses were demolished by the Ogun State Government for road construction and could not get compensation, free scholarship for Itoku Market collapsed building victim children for their secondary education among many others.

 

Otunba Paseda through his initiative trained both old and young women on beads making, cake baking, paint making, Ankara bag and shoe making, interior decoration, phone repairing, Make-up, Barbing, etc.

 

WHAT IS PASEDA’S POLITICAL AMBITION?

 

Otunba Olatunde Rotimi Paseda’s political ambition is summed up in his willingness to help the poor and the needy in order to bring happiness to the greatest numbers of Ogun people. Paseda’s ambition was inspired by the political stewardship of former Nigeria Western region Premier, late Chief Obafemi Jeremiah Awolowo. Awo’s political stewardship is enveloped in one word “FREE” and every other thing follows: free education, free health services. Of all promises kept by Awolowo, the “free education” policy was best achieved.

 

Awolowo’s unsurpassing ideology on education has made the South-West Nigeria, the educational knowledge centre of the nation. But going beyond this, gainful employment and rural integration and development have formed the central pattern of Awolowo’s unprecedented stewardship. There is a justifiable evidence all over today.

 

Most young graduates then were gainfully employed. This made it possible for them to impart their skills and contribute more to the growth of the society. These are the memories of the legendary time of Awolowo. To Paseda, the tape can be played over again. However, Prince Paseda considers the current political game in Nigeria as too elitist and considers Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) a solution, hence, the need to change the face of Nigeria politics to the advantage of the oppressed Nigerians who have been marginalized from government and governance too long.

 

As Ogun state gubernatorial candidate under the banner of UPN, Prince Paseda considers his contest as a response to the clarion call by well meaning Ogun state indigenes and party stakeholders who thought of him as the best man for the job in 2015.

 

This clarion call, to his surprise was endorsed by all the local government chieftains of the state. There is no honour that could be greater than this. Prince Rotimi Paseda’s cardinal programmes include; free education at all levels, free and qualitative healthcare for all, gainful employment and rural integration and development.

 

This is the covenant with the people of Ogun state. Guided by his philosophy of life that one should use whatever God has given him or her, be it wealth, position or skills to help people in need without necessarily waiting for them to ask for such assistance. Paseda’s candid advice for the people of Ogun state is that they should be able to ask the public office holders questions about service delivery and also to use their votes to create a better future for their children.

 

PASEDA AND YOUTH INVOLVEMENT

 

Often times than none, the youths in Ogun State have been neglected for the development of the state and the country generally which serves as the bane of underdevelopment in the country. The non-involvement of the youths in the affairs of the state contributed in no small measure to the dwindling economy growth of the Gateway state. Otunba Rotimi Paseda, perturbed by the devilish usage of the youths in the hands of politicians for political thuggery, has vowed to engage the youths to form his integral part of his administration God’s willing in 2019 if elected as Ogun state Governor. He had promised at different fora, that the youths would domicile his cabinet, advising them to be good ambassadors of the country, and steer clear from any vices that may jeopardize their future, urging them to resist any attempts to be used as political thugs.

 

Otunba Rotimi Paseda song by Don Moen: “God will make a way, where there seems to be no way. He works in ways, we cannot see, He will make a way for me”.

 

OGUNSIJI, is the Director of Media and Strategies, Paseda Legacy Foundation

 

 

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Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

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General Buratai Urges Dangote Not To Succumb To Marketers Blackmail, Reveals Why

Petrol: MRS Slashes Petrol Price to N935/Litre Nationwide, Enforces compliance

… Nigerians praise Dangote-MRS partnership

 

MRS Oil Nigeria Plc, a prominent player in the Nigerian downstream oil industry, has implemented a new petrol price of N935 per litre across all its retail service stations nationwide. This follows an announcement by the President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, that the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has partnered with MRS Oil and Gas to offer petrol at N935 per litre at retail outlets, following a reduction in the ex-depot price from N970 to N899.50 per litre.

In response, MRS Oil Nigeria Plc has instructed all its outlets to implement the new price immediately, setting up a digital platform and monitoring team to ensure full compliance. The company has also called on Nigerians to report any outlets that fail to adhere to the new price structure.

“Petrol is now being sold at N935 at MRS Filling Stations nationwide. If you find any station not following this price, please report it. Call 08009447853 or email: [email protected],” the company stated in a release.

Emphasising the eco-friendly nature of its products, MRS Oil added, *“We call on all petrol station owners to join MRS Oil Nigeria Plc in improving the supply chain of our beloved country, ensuring product quality and availability in every corner of Nigeria for the benefit of all Nigerians.”*

Checks by our correspondents yesterday confirmed that the new price had been implemented at all MRS Oil and Gas retail outlets nationwide.

In Lagos, commuters were seen queuing at MRS filling stations to purchase petrol. Many expressed their gratitude to Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil and Gas, urging other marketers to support the indigenous refinery rather than import off-spec products into the country.

Mrs. Ibukun Phillips, a commuter at the MRS station at Alapere on the Lagos Ibadan Express way, could not hide her joy as her husband filled up their car.

“I am very happy today. This is a victory for Nigeria,” she said. “The price reduction is the best gift of the season. But beyond just the reduction, we are buying standard, eco-friendly petrol at a lower rate. My husband and I have decided we will only be using MRS from now on because we are confident in the quality of the product and supporting the economy.”

Commercial bus driver Adio Ajibade described the price reduction as a great relief, especially during the festive season.

“The reduction is a great relief. It will reduce transportation costs and benefit Nigerians. God will continue to bless Alhaji Aliko Dangote,” he said.

A public affairs analyst and university lecturer, Dr. Tunde Akanni, said the collaboration between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and MRS Oil represents a significant step towards improving the affordability, quality, and sustainability of petroleum products in Nigeria.

According to Dr. Akanni, “this move will not only help ease the financial burden on Nigerians but also promote a more environmentally conscious approach to fuel consumption, benefitting both the economy and public health in the long term.”

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT

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FIRS ANNOUNCES AN ONGOING RECRUITMENT.

 

The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) has rolled out an exciting opportunity for experienced professionals to join its team.

In a public notice via its X handle, the agency announced job openings for positions like Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, and Assistant Director in fields such as Tax, Public Relations, Legal, ICT, and Risk Management.

Interested candidates are encouraged to review the eligibility criteria and apply via the official portal at careers.firs.gov.ng before January 11, 2025. This recruitment drive is aimed at bolstering public service efforts and maximizing national development.

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

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UBA GMD Calls for Public-Private Collaboration, Joins Aviation Minister to Commission New MMIA Departure Section

The newly renovated departure section of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, refurbished by United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, was officially commissioned on Friday, December 20th, 2024.

The laudable project, which marks a transformative moment in Nigeria’s aviation sector, underscores UBA’s unwavering commitment to national development and highlights the immense value of strategic public-private partnerships (PPPs).

The ceremony was graced by distinguished stakeholders, including the Honourable Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, SAN; the Managing Director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku; other Directors, and Heads of Agencies operating at the Airport.

Speaking at the event, UBA’s Group Managing Director/CEO, Oliver Alawuba,lauded the collaboration that brought the project to fruition as he emphasised the need for public and private institutions to come together to build and revamp the nation’s assets.

“This renovation is a testament of UBA’s belief in the transformative power of investing in national assets. By modernising our airports, we not only enhance infrastructure but also position Nigeria as a global hub for tourism, trade, and investment,” he stated.

Alawuba took time to highlight the broader economic impact of such initiatives, urging increased private-sector participation in national development. “Public-private partnerships like this demonstrate what can be achieved when we unite for a shared vision of progress and investing in infrastructure catalyses economic growth, improves travel experiences, and creates opportunities across various sectors of the economy,” he added.

Alawuba reflected on the power of unity and collaboration, quoting Helen Keller: “Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.” The commissioning of the renovated departure section serves as a reminder of what strategic partnerships can achieve in driving national development and elevating Nigeria’s global standing.”

While commissioning the project, Keyamo commended UBA for executing the project, a feat he termed a landmark achievement in Nigeria’s aviation sector. “This renovated departure section exemplifies the bank’s commitment to elevating aviation infrastructure, improving passenger experiences, and fostering international partnerships. It is a proud moment for the ministry and all stakeholders involved, and I thank the management of UBA for pioneering this initiative,” he remarked.

The minister highlighted other key achievements of his ministry, including compliance with the Cape Town Convention, the launch of a consumer protection portal, and advancements in major infrastructure projects such as the second runway at Abuja Airport and solar energy integration in airport operations.

The Managing Director/Chief Executive of FAAN, Mrs. Olubunmi Kuku, commended UBA and other stakeholders for their contributions, adding, “This project reflects FAAN’s dedication to delivering world-class aviation infrastructure. The enhanced departure section not only elevates passenger experiences but also strengthens Nigeria’s competitive position in global aviation,” she said.

She called for more private-sector participation, emphasising that “partnerships like these are essential to transforming the aviation sector into a beacon of excellence.”

The newly renovated departure section boasts cutting-edge facilities designed to enhance efficiency and passenger comfort. This upgrade reaffirms the Murtala Muhammed International Airport’s status as a critical gateway to Nigeria and a major hub for international travel in Africa.

United Bank for Africa is Africa’s Global Bank. Operating across twenty African countries and the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France and the United Arab Emirates, UBA provides retail, commercial and institutional banking services, leading financial inclusion and implementing cutting edge technology. UBA is one of the largest employers in the financial sector on the African continent, with 25,000 employees group wide and serving over 45 million customers globally.

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