The Deputy Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has been sworn in as the substantive Governor of the State. This came less than 24 hours after the death of the governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, at the age of 67, in German hospital. The new governor was sworn-in at the Cocoa Conference Hall in the governor’s office in Akure, the state capital and was administered by the State Chief Judge, Justice Olusegun Odusola at 5:18 pm. In his opening remarks as the number one citizen of the state, Lucky Aiyedatiwa said: “it is with a heavy heart that I accept this honorous responsibility of taking over the reins of governance and affairs of our state after the unfortunate loss and passing of our beloved governor and leader and my dear principal arakurin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu.” Present at the swearing-in are other judges and top government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government and members of the state cabinet, the state All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman and members of the State House of Assembly. Lucky Aiyedatiwa had survived an impeachment plot by Akeredolu’s allies in the Ondo State House of Assembly and opposition by his late principal’s foot soldiers. Controversy enveloped the politics of the state in the last few months with activists and constitutional lawyers calling on Akeredolu to transmit power to Aiyedatiwa in line with the 1999 Constitution. Eventually, Akeredolu, a second-term governor before his death, transmitted power to Aiyedatiwa on December 13, 2023, as he embarked on a fresh medical trip overseas, the second in 2023. Akeredolu, 67, could not make it back to Nigeria as he died of complications arising from prostate cancer.
President Bola Tinubu, the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio; former President Atiku Abubakar and Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State have joined other Nigerians in mourning the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu and former House of Representatives speaker, Ghali Umar Na’aba. The two died almost about the same time in the early hours of today, December 27. While Governor Akeredolu died in a German hospital at the age of 67, Na’aba died in Abuja, Nigeria’s Federal Capital Territory (FCT) at the age of 65. In a statement he personally signed, President Tinubu said that it is a difficult task to have to pen a tribute and sing a dirge for a departing soul. It is a more difficult job in our African culture when one is compelled to do so for a younger person. “Here am I having the difficult job of singing a dirge for Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, my beloved brother, confidant, political soulmate, and the Executive Governor of Ondo State. “It is an impossible task to fully capture in words Rotimi’s towering figure and his human essence. Rotimi was a man who moved our nation towards equity, fairness and justice in his strident advocacy against every form of injustice in our country through the instrumentality of the law as a senior advocate, attorney-general of his beloved state, as President of the Nigerian Bar Association and Governor of Ondo State.” Tinubu recalled that in a challenging moment of the statehood when marauding agents of darkness spread their tentacles across the country, Rotimi was a strong voice in wilderness “calling us to rethink our security architecture so we can have a more secure nation. “His unrelenting advocacy led to the birth of the local police in the South West. “Rotimi was a man of ideas and action. While he was with us, he taught us the power of action and service. In Ondo State, where he had the honour to serve as the Governor over the past six years, he served his people with absolute loyalty, dedication, and forthrightness. His footprints dot the entire landscape of the state through the hundreds of kilometres of roads he built, the many schools he built, and healthcare facilities that he provided. “During the dark hours when marauding agents of darkness visited the state and killed defenceless citizens where 40 worshippers of the Catholic Church of Owo were killed on June 5, 2022, Rotimi’s leadership qualities as a true statesman and compassionate leader radiated brightly to the world. He was a mourner-in-chief who guided his people through an agonising period. Today, I mourn a fighter and fearless defender of truth and the masses.” The President also recalled his personal journey with Rotimi that started as joint members of the progressive family. “We fought many battles together to restore progressive governance in the South West, Edo State, and Nigeria as a whole. During this uncertain period, Rotimi was resolute and unflinching. He showed uncommon courage as a member of our legal team in our battles to reclaim our stolen mandates in Ekiti, Ondo, Edo, and Osun States. A gallant lawyer and one of the finest of the legal profession. I beckoned on him to contest for the governorship position of Ondo State in 2012. Even though he did not make it in his first attempt, his enthusiasm and determination to serve his people never diminished. “He eventually made it to the Alagbaka Government House in his second attempt in the 2016 election, Since he was sworn in in February 2017, he had served the people with devotion. “Rotimi has played his role well and left us untimely. We will never see his likes again. Let me tell the people of Ondo State that I am grieving with you. We will honour Rotimi’s memory and make sure his legacy of service is never forgotten. “In my grief and sadness, I have telephoned his wife, Betty, and Acting Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to commiserate with them and urge them to take heart over this national tragedy. “Governor Akeredolu was not just a friend and associate, the departed leader was a brother and a soulmate. “His death is a blow to our governing APC and the progressive family as we are diminished by it. “I hope that his successor Aiyedatiwa will hold steadfast to the vision of governance left by this towering political leader.
Ghali Na’abba
To Ghali Na’aba, President Tinubu sympathizes with his family, the government, and the people of Kano State over his death. He said that late Na’Abba was Speaker of the House Representatives following the return of democracy in Nigeria from 1999 to 2003, succeeding Salisu Buhari. He expressed profound grief at the loss, recalling the contributions of the late ex-lawmaker to nation-building through legislation, advocacy, and policy. The President recalled Speaker Na’Abba’s determined struggle to defend the functionality and role of the legislature in governance, describing him as a disciplined and resolute politician. President Tinubu prayed for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn this painful loss. On his part, President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Senator Godswill Akpabio, expressed deep sadness at the death of Governor Akeredolu and Ghali Umar Na’Abba. Senator Akpabio expressed shock over the death of “Governor, Chief Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, CON, SAN.” Akpabio described the departed Governor as “a nationalist and the Iroko of the Sunshine state” Akpabio, in a condolence message issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh said that Akeredolu was a leader that knew his onions and was indeed the Iroko of Ondo state as he defended the state with all his strength as governor. The Senate President eulogized the late governor whom he said spent his active life fighting for justice, fairness and equity adding that as a nationalist, “Akeredolu believed in true federalism, which he pursued with passion and vigour. “I am sad that we have to lose Chief Rotimi Akeredolu this early in life. He was a leader that placed the interest of his people above every other consideration. He was a man of integrity and strong conviction with a strict work ethos and never paid lip service to the welfare of the people of the state. “He was a fearless lawyer who spoke truth to power regardless of whose ox was gored. As governor, Chief Akeredolu left his footprints in the sands of history, executing landmark projects and implementing people-oriented policies that earned him a second term in office. A man of style, Chief Akeredolu was obsessed with excellence. “I believe the people of Ondo, the South West, and the entire Nigeria, especially the progressives will sorely miss Chief Rotimi Akeredolu because he lived a purposeful and focused life and distinguished himself as a lawyer and one of the best-performing governors in the country. “I wish to on behalf of my family and the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria extend my sincere condolences to the Acting Governor, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the Government and people of Ondo State and particularly his wife, Her Excellency, Mrs Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and his immediate family. May God give you the fortitude to bear this untimely loss and may He have mercy on him and grant his soul eternal rest.” The Senate President, in a statement by his spokesman, Hon Eseme Eyiboh said: “On behalf of my family and the entire National Assembly, it is with intense sadness that I received the news of the shocking death of the second speaker of the House of Representatives of the 4th Republic, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Ábba, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, December 27, 2023, in Abuja.” He described the former speaker as a patriot, selfless politician, and true democrat who sacrificed his ambition by repelling dictatorship and instituting the independence of the Legislature. “I am indeed saddened at the news of the death of Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’Abba, a patriot, a true democrat, a courageous and selfless politician, who staked his exalted position in the fight against dictatorship to preserve the independence of the Legislature and foster national development. “I must say the mutual respect and understanding that exists between the Legislature and the Executive today is a direct product of the laudable antecedents of great leaders such as Na’Abba who sacrificed to institute genuine representative democracy in the country. “As the second speaker of the 4th House of Representatives, I recall with nostalgia how Rt. Hon. Na’Abba stood like the great wall of gilbratar against the excesses of the Executive to give the Nigerian electorate value for their votes by ensuring that the right things were done to keep our democracy afloat. “We, at the National Assembly and in fact, all Nigerians of goodwill and advocates of true democratic ethos hold you in high esteem and will always remember that you were one politician who practiced what you preached. “As you transit to the next world, I pray that Allah will have mercy on your soul and grant you Aljannah Firdaus. Rest on Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar NaÁbba.” In his condolence, Atiku Abubakar described it as a rude shock and sadness to read about the death of Governor Rotimi Akeredolu and Ghali Na’Abba. He said that Governor Akeredolu was a quintessential gentleman who took the finesse to governance. Atiku described Akeredolu as a two-term elected governor of the Sunshine State, saying that he was a politician of class “because he was never known for destructive politics.” He said that Na’Abba was able to raise the bar of legislative enterprise in Nigeria “as it is evident that the 1st Session of the National Assembly where he served with distinction between 1999-2003 remains one of the best in the annals of our legislatures. “Both Governor Akeredolu, Aketi, as he was fondly called, and Speaker Na’Abba will be sorely missed for the inestimable roles that they played in our national development. “I express deepest condolences to their respective families and pray to God to grant their souls a peaceful repose. “I also join the good people and governments of both Ondo and Kano States to mourn the demise of these towering political figures. Also Governor Adeleke expressed deep surprise about the news of the death of “Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN).” Adeleke described his death as a huge national loss. Governor Adeleke said that Governor Akeredolu made great contributions to the Nigeria in the legal field and public service. “Arakunrin Akeredolu was one of the finest minds in the country’s legal profession, and as a colleague in the Governor’s Forum, his wise counsel and constructive contributions is hard to miss. Nigeria lost one of its finest, and I’m hugely shaken. The Governor sympathised with the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased, the Government and the people of Ondo State over this painful loss, urging them to keep his memory alive by sustaining his legacy of good deeds and impacts. “In this moment of grief and pain, I offer my deepest sympathy to everyone touched by Arakunrin Akeredolu’s demise and pray to God to grant him eternal rest while hoping for his immediate family, the government and people of Ondo State that he left behind finds comfort in the life full of accomplishments that he lived.”
The governor of Ondo State, Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu, known simply as Rotimi Akeredolu is dead. He died today, December 27, at about 2am, aged 67. A senior government official in Ondo State, who confirmed the death, said that he died at a German hospital where he was receiving medical attention. He died of leukaemia and prostate cancer: two ailments that had made him incapacitated for several months. Rotimi Akeredolu was born on 21st July, 1956 in Owo, Ondo State to Late Rev. J. O Ola Akeredolu of Owo and Lady Evang. Grace Akeredolu of Igbotu Ese Odo Government Area of Ondo State. AKETI, as he was fondly called by friends and admirers, started his primary School education at Government School Owo before proceeding to the famous Aquainas College Akure in 1968. He later proceeded to the prestigious Loyola College, Ibadan in 1969 to complete his secondary school Education. He also attended Comprehensive High School Ayetoro for his higher Secondary School Certificate. Oluwarotimi was admitted into the famous University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) IN 1974 popularly known as Oba Awon University. He obtained his LLB degree in 1977 and proceeded to the Nigerian Law School for his B.L in 1978. The pedigree of Akeredolu said much about a riveting story of a rebel with a cause. Apart from his illustrious ancestry and cosmopolitan upbringing, a peep into his tenure as elected Vice President 1975/76, of the student University days at the famous and prestigious University Of Ife now (Obafemi Awolowo University) showed the architecture of service, fame and greatness in the making. As a leader of the Students Union at Ife, Aketi helped to engineer a leadership focused on issues, robust debates and constructive engagements. He encouraged a genuine mobilization of mass consciousness against inequality, injustice, corruption, arbitrariness and recklessness. By the time he was graduating, the startling and sterling leadership qualities of honesty, tolerance, fairness, transparency, endurance, vision, teamwork, justice and self-respect have all become the chisel which etched out the man’s character and ideological leaning in all of his endeavors in the subsequent years. A devoted Christian with a warm and accommodating heart for people of other faiths, Akeredolu limitlessly supported a wide range of religious organizations in Ondo State and beyond, an Example of such was the dedication of a Chapel of Epiphany at his Owo residence for propagation of Gospel. He was honored by the Lord Bishop of no least a denomination than the Anglican Communion as the Chancellor of the Cathedral of St. Andrews Church, Owo, his hometown. In addition to a distinguished and Spartan career of legal practice, Aketi also donated his lifetime to a career of mentorship and social service. He was a member, Oyo State Football association, 1992-1994, associate Member, Nigerian Red Cross society, Oyo State Branch. He also accepted and became the Patron of The Nigerian law society, Faculty of Law, University of Lagos, Patron, Breast Cancer Association of Nigeria(BRECAN), Patron The law society, Faculty of Law, Adekunle Ajasin University, akungba-akoko. He was also the Patron, Sports Writers association of Nigeria, Oyo State branch. Oluwarotimi, a dogged fighter, indefatigable, tenacious advocate, diligent solicitor and one who was unyielding and unbending in any cause he believed in, A gentleman in the finest and truest sense, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Odunayo Akeredolu was an accomplished family man. A detribalized Nigerian. He married to Betty Anyanwu-Akeredolu and blessed with four children who are doing well in their chosen careers. On Sunday, 27 November 2016, Akeredolu was announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the Ondo State governorship election. He amassed 244,842 votes in the election to defeat Eyitayo Jegede with 150,380 votes and Olusola Oke with 126,889 votes. According to Professor Ganiyu Ambali, INEC Returning Officer, Akeredolu defeated two major opponents, Eyitayo Jegede of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Olusola Oke of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), to clinch victory. He was sworn in as the governor of Ondo State on 24 February 2017 in Akure, the Ondo State Capital. He won the battle to re-contest for the 2020 Ondo State governorship election after beating Olusola Oke, D.I. Kekemeke, Jimi Odimayo, Segun Abraham and others in the APC primary election. On Saturday 10 October 2020, Akeredolu was re-elected governor of Ondo State and announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission on 11 October 2020. He won with a total number of 292,830 valid votes against his major opponents from the Peoples Democratic Party and the Zenith Labour Party, Eyitayo Jegede and Agboola Ajayi respectively. He was sworn in for a second term in office on 24 February 2021. He and his new deputy, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, assumed office. He advocated for the payment of taxes in the state to help boost the economy of the state and fulfilments of obligations. After the June 2022 Owo church attack against Catholics in Ondo, Akeredolu condemned the attack as “satanic.
“As a political machine, Senator Akume has remained one of the foremost political survivalists, overcoming a series of political battles since 1999. He is indeed, one of the few governors of the 1999 set that is still relevant in the nation’s political space. His vast political network within the region and across the country is a major political asset.” These were the observations made by the Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, in a congratulatory message to Akume, who is currently the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF). He is celebrating his 70th birthday today, December 27. The Senate President, also described Akume as a nationalist and peaceful leader whose belief in the unity of the country is never in doubt, adding that in all his public life, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainable development. Senator Akpabio, in the message signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh, said that Akume, who is the former Benue state governor is a political machine of note. According to him, Akume is “a great strategist who has mastered the art of weaving his successes even through troubled political waters.” The Senate President said that Akume who also served as one time minister, is a successful Nigerian that has used his privileged position to positively affect the lives of the people, describing him as “a man with a heart flowing with human kindness.” He said that Akume has never held his Godly blessings to himself, but has been a man deeply generous in heart and in acts, “escalating God’s blessings for the good of the downtrodden and the needy. “No wonder, you are popularly known as the ‘Just George’ among your people and admirers. “As a political strategist, Senator Akume revived progressive politics in the North Central when he worked closely with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to introduce the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to the region, which later transformed into our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC). To his credit, the North Central has reclaimed its position as the home of progressives. “On behalf of my family and constituents; the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, I heartily rejoice with you as you celebrate the ripe age of 70 and pray that the Almighty God will continue to bless you and grant you many more healthy years to enable you serve humanity and the nation better. “As the SGF, you are in a vantage and strategic position to assist President Tinubu in delivering on his Renewed Hope Agenda for and I do not doubt your competence and commitment toward achieving this cause.”
Ex Speaker of the House of Representatives, Ghali Umar Na’abba is dead. He died in the early hours of today, Wednesday, December 27, in an Abuja hospital after a brief illness. Ghali Na’Abba was born into the family of Umar Na’Abba, a businessman in Tudun Wada, Kano City, on 27 September 1958. He obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria in 1979. His early education was at Jakara Primary School, Kano where he obtained his First School Leaving Certificate in 1969. He later attended Rumfa College, Kano for his West African School Certificate and was also at School of Preliminary Studies, Kano, between 1974 and 1976, before gaining admission into Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria in October, 1976. He completed a postgraduate programme on Leadership and Good Governance at the Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in the United States in 2004.
For how long shall we continue to neglect the Northern youths of Nigeria? The sorry site of “alimajiri” squatting under the bridge in Kawo, in Kaduna State is not new to regular visitors to Kaduna. Similar site is replicated under the bridge as you enter the ancient town of Zaria in the same Kaduna State. Students of Ahmadu Bello University would testify to this fact. The same applies to Zuba in Niger State. Zuba is a border town between Niger State and the Federal capital Territory, Abuja. Zuba does not present a feature of a town similar to the Federal Capital Territory. This is a story for another day. The shocking revelation to some of us who hardly go far North is the level at which the almajiris (Qur’anic learning pupils or scholars) have grown up and yet the younger ones are left to wander on their own aimlessly. Unlike those in Abuja, of the same age group, who engage in petty trading and menial jobs, others in remote villages in the North are mostly idle, just as some also engage in selling sugar canes and the likes. In real sense however, they can be classified as idle because they are not engaged to their full capacity. This brings us to the issue of banditry and kidnapping, for, it is said that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. A drive from Funtua, an ancient town a few kilometres from Zaria, would bring out the true picture which this write up is trying to paint. Funtua is actually the gateway to Zamfara State, from the Northwest axis. Many youths in Funtua wander about aimlessly. Little wonder then that there is so much kidnapping and banditry in that part of the North. Those idle youths are visible also in Mairuwa, Sheme, Magazu, Tsafe and Kotarkoshi. All these towns lead to Gusau, the Zamfara State capital . A drive through these towns shows that the Minister of Youth development has a lot of work to do. These youths must be fully engaged if the issue of banditry and terrorism must be put behind us. They must be taken care of and engaged meaningfully, through skills acquisition. It is obvious that these youths are willing to become something in life but the capacity is just not there for them. In order to reach these youths, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development MUST establish satellite offices in all states of the federation. Sincere leadership should be ensured in such offices to deliver to the yearning of the teaming youths. Since most of these youths do not have any form of formal education, the best way is to engage them in artisanship, apprenticeship and craftsmanship in such a way as to become self reliant. Only then and then will the idle youths be kept off the streets and sanity is returned to the security sector. This action will have positive impact on the farming system as farmers will now be free to go back to farms. There would be no more fear of kidnappers and bandits. Those who say the North is feeding the nation are not wrong after all. This is in spite of the ugly incidence of banditry. It is interesting to note that trailer loads of food items such as grains and vegetables are often seen heading towards the South every day. Imagine if there are no incidences of kidnapping and banditry, Nigeria would have truly be self sufficient in food production. Fingers, they say, are not equal, so also are the states of the Federation. While Kano State is able to send her youths abroad yearly to acquire professional skills, many other States do not have the financial capability to measure up. A Northern, Hamza Mohammed will however not applaud such gestures from kano state . He considers it a waste, as such resources taken abroad for overseas training can be utilised to upgrade the tertiary institutions in the country . Be that as it amy, there is urgent need for the Federal Government to intervene and positively engage the youths in this part of the country. Continuous neglect of these youths poses great danger to the entire country. Members of the National Assembly from these region should please rescue the youths by taking them off the streets .
Rashidat yusuf wrote in from Abuja. Yusufrashidat12@gmail.com
The Governor of Plateau State, Celeb Mutfwang has lamented that terrorists are currently occupying no fewer than 64 communities, including schools in the state. Governor Caleb Mutfwang, who spoke today, December 26, against the background of the recent attacks on communities that resulted into the death of about 110 people, said that terrorists have totally displaced people in those communities. He said that the taking over of the communities by the terrorists, has placed immense burden on the state government. He responded to Channels TV interview by saying that not less than 17 communities were attacked in the recent madness by the terrorists. “When people are dislocated from their villages and they have to run for shelter, now we are struggling to provide shelter for these people that have been displaced and dislocated from their communities. “If they stay away from those communities for a sustained period of time, the terrorists would come in. “As I am talking to you today (Tuesday, December 26), in Riyom Local Government, in Barikin Ladi Local Government, schools have been occupied by these terrorists for almost a number of years now. “We have not less than 64 communities that have been displaced and their lands have been taken over by these terrorists.” The Governor condemned the perceived inaction under the previous administration, stating that residents felt the terrorists were given official government backing. He emphasized that the current occupation of schools did not happen overnight, with some having been seized for as long as five years. “Under the last regime, the feeling among people in Plateau State particularly the victims of these terrorists attacks is that it looks as if the terrorists were given official government backing to be able to terrorise them because little or nothing was done to repel these attacks. “I can tell you these schools that are being occupied, it didn’t just start now, some of those schools have been occupied in the last three, four, five years. “Children, therefore in those schools, have not been able to go to school. They have to relocate. We even have primary health care centres abandoned because of these terrorists which means that our health care system is put in jeopardy. “What do we need to do? I think this is where the president needs to come in.” Meanwhile, the death toll from the attacks has increased to 115 from the last figure of 113. This followed the death of two more people undergoing treatment.
Osun State government has issued N2.9 billion bonds to pay pensioners in the state over the weekend. The State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, who announced this in his Christmas message to the people of the State, said: “in the spirit of the season, Osun State Government under my leadership continues to prioritize the welfare of the people by paying owed half salary, the regular salary, and in a few days to come, the wage award agreed with labour leaders will be paid to give the needed fund to our workers and also stimulate the economy of the state.” According to the governor, whose idea was issued today, December 26, through a statement by his spokesman, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the Bonds were issued to put a smile on the faces of the senior citizens. He said that the idea too is to ensure that the pensioners can experience joyous celebrations of Christmas and New Year. Governor Adeleke wished for hitch-free celebrations and prosperous 2024, even as he assured the people of sustained commitment to moving the state forward. He said that the ongoing projects and new ones to broaden the economic prospect of the state and improve the situation of the people will receive priority next year. He asked the people of the state to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities. Governor Adeleke described Christmas as a moment of reflection on the blessing that the birth of Jesus Christ symbolizes for humanity and charged the people, especially Christians, to embrace the spirit of compassion and kindness that the season reflects. He wanted the people to appreciate the strength and prospects of unity in driving the needed progress for the state. “We should use the season to renew bonds, lend helping hands and spread love without boundaries. “I extend my heartfelt wishes to Christian faithful as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ, as we have come to realize, is the most profound message on the power of love and how it can save. “As families gather to celebrate the season, I offer my sincere goodwill and urge them to look beyond the merriment of the celebration by using the occasion to spread love through giving and kindness. “At a time like this, we need to look after each other and ensure that those with one need or the other are supported in our little ways. We are brothers and sisters irrespective of colour, tongues and faith, and so, we should explore the strength that unity and collectiveness offers.”
Noble laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka has said that it would take him one year to assess the performances of President Bola Tinubu and make them public. Professor Soyinka, who visited the President in Lagos where he observed the Christmas break, said that it has been his personal policy to reserve his comments about new President and his administration for one-year to make up for lost grounds. “Well, you know, something you may have noticed about me is that most heads of state, when they take office, I always leave them alone for about the first year…because they need time. “I know when they come in, they don’t start from ground zero. They often start even lower than ground zero and they have to make up. “So, I’m adopting the same principle this time. When you see me next year, ask the same question again and listen to my answer.” Professor Soyinka spoke about how he told Tinubu the last time they met not to run for presidency. “I came here with a seven-point agenda. And we had a very thorough discussion on those items.” “Actually, it’s an embarrassing visit because when I visited him the last time, it was to try and persuade him not to run for office. I told Atiku (Abubakar) and himself to please leave the ground so young people could run. That’s the last time we met about five years ago. “So I came to see how he was doing after ignoring my advice. I came to see how both he and his wife were weathering Nigeria, and to wish them a happy Christmas.”
The House of Representatives has suggested some values that should guide the lives of Nigerians towards the attainment of greatness. Such values, in a statement today, December 25 by the House Spokesman /Chairman, House Committee on Media & Public Affairs, Rep Akin Rotimi Jr. to mark Christmas, can be found in Jesus. “Annually, the celebration of Christmas offers an opportunity to reflect on the spirit of love, selflessness and hope as embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. “Thus, these values remain assets that we must continue to uphold as a people; irrespective of political, religious, or regional differences in our pursuit of greater progress and development. The House noted with satisfaction, various efforts by Members in this season, to extend goodwill to millions of their constituents “in these difficult times.” It called on Nigerians across all walks of life to spread love and joy this season. The House stressed: “as the “People’s House,” we remain steadfast in our commitment to being service-focused, responsive, result-oriented, and effective in our representative functions in line with our Eight-point Legislative Agenda. “In this season and beyond, may our thoughts and actions be guided by a sense of compassion and generosity, and may peace pervade our land.”
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Do These, Banditry, Terrorism Will Be Gone In Nigeria, By Rashidat Yusuf
For how long shall we continue to neglect the Northern youths of Nigeria?
The sorry site of “alimajiri” squatting under the bridge in Kawo, in Kaduna State is not new to regular visitors to Kaduna.
Similar site is replicated under the bridge as you enter the ancient town of Zaria in the same Kaduna State. Students of Ahmadu Bello University would testify to this fact.
The same applies to Zuba in Niger State. Zuba is a border town between Niger State and the Federal capital Territory, Abuja.
Zuba does not present a feature of a town similar to the Federal Capital Territory. This is a story for another day.
The shocking revelation to some of us who hardly go far North is the level at which the almajiris (Qur’anic learning pupils or scholars) have grown up and yet the younger ones are left to wander on their own aimlessly.
Unlike those in Abuja, of the same age group, who engage in petty trading and menial jobs, others in remote villages in the North are mostly idle, just as some also engage in selling sugar canes and the likes.
In real sense however, they can be classified as idle because they are not engaged to their full capacity.
This brings us to the issue of banditry and kidnapping, for, it is said that an idle mind is the devil’s workshop.
A drive from Funtua, an ancient town a few kilometres from Zaria, would bring out the true picture which this write up is trying to paint.
Funtua is actually the gateway to Zamfara State, from the Northwest axis.
Many youths in Funtua wander about aimlessly.
Little wonder then that there is so much kidnapping and banditry in that part of the North.
Those idle youths are visible also in Mairuwa, Sheme, Magazu, Tsafe and Kotarkoshi. All these towns lead to Gusau, the Zamfara State capital .
A drive through these towns shows that the Minister of Youth development has a lot of work to do.
These youths must be fully engaged if the issue of banditry and terrorism must be put behind us.
They must be taken care of and engaged meaningfully, through skills acquisition.
It is obvious that these youths are willing to become something in life but the capacity is just not there for them.
In order to reach these youths, the Federal Ministry of Youth Development MUST establish satellite offices in all states of the federation.
Sincere leadership should be ensured in such offices to deliver to the yearning of the teaming youths.
Since most of these youths do not have any form of formal education, the best way is to engage them in artisanship, apprenticeship and craftsmanship in such a way as to become self reliant.
Only then and then will the idle youths be kept off the streets and sanity is returned to the security sector.
This action will have positive impact on the farming system as farmers will now be free to go back to farms. There would be no more fear of kidnappers and bandits.
Those who say the North is feeding the nation are not wrong after all. This is in spite of the ugly incidence of banditry.
It is interesting to note that trailer loads of food items such as grains and vegetables are often seen heading towards the South every day.
Imagine if there are no incidences of kidnapping and banditry, Nigeria would have truly be self sufficient in food production.
Fingers, they say, are not equal, so also are the states of the Federation.
While Kano State is able to send her youths abroad yearly to acquire professional skills, many other States do not have the financial capability to measure up.
A Northern, Hamza Mohammed will however not applaud such gestures from kano state .
He considers it a waste, as such resources taken abroad for overseas training can be utilised to upgrade the tertiary institutions in the country .
Be that as it amy, there is urgent need for the Federal Government to intervene and positively engage the youths in this part of the country.
Continuous neglect of these youths poses great danger to the entire country.
Members of the National Assembly from these region should please rescue the youths by taking them off the streets .
Rashidat yusuf wrote in from Abuja.
Yusufrashidat12@gmail.com