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Otunba Gbenga Daniel, ‘a leopard that will never change its spots’

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CSOs Petition Senate, Accuse Gbenga Daniel Of Plot To Destabilize Ogun State

Otunba Gbenga Daniel, ‘a leopard that will never change its spots’

 

 

 

OTUNBA GBENGA DANIEL– A critical evaluation of the just concluded 2023 elections in Ogun State, South West Nigeria, brings to the fore certain intrigues and power play that expose the futility and frailty of hope in man. It has been said, and rightly so, that intrigues and subterfuge are integral part of politics. But then, politics of betrayal and disloyalty to party’s objective cannot and should not be justified as normal. It is certainly not the ideal in progressive politics. Here lies the bitter truth about the ignoble role played by a former governor and now Ogun East senator-elect, Otunba Gbenga Daniel in the March 11 polls in the State.

 

 

 

Otunba Gbenga Daniel, 'a leopard that will never change its spots'

 

 

 

Sadly, it speaks to how society erroneously ascribes undue esteem to individual, who in actuality are unworthy of such trust. This is typically, OGD.

 

 

 

 

 

To be clear on this narrative, much was expected of Otunba Daniel as far as the effort to ensure APC victory at the poll was concerned. Deservedly so because much was given to his emergency as candidate.
Now, OGD had just profited from the robust structures built by committed members of the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the State having been returned as Senator-elect to represent Ogun East Senatorial district in the 10th National Assembly, regrettably even after betraying the people’s trust again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Recall that Otunba Daniel dumped the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in February 2021, to join the APC after about fourteen years of total political oblivion and irrelevance. His Machiavellian disposition and deceptive colouration had been his albatross right from his days as governor of the State between 2003 and 2011.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shamefully, his agents are still busy orchestrating political fabbles portraying same as truth in their desperate efforts to discredit the people’s mandate just handed down to Governor Abiodun.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Many still remember Daniel’s eight years in the saddle with sadness, a charade reign of media induced hope, characterized by deceits and plethora of lies, with array of violent activities, including unprecedented politically motivated killings, arson and all sorts of vices that completely made the State highly unstable and volatile.

 

 

 

 

By the tail end of his administration in 2011, Daniel had lost the confidence of the good people of Ogun State completely, as they eagerly looked forward to the end of his pretentious administration that had reversed the progressive gear of the State beyond comprehension.

 

 

 

 

 

Except for the usual paraphernalia of office, no single honour was accorded Daniel again towards the end of his administration, as people largely became aware of his inefficiency, alleged propensity for corruption and double-faced posture, with the unpleasant result of huge infrastructural deficit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The level of leadership failure and administrative laxity on the part of Gbenga Daniel eventually played out when his party, the PDP, vehemently rejected his preferred candidate, Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, and settled for General Adetunji Olurin as the governorship candidate of the party.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Daniel, in a show of confusion later went to form a leprous party, Peoples Party of Nigeria(PPN), which became a source of joke among the people of the State, where himself and his candidate continued to spend money with anticipation of influencing the people but perpetually hit a brick wall in every nook and cranny of the State.

 

 

 

 

The former governor sadly left the political stage in Ogun State in 2011 at the expiration of his tenure unceremoniously and eventually went into political oblivion thereafter in the State, at that time, he had unwittingly lost majority of his followers and allies and destroyed his political structure across the State.

 

 

 

 

 

For political watchers, it was not surprising why the ‘almighty OGD’ could not produce a successor, despite the larger than life political posture he portrayed and the media hype about his purported performance. However, to the majority of residents in the State, that exactly should be his fate after deceiving the people for so long.

 

 

 

 

 

Of course, that was the state of Otunba Gbenga Daniel’s political condition in Ogun State before 2021 until he was rescued by well-meaning political leaders in APC, led by the incumbent Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, after his failed outing as the Chairman of Presidential Campaign Council for the PDP in the 2019 presidential election.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

At first, many were wondering how the Chairman of PCC of a leading opposition party could easily make a U-turn to join the ruling party in that speed and manner, but for those who were aware of Gbenga Daniel’s psyche and style, the development was not strange to them, they knew he is a man that has never stand for anything and will always fall for everything.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

That Otunba Gbenga Daniel lacks principles and specific position on issues is inchoate, he is a man with chronic erratic nature, one that is too dangerous to believe and follow, in fact, consistency is copiously missing in his style of dealings in any form.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, despite his obvious flaws and laxity, Daniel was rescued from the jaw of ignominious failure and state of political pariah in Ogun State by APC leaders and redeemed back into the consciousness of the people, especially his immediate domain in Ogun East.

 

 

 

 

 

Every right thinking individual would have thought the man would change his way and turn a new leaf after over a decade in political egypt, alas! as soon as he was given another opportunity to be relevant, Daniel quickly resumed his old style and started working against the interests of his destiny helper.

 

 

 

 

 

The former governor, strangely teemed up with opposition party in his axis out of pecuniary consideration to sabotage the efforts of his party and destroy the structures that helped him; his appalling activities almost cost APC its victory in the gubernatorial poll of March 18. Indeed, this is extremely sad and unpardonable.

 

 

 

 

 

It is imperative for political stakeholders in Ogun State to be wary of this character irrespective of party affiliations; he is a man without requisite trait of loyalty and solidarity; he is a typical african leopard that will never change its spots no matter what.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Leaders like former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Ogun State Governor, Aremo Olusegun Osoba can say much about Gbenga Daniel; his political life and antecedents, together with his level of loyalty at every point in time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meanwhile, because the National Assembly is the bastion of democracy, which represents the conscience of the people and serve as a guiding instrument for democracy, whoever that is coming to the allow chambers must be a man or woman of impeccable character and be patriotic in all ways.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, the leadership of the 10th National Assembly must be vigilant and careful with the nature of responsibility that will be given to Otunba Gbenga Daniel and the level of party activities that would be assigned to him, considering his pedigree and personality.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lastly, the leadership of the APC must painstakingly review his activities, especially in the just concluded governorship election in Ogun State and also watch him closely in days ahead to determine the continuity of his membership.

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Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

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Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

 

Majority of Deltans are unanimous in their submissions that the name of
Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, a celebrated top civil servant and retired permanent secretary in Delta State Government House has been recorded in the good side of history.

Celebrating Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje At 60 By Jimmy Enyeh

As he clocked 60 today, family members, friends, associates and well wishers have been falling over themselves to pay tribute to a kind hearted and jolly good fellow.

 

Edwin, a scion of the famous Gbegbaje family in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State, a family noted for producing top bureaucrats and influential public servants.

For 35 years until he retired in January 2024, he added values to Delta State civil service, deepening its positive nuances and was one of the people that nurtured the civil service of the young state upon creation in 1991 to its now enviable heights, setting it along with others on a trajectory that has made it one of the best in the country.

Gbegbaje’s story is far from the proverbial rags-to-riches . He was born into comfort and high society, but suddenly lost his affluent parents in his first and third years at the University of Jos, but with good counsel and guidance of relatives who were bureaucrats, Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje made a career choice that saw him becoming a permanent secretary at 46, a very rare feat in those days.

In an interview conducted three years ago to celebrate his 57 years, he offered a glimpse into his life, challenges and triumph. “I come from the larger Gbegbaje family in Ekpan, Uvwie Local Government Area of Delta State. We have quite several branches of the genealogical tree. We have the Abesan. The patriarch of the family is Chief Gbegbaje Dasone.

“We have Oloyo Gbegbaje and Ogidi Gbegbaje. My parents were civil servants like myself. My mum was a social welfare officer who rose through the ranks.During the late Ambrose Ali administration in Bendel State, she was appointed permanent secretary. My father was a medical doctor.

“He was the first radiologist in the defunct Bendel State and second in the country. My father was the chief consultant radiologist in Bendel State. I also have an uncle, Mr. K Gbegbaje who was a permanent secretary. When he retired, he became the Chairman of Bendel State Civil Service Commission. I have an uncle who was the first Accountant-General of Kwara State. He was in the northern civil service in the 60s.He later became Chairman of National Oil. I am from a family of bureaucrats. I attended Emotan Primary School in Benin.

“I proceeded to Edo College. When I left Edo College, I had the desire to leave Benin. Even when I was admitted into UNIBEN to study Economics and Statistics, I wasn’t enthusiastic. So, I got admission to study Political Science in Jos in 1981. Prof Emovon from UNIBEN was the Vice-Chancellor in Jos at the time. As I was entering, Jos ceased being a campus of the University of Ibadan. I was there from 1981 -1985. I graduated before my 21st birthday.

“Unfortunately, I lost my dad as I was entering the university in 1981. When I was just getting into my third year, I lost my mum.

It wasn’t easy being the eldest among my siblings. In fact, I was encouraged to come for Christmas holiday in Benin without knowing that the evening of my arrival in Benin was the period of my mum’s service of songs.

“I didn’t have an inkling that such a thing had happened. I didn’t even hear that she was ill. I was shocked when I saw canopies in my compound at Ovie Whiskey Avenue close to Ekhewan Campus. A prominent Jos-based businessman from Ughelli encouraged me to visit home for Christmas.

“I graduated in 1985 and taught at a secondary school in Iko-Eket, Cross River State. Just as I was finishing, there were some advertisements for jobs. I didn’t see the one for NNPC early enough.Towards the end of 1988, my uncle who was the Chairman of Bendel State Civil Service Commission, said since I couldn’t get a private sector job, I should participate in extended interviews, especially since I had sat for ASCON examination.

“He advised me to start a career in the civil service. By the end of 1988, letters of appointment were out. I wasn’t conscious of the fact that the person who resumes first becomes the senior in service. I didn’t resume early. My uncle said I was supposed to have resumed instead of waiting to resume in the New Year. A few of my friends who were conscious of it had resumed and they became my seniors in service. I resumed on January 3, 1989.

“That was how my career started. We were supposed to come in as administrative officers Grade 7, but at that time there was a decree. So, by the time we came in, we were designated as personnel officers. We were regarded as the special class.

“Upon the creation of Delta State on August 27, 1991, we all had to move to Asaba. In fact, the movement was swift.
We were all not fully prepared for the swift movement. There was a surge of human beings into Asaba with the state creation. A lot of us couldn’t get accommodation in Asaba when we came. In fact, I stayed in Ibusa for nine years. It was when I met my wife that we moved to Asaba. A lot of my colleagues were sleeping in the offices then.

On his retirement, the Delta State governor praised Gbegbaje’s contribution to the growth of the state.

Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, at the retirement thanks-giving service of Gbegbaje, urged civil servants in the state to emulate his virtues.

Speaking at a grand reception in honour of the celebrant at the Events Centre, Asaba, Governor Oborevwori described Ogidi-Gbegbaje as an intelligent, humble, diligent, transparent, process driven, selfless, accountable and compassionate bureaucrat.

While congratulating the retired Permanent Secretary for his diligent and patriotic service to the state, Oborevwori said Ogidi-Gbegbaje was very helpful in the last seven months of his administration.

According to him, “a lot has been said about Sir Eddy Ogidi-Gbegbaje and I also have a personal experience about him while I was Speaker and in the last seven months as Governor of Delta State, we have worked very closely and he helped me to settle down quickly.

“Sir Ogidi-Gbegbaje played his role very well, he is diligent in his duties and was always giving good and useful advise wherever he worked.

“Your service to humanity is something worth emulating and I must say that I enjoyed working with you. I congratulate you for 35 years of unblemished and meritorious service to the government and people of Delta State.

“We are going to miss you, the civil service will miss you, the machinery of government will miss you, you are retired but you are not tired, and your service is still needed.

“I want other civil servants to emulate your commitment to duty. So my message to other civil servants is that they should emulate Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje.

“If you look at his journey in the civil service from Bendel to Delta, you see his commitment to duty. Today, he has finished strong and we rejoice with him and his family”.

Chairman of the occasion and former Minister of Information, Professor Sam Oyovbaire, congratulated the celebrant for a successful retirement from service and urged other civil servants to emulate his kind virtues and commitment to duty.

From all indications, Edwin Ogidi-Gbagbaje is worth celebrating, he has touched numerous lives in the last six decades.

At the cusp of his 60th anniversary, the social and the civil service landscapes pulse with milestones he has achieved thus reasserting his worth as a rare force of nature. As family and friends join him in celebrating his 60th birthday, the image that pops into head is that of his genius and the passionate intensity he possesses, literally squizing water from stone as far as the public service is concerned. His brilliant performance as a permanent secretary, Delta State Government House, has earned him another appointment. He is currently the Chairman, Delta State Bureau for Pension and has been giving a splendid account of himself.

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“In All Life’s Hardships, Keep Your Smile” By Prudent Ludidi

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"In All Life's Hardships, Keep Your Smile" By Prudent Ludidi

“In All Life’s Hardships, Keep Your Smile” By Prudent Ludidi

Let’s talk about a powerful tool that can help you navigate life’s challenges with confidence, resilience, and hope. That tool is your smile.

 

Life can be tough. It can throw us curveballs, test our resolve, and push us to our limits. But in the midst of hardship, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. We forget to smile, forget to laugh, and forget to live.

"In All Life's Hardships, Keep Your Smile" By Prudent Ludidi

Your smile is more than just a facial expression. It’s a symbol of strength, courage, and determination. It’s a beacon of hope that shines brightly, even in the darkest moments.

When life gets tough, it’s tempting to frown, to cry, or to give up. But I urge you to do the opposite. Smile. Smile through the tears, smile through the pain, and smile through the struggles.

Smiling doesn’t mean you’re ignoring your problems or pretending everything is okay. It means you’re choosing to rise above, to find the silver lining, and to focus on the good.

Your smile has the power to transform your mindset, inspire others, diffuse tension, and heal emotional wounds. It’s a powerful antidote to stress, anxiety, and fear.

Think about it. When was the last time you smiled? Really smiled? Not just a polite smile or a forced grin, but a genuine, heartwarming smile?

Smiling can:

Reduce stress and anxiety
Boost your mood and energy
Improve your relationships
Increase your resilience

So, how can you keep your smile shining bright, even in the face of adversity?

Find the humor in difficult situations. Laughter is a powerful way to shift your perspective and lighten the load.

Practice gratitude daily. Focus on the good things in your life, no matter how small they may seem.

Surround yourself with positivity. Spend time with people who uplift and support you.

Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and prioritize self-care.

Remember, your smile is contagious. It can light up a room, brighten someone’s day, and change the atmosphere.

In all life’s hardships, keep your smile. It’s a reminder that better days are ahead, that you’re stronger than you think, and that you’re not alone.

Your smile is your superpower. Use it to overcome obstacles, to uplift others, and to create a ripple effect of joy and positivity.

Don’t let life’s challenges steal your smile. Keep shining, keep smiling, and keep pushing forward.

You are stronger than you think.

You are braver than you feel.

And you are capable of overcoming anything that comes your way.

So, smile. Smile with confidence. Smile with courage. Smile with hope!

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Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

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Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

 

The Former Chief of Army Staff (COAS, Nigerian Army) and Former Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Ambassador (Lt General rtd) Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR has said that Lagos State has all the qualifications of a modern city and is one of the most populated cities in Sub – Saharan Africa. He went further to affirm that Lagos is also indicative of the degree to which Nigeria’s economic, political, social, and cultural landscape is deeply embedded within the global system.

 

Lagos State’s Stability is a Barometer for Nigeria’s Stability – Amb. Tukur Buratai

He made this assertion on Wednesday 20th November, 2024 as the keynote Speaker at the Second Edition of the Lagos State University of Education Security Summit, with the theme: Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai, while delivering the lecture in a paper titled: Lagos in Nigeria’s National Security and Defence Architecture: An Analysis.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai postulated in his paper that, “The presence of strategic military installations, the verse Atlantic Ocean and extensive coastline has placed Lagos State on the strategic defense map of the Armed Forces of Nigeria”, He said further that, ” While the sea provides a strategic economic status it could also be vulnerable to external attacks across the ocean”.

 

In his paper, Ambassador Tukur Buratai reiterated that the Lagos State government should begin to look at the options and implications of having its own security.

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also emphasized the urgent necessity to bolster our nation’s troop level to 800,000. He said a larger and more robust force will enhance operational readiness, improve our country’s capacity to respond to various contingencies, and strengthen our alliance on the international stage.

 

 

He also called for the establishment of a Marine Corps for the Nigerian Navy to be strategically stationed in key regions such as Lagos, Borno, Cross River, and Port Harcourt.

 

 

He also raised the pressing issue of the persistent lack of stable power supply in Lagos. He asserted that the Lagos State Government must urgently prioritize the development of independent power generation.

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also lauded the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s strategy regarding security in Lagos, which provides an example for governor’s throughout Nigeria. He said the governor recognizes that genuine security transcends mere physical presence or reactive measures. He commended the governor’s innovative approach, which has redefined the urban governance, and has also set a benchmark for other states to follow.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also recalled that during his tenure as the Chief of Army Staff, he had the distinct privilege of witnessing the fruitful collaboration between the Nigerian Army and Lagos State under the leadership of Former Governor Ambode and now Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

 

 

Ambassador Buratai, during the lecture, also appluaded the Lagos State Government on its infrastructural development in Lagos State, especially the Red and Blue Railway lines.

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai also commended the Federal Government interventions in the development of Lagos State, while applauding the construction of the Lagos to Calabar Highway, he adviced the Lagos State and Federal Government on the security implications of opening up the high way, he suggested to the government to be proactive by early planning for its security when opened and becomes operational.

 

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University of Education, Prof B. B Lafiaji-Okuneye welcomed Ambassador Tukur Buratai to the institution. In her words, she said, ” The great warlord and global peace ambassador is visiting our great institution for the first time. Sir, we appreciate you and what you stand for. Your desire for a Nigeria that is peaceful and safe, where the citizens and residents are free and are given every opportunity to prove their worth and contribute to the growth and development of the nation is evident “.

 

 

While making his contribution during the summit, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education, Lagos State, appreciated and commended Ambassador Buratai for adding value to the security summit and more importantly adding value to the Lagos State University of Education. The Commissioner also drew the attention of the participants of the summit to parts of Ambassador Buratai’s paper, where he elaborated on the strategy of social inclusiveness rather than the use of force to curb insecurity.

 

 

The Commissioner for Tertiary Education, Barr Tolani Sule on behalf of the Lagos State University of Education, presented a Plague of Honour to Ambassador Buratai for his role in nation building.

 

 

Other discussant at the Summit included, HRM, Oba Kamorudeen Animashaun, (Arolugbade 11, the Oloja of Epe Land and the Vice Chairman, Lagos State Council of Obas and Chiefs), HRM, Oba Momodu Afolabi Ashafa ( The Aladi of Ijanikin Kingdom), HRM, Oba (Dr) Aina Josiah Olanrewaju ( IKUYAMIKU 1, the Oloto of Oto Awori Kingdom) and HRH, Oba Babatunde Ogunlaja JP ( ALADESHOYIN, the Paramount Ruler of Odo – Noforija Kingdom), all of whom spoke on the theme :Insecurity, Cost of Living and Good Governance in the 21st Century.

 

 

The event which was attended by various Traditional Rulers, Members of the Governing Council and Senate of the Institution, the Commissioner of Tertiary Education in Lagos State, Barr Tolani Sule, Captain of Industries, Security and Para Military Chiefs in Lagos State, various invited guests and the students.

 

 

Ambassador Tukur Buratai’s delegation to the summit included, Lt General Lamidi Adeosun (rtd), Former Chief of Policy and Plans, Nigerian Army, Colonel Emmanuel Adegbola (rtd), Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, Alhaja Toyyibat Adeosun, Alhaji Isa Dogo amongst others.

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