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Tunde Braimoh: A Sudden Darkness Overtakes Our Sun

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Easter: Let God's unending love reign supreme - Obasa Urges Nigerians

By Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa

It has been over 24 hours, yet I am still in search of the right words to portray how I feel currently. It did not come like a lightening. No. It hit like thunder. Maybe. Maybe worse than that. Or how best can one describe the blow death brought upon us with the sudden demise of Hon. Tunde Braimoh? How best can I understand that one backbone of the Lagos State House of Assembly has been expunged, not even like something taken away temporarily to be returned someday? How best can I pull myself together knowing that we will not see this scholarly politician whose meritorious service has added to the gains of Lagos?

As I sit quietly, ruminating about our journey on this earth, how we became close pals, the circumstances that brought us together, Briamoh’s unique voice, his brilliant arguments and postulations, his sequence and enviable use of words that sometimes got us bursting with laughter and respect, his gait, his carriage, then the reality that none of these would be heard or seen again, I melt with thick sweats on my forehead. Can our tears cease?

Two times I have tried to put something together within the last 24 hours. Yet, same two times I have been at a loss for what to say.

Tunde Braimoh was not just a lawmaker, he was an ally, he never had ‘no’ for an answer. He knew what to do even before such was brought to his attention. He had a ready answer for all questions. I remember the many times he would walk up to me to tell me about issues. A constant characteristic was that he solved most of them before I got to know.

Yes, he was not perfect; he was a human being like all of us, but who can judge him when his good deeds, which are unquantifiable, are there before everyone? There is no doubting the fact that he touched lives personally and on behalf of the House of Assembly. He had feelings for the downtrodden – they benefitted immensely. In everything he did, he always placed himself in the shoes of the other person.

He was neat, his dress sense was unique. He was always careful with life and he took his health as a priority. His laughter still rings. I can’t imagine – and do not even want to – that in our next sitting, we would all be greeted by an empty seat without that handsome, tall and gallant man, whose brilliance was never in doubt. This is truly a blow to us.

Hon. Braimoh had plans, great ones, for Lagos State. He had shared some with me. He also always had his constituents in mind constantly thinking of how best to reach them and give them reasons to be happy.

This year 2020 has shown its troubling uniqueness. Between June and July, we lost two strong pillars. We were still grappling with the reality of the demise of Senator Sikiru Oshinowo, whose valedictory session Braimoh played a role in as the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Security and Strategy.

We will be consoled by the fact that the late two-term lawmaker served his State and the Federation of Nigeria with his might and intelligence and contributed immensely to their advancements. But, again, our hearts will continue to grieve. Rest on, dear brother and friend.

Rt. Hon. Obasa is the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly and Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria.

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Third Term Resumption: Ajadi Launches Back-to-School Support for 200 Pupils in Ibadan

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Third Term Resumption: Ajadi Launches Back-to-School Support for 200 Pupils in Ibadan

 

A leading governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the education sector as part of efforts to build a better future for the next generation.

 

Speaking at a press briefing on Sunday, Ajadi said his administration, if elected in 2027, would focus on harnessing grassroots talents while providing support for vulnerable and underprivileged children.

 

He announced plans to launch a “Back-to-School Initiative” on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, across the seven geopolitical zones of the state, in commemoration of the 2025/2026 third term resumption.

According to him, the programme aims to support over 200 vulnerable pupils with school uniforms, socks, sandals, and other educational materials.

 

He noted that the initiative would complement ongoing efforts by the administration of Seyi Makinde in addressing the challenge of out-of-school children.

 

The initiative, he added, is being implemented in partnership with the Catch Them Young Campaign Initiative to ensure that support reaches pupils in government-owned primary schools across the state.

 

In Ibadan, the first phase of the programme will cover selected schools, including Ode Aje Primary School, Kumapayi Primary School, Olodo; IDC Primary School, Odo-Ona; L. A Special School, Gate; and St. Luke’s Demonstration Basic School, Molete.

 

Ajadi further disclosed that the initiative would be extended to other zones of the state in the coming weeks.

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Zamfara APC Stakeholders Unanimously Endorse Tinubu, Lawal for Second Term

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Zamfara APC Stakeholders Unanimously Endorse Tinubu, Lawal for Second Term

 

Stakeholders of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) in Zamfara State have thrown their full weight behind President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Dauda Lawal for a second term in the 2027 general elections.

 

The endorsement came on Saturday, April 25, 2026, during a high-level stakeholders’ meeting convened at the Government House in Gusau. The gathering drew all four former governors of the state, elected officials, elders, and representatives of youth and women from all 14 local government areas.

 

Speaking at the event, Governor Lawal described the meeting as timely, noting that political activities ahead of the 2027 elections are about to intensify.

 

He explained that his decision to join the APC was not merely political but a strategic move to reposition Zamfara, strengthen collaboration with the federal government, and advance the Renewed Hope Agenda. He thanked stakeholders for their unwavering support throughout the transition process.

 

Lawal urged party leaders to manage public expectations with maturity and fairness, acknowledging that not all political aspirations can be met immediately. He stressed that leadership goes beyond positions and that political relevance comes from service and contribution to development.

 

He further assured that fairness, equity, and justice would guide his administration’s decisions, and called for discipline and loyalty to the party.

 

In a communiqué read by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Mohammed Bello Matawalle, himself a former governor, the stakeholders declared their full support for President Tinubu and Governor Lawal. The communiqué also covered discussions on party unity, governance coordination, security challenges, and preparations for the 2027 elections.

 

All four former governors of Zamfara Ahmed Sani Yarima, Mahmuda Aliyu Shinkafi, Abdul’aziz Yari, and Bello Mohammed Matawalle were present and made clear commitments to the APC and the re-election bid of the president and the governor.

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Ajadi Gains Fresh Support from PDP Stakeholders Across 11 Ibadan LGAs yesterday 

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Ajadi Gains Fresh Support from PDP Stakeholders Across 11 Ibadan LGAs yesterday 

 

The leading governorship aspirant in Oyo State under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has reiterated his commitment to sustaining the achievements of Governor Seyi Makinde, stated that his ambition is driven by a desire to consolidate good governance as he believes that humans are not animals and need to be governed well rather than pursuing personal gain.

 

Ajadi made this known on Thursday, April 23, 2026, during a strategic meeting with PDP stakeholders drawn from all 11 local government areas in Ibadan, where he formally sought their support ahead of the party’s gubernatorial primary election.

 

Addressing the gathering, Ajadi commended the Makinde administration for what he described as impactful governance across critical sectors, stressing that his aspiration is rooted in continuity of good governance, emphasizing that the promised Omituntun 3.0 is sacrosanct and he remains the initiator of Omituntun 3.0, the continuity of Governor Seyi Makinde’s legacy.

 

“If Omituntun reaches 40.0 in the future, nobody should be surprised that what started from 1.0 got to that level because good governance needs to be in continuity till eternity,” he said.

 

“The government of Governor Seyi Makinde has done well in all ramifications. That is why I have come forward to sustain his good governance for the benefit of our people,” he said.

 

He dismissed insinuations that his ambition was financially motivated, emphasizing his longstanding commitment to humanitarian service.

 

“I am not in this race to loot public funds. I have always been a philanthropist, and I intend to replicate that character through people-oriented governance that will uplift lives across Oyo State,” Ajadi added.

 

Earlier, the PDP Senatorial Chairman, Hon. Dayo Opatokun, described Ajadi as a stabilizing force within the party, noting that his engagements have contributed significantly to unity among members.

 

“Ambassador Ajadi is one of the aspirants who have kept the party united. His approach to leadership and inclusiveness is commendable,” Opatokun said.

 

Also speaking, Hon. Mufutau Ogunremi, Senior Special Assistant on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to Governor Makinde, insisted that Ajadi should not be regarded as a political outsider within government circles.

 

“Ajadi should not be seen as a visitor in any government parastatal. He is a key stakeholder who has strengthened the PDP in Oyo State through consistent engagement with party executives at ward, local government, and state levels,” Ogunremi stated.

 

He further praised Governor Makinde’s leadership style, adding that Ajadi possesses similar qualities.

 

“Governor Makinde has shown exemplary leadership, and Ajadi has demonstrated the capacity to replicate that model. His relationship with party members is built on trust, loyalty, and sincerity,” he said.

 

The PDP Party Chairman in Lagelu Local Government Area, and Chairman of Local Government PDP Chairmen in the state, Femi Falowo, commended Ajadi’s humanitarian efforts and leadership qualities, expressing confidence in his ability to succeed Makinde.

 

“Many may be afraid to speak, but I will say it—Ajadi has done well in emulating humanitarian service. He understands governance and has what it takes to succeed Governor Seyi Makinde,” Falowo declared.

 

He urged the aspirant to remain steadfast in his philanthropic engagements and party unification efforts.

 

“I encourage you to continue your good work and never stop uniting members of the party,” he added.

 

On her part, the Senatorial Women Leader, Hon. Aduke Okewusi, called for greater inclusion and empowerment of women in Ajadi’s political structure.

 

“Women play crucial roles during elections, yet they are often relegated to the background. We want to be actively involved and empowered beyond mere political mobilization,” she said.

 

Okewusi urged Ajadi to honour his commitment to gender inclusion if elected.

 

“You have promised to carry women along. We expect that this promise will be fulfilled,” she added.

 

Similarly, the Youth Leader of Ona-Ara Local Government, Nureni Morakinyo Azeez, emphasized the need for youth empowerment, noting the critical role young people play during elections.

 

“Youths are always at the forefront during campaigns. We are appealing to you to prioritize youth empowerment and create opportunities that will secure our future,” Azeez said.

 

The meeting, which drew party leaders and grassroots mobilizers from across Ibadan, is seen as part of Ajadi’s ongoing consultations aimed at consolidating support within the PDP as the race for the 2027 governorship election gathers momentum.

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