Foreign guests trickle in as Nigerians honour Andrew Aganbi in Delta State

The stage is set for the biggest gathering of international faces in Delta State.

December 1-3, 2023, Koko and Sapele will play host to high-ranking personalities.

‘’This is an important rendezvous for the friends, business associates and family members of the late Delta politician, Andrew Aganbi. A memorial golf kitty will take place at the Sapele Athletic Club on Friday, December 1, 2023’’ a statement in Koko, headquarters of Warri North Local Government by the Chief Executive Officer of Akogate Water and Oil, said.

‘’Friends of the late world class caterer, hotel management expert and politician, Andrew Aganbi, will look forward to the memorial concerts at Canaan Land Golf & Country Club, Koko on Saturday, December 2, 2023.’’

All eyes will be in the direction of local and foreign troupes, pop stars and reggae musicians.’’

The statement listed De Pub Night, recitation in English and Itsekiri, cultural displays of traditional dances and modes of dressing as key programmes.

‘’A thanksgiving service will be held on Sunday, December 3, 2023, at the New Birth Baptist Church, Besides Youth Town Hall, New Road Beach, Koko. Farewell party and reception for local and foreign guests will be held in the afternoon at Canaan Land Golf & Country Club, Koko.’’

Andrew Aganbi was buried in London, capital of England on Friday, November 17, 2023.

Death laid his filthy hands on him in September 2023 at the age of 59.

His casket was carried from Church of the Good Shepherd, Downham to Grove Park Cemetery, Marvel Lane.

During the well-attended service of songs and funeral mass at Gateway Chapel, Camp David, and Church of the Good Shepherd, Downham, Bromley, Andrew Aganbi’s sterling qualities, his good deeds, works and thought were emphasized.

The late Delta State politician was the very essence of compassion, duty, pedigree and style. He was overwhelmingly magnanimous and released on friends and relatives his wealth.

His death set up a wave of heartfelt tributes from the numerous lives he touched and the thousands who he inspired in the cause of a highly productive and fulfilled life.

Speaker after speaker stressed Andrew Aganbi’s capacity for love, caring, courage, role in the political development of Delta State and the unique niche he filled in the days of hotel and night club development in Nigeria.

Family members noted his ‘’tireless work, creative thinking, total integrity, discipline and generosity.

They emphasized Andrew Aganbi’s cordial relationship marked by candor, trust and extraordinary understanding.

To his business associates, Andrew Aganbi exemplified the essence of dignity in appearance, in thought, in speech and in action.

’’ Andrew Aganbi, creative, generous and pleasant, left much for us to cherish. He was an epitome of compassion, selflessness and rationality. He was a shining light in the life of Nigerians and lots of people that met him on the journey called life. We shall forever miss his amiable disposition, the very essence of a happy and fulfilled life’’ Business mogul, Felix Aganbi said.

Lagos Assembly, NASS Collaborate Over State Roads

***Lawmakers begin inventory of roads that need fixing

***erring contractors may face sanctions

The Lagos State House of Assembly has commenced an assessment of roads in the state with the aim of ascertaining their current conditions.
This move by the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure is coming days after lawmakers at the House decried the parlous conditions of some roads within the state.
Chairman of the House Committee on Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Desmond Elliot, said the committee has the approval of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, and the House to thoroughly look into the challenge and come up with recommendations to help the state.

“The Speaker and the House are concerned about the conditions of the roads in the state including the fact that some of the roads are washed away few months or years after they are constructed.

“This tour of roads in the state is about how we can ensure longevity for them and forestall the havocs given by rains. More rains might be coming next year. So we are working to ensure the roads are safe, accessible to residents and durable for the benefit of mankind.

“We are also looking at collaborative efforts among the tiers of government. At the end of the exercise, we should be able to give a more concrete report regarding good roads, the not-so-good roads and make presentations to the House for a solution,” he said while hinting that erring contractors could face sanctions.
Elliot further said that the committee, under the instruction of Speaker Obasa, had met with the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Works and presented documents that would help with the fixing of federal roads in Lagos.
“The meeting with our counterparts at the National Assembly was fruitful and we are hopeful. We will not stop but make sure that all our roads, whether federal, state or local government roads, within the state are fixed.
“We will not fold our hands at the Lagos Assembly, especially under the leadership of Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa. We will work to ensure that Lagos roads are second to none,” he added.
Hon. Femi Saheed, a member of the committee, said the tour of the roads in the state will help the House know the level of the involvements of the federal, state and local governments in the projects.
“We want a holistic and symbiotic relationship among these tiers of government,” he said.
On his part, Adekunle Olayinka, Special Adviser to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Works and Infrastructure, said the ministry would take another look at areas where the committee expressed dissatisfaction with the level of work.

He commended the Lagos Assembly for the tour while promising that the government will continue to do its best to meet the challenges of road infrastructure in the state.

*UN International Day For Solidarity with Palestine: TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation Calls for Permanent Ceasefire 

In a bid to support peace and stability in the Middle East, the TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation has called for a permanent ceasefire between Israel and Palestine. This plea comes on the occasion of the UN International Day for Solidarity with Palestine.

The foundation’s Chairman, Amb Ibrahim Dahiru Danfulani Sadaukin Garkuwan Keffi, and Betara of Biu and the grand patron of the foundation, His Excellency Amb Lt Gen Tukur Yusufu Buratai Rtd CFR Betara of Biu, have expressed deep sorrow and concern over the colossal lost of lifes and damage to property in Gaza. The foundation, known for its unwavering commitment to humanity and desire to alleviate the suffering of those affected by conflicts worldwide, is calling for an end to the violence and the protection of innocent lives.

As the Israel-Hamas temporary truce enters it’s fifth day, there seems to be a ray of hope as both sides completed their fourth releases of captives from Gaza in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli jails and vice versa. Mediators have stated that the process will continue, indicating a potential breakthrough in the negotiations.

Qatar, along with Egypt, has played a crucial role in facilitating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas. Qatar’s Ambassador to the United Nations, Alya Ahmed Saif Al-Thani, announced that an agreement has been reached to extend the original four-day truce by two more days. This extension provides an opportunity for both sides to release more individuals, further fostering an atmosphere of peace and reconciliation.

While progress is being made, it is essential to remember the plight of the occupied people of Palestine. The foundation urges everyone to take a moment to pray for the innocent civilians, especially the children, who have been affected by the ongoing conflict. It is a time to condemn the senseless violence and hope that the negotiations on the ground will lead to a lasting resolution.

The TY Buratai Humanity Care Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that promotes peace, stability, and the well-being of individuals affected by conflicts worldwide. With the call for a permanent ceasefire, the foundation emphasizes the importance of dialogue and understanding in resolving the Israel-Palestine conflict.

As the negotiations continue, the foundation joins the international community in praying for a swift end to the war and a brighter future for the people of Palestine.