Connect with us

News

VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election

Published

on

VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election

*** Says President Tinubu fully behind gov to sustain APC’s commitment to their well-being

By: Our Reporter

The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima, has implored the people of Ondo State to re-elect Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his deputy, Dr. Olayide Adelami, in Saturday’s governorship election in the state, assuring that the duo will bring hope, prosperity, unity and ensure the sun continues to shine brighter in the Sunshine State.

Specifically, the VP told the electorate in the state to ensure their votes collectively become their voice, conviction and message to those underestimating the strength and will of the state.

Senator Shettima gave the charge on Wednesday while addressing the mammoth crowd that thronged the MKO Abiola Democracy Park, Akure, for the grand finale of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship campaign in the state capital ahead of the gubernatorial election.

His words: “Governor Aiyedatiwa is not merely campaigning to hold onto a position—he is campaigning to bring hope, prosperity, and unity to every corner of Ondo State. I am confident he is the leader who can turn these ambitions into realities.

“This election is more than a choice between two candidates. It is a choice between progress and stagnation, between unity and division. It is a chance to stand with a party that has consistently delivered and with a leader who truly understands the heartbeat of Ondo.

“So, as you go to the polls, remember what we stand for. Remember what you deserve: a governor with the experience, the compassion, and the strength to keep pushing Ondo toward greatness. Let’s secure Ondo’s future together. Let’s vote APC, and let’s re-elect Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.”

Extending President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s goodwill to the people of the state, VP Shettima said the President who is fully in support of Aiyedatiwa is confident that the Governor’s re-election will sustain the commitment of the governing APC to the people’s well-being.

“Today, I bring you the goodwill of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who would have loved to be here today but is currently engaged in securing critical development and investment opportunities for our nation at a summit in Saudi Arabia. Yet, he is with us in spirit, and he has fully endorsed the Aiyedatiwa-Adelami ticket as the torchbearers of prosperity for Ondo State,” he stated.

The Vice President urged the people of Ondo to look beyond what he described as “distractions and the noise from the usual suspects,” even as he told them to “look instead at the integrity and stability the APC has brought to this state.

“Look at the work we’ve done to strengthen our economy, even if the gains may not always be immediately visible. And consider the real, practical solutions the APC offers to make the sun shine brighter in Ondo State,” he added.

Palpably elated by what he termed “the passion” in the faces of the teeming APC supporters in the state, Shettima said he would have asked Governor Aiyedatiwa to return home and wait for them to deliver their mandate to him, adding however that the moment of the campaign grand finale was necessary “to celebrate ahead of election day.

The VP further described Governor Aiyedatiwa and his deputy as men of exceptional courage and leaders who have been tested by challenges that would have deterred many, noting that the Governor “has shown remarkable resilience in building a formidable force for the APC here in Ondo.

“From overcoming politically motivated attacks to uniting our great party, he has proven himself not just a survivor but a leader who stands strong for the good people of the Sunshine State,” he further noted.

Earlier, the Governor of Ondo State and candidate of the APC for the Saturday governorship election, Aiyedatiwa, urged the people to vote for APC.

After asking the mammoth crowd which party they would vote for, and receiving a resounding cheers from the people, he said, “The former Governor of blessed memory, Rotimi Akeredolu, would be happy seeing all of you vote APC to win the election.”

Aiyedatiwa said the late Governor once told him that he would succeed him, and would be glad to see this happen come next Saturday.

Governor Aiyedatiwa observed a minute silence in the late Akeredolu’s honour, telling the crowd that while he was not out to engage in a long statement, the citizens could as well attest to the level of development happening in the state, even as he promised that by the time he returns, he will do his best.

In his remarks, National Chairman of APC, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, vowed that “by the grace of God come Saturday the 16th of November, Governor Aiyedatiwa will win the gubernatorial election.”

He asked the people of Ondo to come out en masse and vote for Aiyedatiwa, adding that “a vote for the Governor is a vote for unity, a vote for peace and a vote for development.

At the end of his remarks, Ganduje invited Vice President Shettima to hand over the party’s flag to the Governor and candidate of the party.

Earlier, the Vice President had paid homage to the Deji of Akure Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, in his palace where he commended the royal father for preservation of the rich cultural heritage of the kingdom for many centuries.

VP Shettima said Akure stands proudly as a testament to the greatness that lies in heritage and unity, adding that the kingdom had long been inspiring the nation.

“This place of gathering and governance, preserved across centuries, serves as a pillar of cultural integrity and continuity. The enduring structure of this palace, a monument over 850 years old, is a reminder that Akure’s strength and grace remain constant through generations,” he stated.

Responding, the traditional ruler commended President Tinubu’s administration for his recent approval for the establishment of a teaching hospital in Akure.

“His Excellency, the Vice President, help me to convey my appreciation to the President; he just approved our teaching hospital. Akure is the only state capital that doesn’t have a teaching hospital. The president has just approved it last week. So, help me convey our gratitude to him sir,” the royal father said.

He commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for approving a five per cent monthly allocation for traditional rulers in the state, imploring the people of Akure to vote massively for the APC in next Saturday’s governorship election in the state.

Also present at the campaign rally were Chairman of Nigerian Governors’ Forum and Governor of Kwara State, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq; Chairman of Progressives Governors’ Forum and Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodimma; Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Ekiti State Governor, Abiodun Oyebanji; Senator Adams Oshiomhole; Secretary of APC National Campaign Council for Ondo State Governorship Election, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, and former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Philip Shaibu, among many other dignitaries.

VP SHETTIMA TO ONDO PEOPLE: The Sun Will Shine Brighter In Sunshine State With Aiyedatiwa’s Re-election

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

PRESIDENT TINUBU AT ABUJA CARNIVAL LAUNCH: Creative Economy A Cornerstone Of My Diversification Agenda

Published

on

PRESIDENT TINUBU AT ABUJA CARNIVAL LAUNCH: Creative Economy A Cornerstone Of My Diversification Agenda

*** Says industry now a major contributor to Nigeria’s non-oil GDP growth

By: Our Reporter

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu yesterday identified the creative economy as a cornerstone of his administration’s economic diversification agenda.

He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to positioning Nigeria’s creative sector as key driver of Nigeria’s global influence.

The President stated this during the launch of the 2024 Abuja International Carnival at Eagle Square, Abuja.

President Tinubu who was represented by his deputy, Vice President Kashim Shettima, said, “We are not here just to celebrate a carnival but to reaffirm the essence of who we are as Nigerians—a people of culture, a people of art, a people of colour, and a people of shared values.”

The President reaffirmed the carnival’s role in strengthening Nigeria’s position in the global creative economy.

“Our creativity continues to shine on the global stage, drawing admiration and respect. This heritage is the truest measure of what it means to be Nigerian—proud, resourceful, and innovative,” he stated.

Under the theme, “Carnival of Renewed Hope: A Pledge to My Country,” the event showcased performances from across Nigeria and beyond, demonstrating the administration’s commitment to cultural diplomacy.

“The unifying power of art and culture on display here is a reflection of what we can achieve when we work together,” President Tinubu said.

The President emphasised the carnival’s economic impact, noting that Nigeria’s creative industries are already contributing significantly to the nation’s GDP.

“Over the years, this carnival has become a stage for showcasing our rich cultural heritage and a driving force behind our growing creative economy. It has revitalised local industries, fostered cultural diplomacy, and contributed immensely to Nigeria’s position as a cultural powerhouse on the global stage.”

Addressing international participants, Tinubu reinforced Nigeria’s commitment to cultural exchange, just as he said, “Their presence affirms that culture transcends boundaries, and it is through cultural exchange that we build bridges of understanding, friendship, and shared humanity. In this carnival, we offer not just a spectacle but a home away from home for our guests.”

The President called for deeper reflection on the event’s significance, noting that it is more than mere celebration: “A carnival of this scale is not merely an occasion for festivities; it is a call to action. It reminds us of the pledge we owe to our nation: to promote peace, preserve our unity, and contribute, in whatever way we can, to the Nigeria of our dreams.”

The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, and the Creative Economy, working alongside the Federal Capital Territory Administration and the Abuja International Carnival Secretariat, also received presidential commendation for their role in organizing the event.

President Tinubu praised their “dedication and vision in making the carnival a source of pride for our nation.”

“Our diversity is not just a mark of identity but a powerful force that strengthens our unity and inspires us to dream bigger for our country,” he added.

Earlier in his opening remarks, the Minister of Art, Culture, Tourism, and Creative Economy, Barr. Hannatu Musawa explained that the carnival is a brand that binds Nigerians together and promotes the nation’s beauty and strength in diversity.

The Minister who was represented by the Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Oraelumo Obi Raphael, said, “The Carnival is a unique brand that involves the 36 states and the FCT, and countries from all over the world, with Federal Ministry of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy as the Coordinating Ministry and the FCT as the host.

“The unique aspect of Abuja Carnival is the fact that it is a platform for artistic expression, innovation, and cultural exchange among local and international participants and the activities are highly competitive, which has given Nigerians the platform to develop and showcase their creative ingenuity as a tool for harnessing the power of culture and strengthening our nation’s bond to foster a brighter future.”

For the FCT Minister, Barr. Nyesom Wike, who was represented by the Director, Social Welfare in the FCTA, the theme of this year’s carnival, “Carnival of Renewed Hope: A Pledge to My Country,” is a call to action, a reminder and a promise, noting that it does not just celebrate the nation’s vibrant culture but also the spirit of resilience and hope that define Nigeria.

He said, ” As we gather here, adorned in the colours, sounds, and expressions of our diverse heritage, we are also united by a shared vision for Nigeria, a vision rooted in the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr. President, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, of hope, renewal, and the commitment to work together toward a brighter future.

“The Abuja International Carnival is a testament to the power of culture in binding us together. It serves as a bridge, connecting generations, ethnicities, and regions across Nigeria.”

PRESIDENT TINUBU AT ABUJA CARNIVAL LAUNCH: Creative Economy A Cornerstone Of My Diversification Agenda

Continue Reading

News

Collective Efforts Needed to Build a Secure Nigeria – General Buratai

Published

on

Collective Efforts Needed to Build a Secure Nigeria – General Buratai

By: Our Reporter

Former Chief of Army Staff and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Benin, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, CFR, has called for collective efforts and unity to build a secured Nigeria.

General Buratai gave the remarks Saturday, while being inducted as the 2nd Patron of the Institute of Security, Nigeria, at the 17th International Security Conference.

The event, held at the Faculty of Social Sciences Auditorium, University of Lagos, brought together top security experts, academics, and stakeholders to discuss the most pressing security issues facing Nigeria.

General Buratai, emphasized the importance of security education, training, and excellence. He pledged to support the Institute’s initiatives and programs, advocate for policy reforms, and improve security in the country and the world.

“Security education, training, and excellence are at the forefront of our shared vision. We aim to strengthen the capacity of security and law enforcement agencies, ensuring they deliver exceptional services,” General Buratai said.

He also emphasized the need for collective efforts to build a secure Nigeria where citizens can live without fear and prosperity thrives. “Let us unite to build a secure Nigeria where citizens live without fear and prosperity thrives,” General Buratai added.

Performing the investiture, General Olu Bajowa, the 1st Patron of the Institute, praised General Buratai’s exceptional leadership and dedication to Nigeria’s security, setting the tone for a thought-provoking conference that emphasized the need for collective efforts to build a secure Nigeria.

General Bajowa described him as an outstanding Nigerian who embodies courage, determination, and patriotism.

“General Buratai has demonstrated unwavering commitment to the security and well-being of our great nation. He is a distinguished military officer with over 40 years of service to the Nigerian Army,” General Bajowa said.

General Bajowa praised General Buratai’s wealth of experience and expertise, which will undoubtedly inspire and motivate the institute’s members to strive for excellence in security education and practice. He highlighted General Buratai’s distinguished military career, spanning over 40 years, including his tenure as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021.

“Throughout his illustrious career, General Buratai has embodied the values of courage, integrity, and loyalty. His dedication to the Nigerian Army and the nation is unparalleled, and his contributions to the fight against insurgency and terrorism have been invaluable,” General Bajowa added.

In his remarks, Professor Rahman Bello, Chairman of the occasion, emphasized the need for Nigeria to adopt a more inward-looking approach to development. He advocated for prioritizing domestic development, focusing on areas of comparative advantage, such as agriculture, and developing smallholder peasant agricultural production.

“For Nigeria to develop, the government must adopt a more inward-looking approach. Every country that intends to develop must, at some point, focus on its internal capacities,” Professor Bello said.

Lieutenant General Lamidi Adeosun Rtd., former Chief of Policy and Plans Nigerian Army, stressed the importance of security education, highlighting the need to carry education down to the grassroots. He emphasized that local government empowerment is crucial in addressing security challenges.

“Security education must start from the grassroots. It is a key aspect of our development. We must take security education down to the grassroots. We cannot leave it at the elitist level,” General Adeosun said.

Major General Bulama Biu Rtd., urged the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies to expand its reach beyond the political zone, emphasizing the need to implement ideas and advocate for policymakers to take action.

“We need to extend our frontiers and drive these ideas to make a real impact. Otherwise, we’ll just be limited to our own circles and destinations,” General Biu said.

The event with the theme: Advancing Security Education for Stable Political Systems, Socio Economic Development, Good Governance and Mitigating Terrorism in Nigeria, concluded with a call to action, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to build a secure Nigeria where citizens can live without fear and prosperity thrives.

Collective Efforts Needed to Build a Secure Nigeria – General Buratai

Continue Reading

News

Period poverty: NEEM Foundation distributes sanitary pads to over 300 student in Abuja

Published

on

Period poverty: NEEM Foundation distributes sanitary pads to over 300 student in Abuja

By: Michael Mike

NEEM Foundation, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) has distributed sanitary towels to over 300 students in Abuja as part of its commitment to end period poverty among young school girls,

The foundation carried out the empowerment scheme in collaboration with the Regent Schools Abuja, at the Junior Secondary School, JSS, Jabi 1, Abuja.

Head legal, Neem Foundation, Nancy Oyibo
said conversations around menstrual health and hygiene should be normalised, noting that access to menstrual hygiene products is crucial to healthy living, well being and dignity of all women and girls in the society.

She said empowering women to take charge of their menstrual health is not just essential but transformative.

Oyibo said: “We discovered some issues of health as some young girls cannot afford sanitary towels during their period. We thought it was imperative, following the rate of inflation to help the young ladies, the future of our country.”

She disclosed that “this is our second distribution in Abuja, we have also done few distributions in Maiduguri.”

She noted that the target goal is to create a pad bank in schools, as according to research carried out by the organisation revealed that female students sometimes miss school during the period of their menstrual flow.

She said: “This is just a step to many activities to be carried out in this light. We are going to take this all the way to where it needs to get to and to pass on this message so people can understand the effect this has on the education system for young girls.

“We do not want to have girls in situations where they are vulnerable and not proud of something that comes naturally. We want them to come confidently knowing they have nothing to worry about as they can compete with their male counterpart in school and ensure that they get the best out of it.

“For now, we are engaging mostly the girls as we realized that, most of them are shy to discuss topics related to menstrual hygiene, so this stage is to have an interaction with them, to make them comfortable. This factor made us ensure we have male personnel among us to talk about these issues as a gradual process, then subsequently, we include the boys in the discuss.

“This whole situations stems from the home as some homes do not seem it right to discuss issues of menstrual hygiene publicly. This is how some people grew up and we are trying to change that narrative with a focus on spreading the word to everyone.

During an interactive section with the student, Legal Assistant Neem, Aliyyah Abdulkadir disclosed that the organisation saw it necessary to provide sanitary towels from the opinion that, you girls should not stay out of school, or have to choose between school and menstrual care.

She charged the students to be agent of change, in making concerted efforts to educate others in a bid to break the culture of silence.

For her part, the Executive Assistant to the Executive Director, Aisha Muniru Mai, speaking on the up coming 16 days activism on Violence Against Women, said: “We are keying into the issues with specific interest to access to education.

“One of the things we overlook is the period poverty. As if you do not have access to menstrual hygiene products, it will be difficult to go to school and learn. As such we are highlighting period poverty, teaching the children the signs and things they need to be aware of to identify violence and report to appropriate quarters.

The Director/Principal, JSS, Jabi 1, Dr. Grace Ifeyinwa Onyeanusi expressed profound gratitude to NEEM Foundation for the kind gesture as it will go a long way in helping the students maintain hygiene during menstruation.

One of the beneficiaries, A JSS 3 student Tega Praise Ogaga, expressed her appreciation to NEEM Foundation, disclosing how sometimes she is scared to approach her parents to purchase sanitary towels during menstruation and will have to use a single pad for a long period.

She said, “Sometimes I resolve to using rags or more than one pant, which is very discomforting, but with the sanitary towels from NEEM Foundation, I will not have to make any demands from my parents in a while.

Neem Foundation is a leading crisis response organisation committed to promoting the protection and wellbeing of populations and communities living in contexts affected by conflict, violence, and fragility.

Period poverty: NEEM Foundation distributes sanitary pads to over 300 student in Abuja

Continue Reading

Trending

Verified by MonsterInsights