Politics
2019 Elections: Think Twice Before Taking Decisions || By Olamiposi Ishola
FEW days to the much anticipated February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections in the country, Nigerians are anxiously waiting to exercise their franchise ahead of the Saturday’s poll.
Since the commencement of Nigeria’s nascent democracy in 1999, the 2019 general elections will be the most keenly contested one due to the high political awareness, especially with personalities involved in the presidential race.
Virtually all political parties in the country facing different challenges which include financial, leadership tussle, inter party crisis and among others, while some cases are before the court over issues of candidacy.
The 2019 general elections which coincided with 20 years of Nigeria civil rule is a test on the part of the electorates, political stakeholders and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as well as Security agencies on their readiness to strengthen the nation’s internal democracy.
The decision taken by all election stakeholders Including, Inec officials, security operatives, political leaders, candidates and voters will surely determines the fate of the country in another four years.
Although, Nigerians are found of saying it is just 4 years, but the fact is that it is indeed, a long journey if there is no drastic decision and deep thinking on who to vote for as well as why I want to vote for such person.
No doubt, the 2019 Presidential Election in Nigeria is between the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Former Vice President of Nigeria, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who is standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The electorate, who is the king and determinant factor of any free and fair elections now has destiny on their haned as far as Saturday’s elections is concerned.
Although, the presidential election will be held simultaneously with the National Assembly elections which is the second arm of government.
What this indicates is that if wrong people were elected into the legislative chambers of the country, under the influence of inducement or vote buying, no meaningful development can be recorded in Nigeria for another four years because legislators are the strong bone of any administration.
It is imperative for all election stakeholders to note that the task of safeguarding the country’s nascent democracy can not be left in the hands of INEC alone, hence the need to contribute meaningfully towards ensuring good governance and the nation’s internal democracy.
As INEC and security agencies had guaranteed the safety of Corp members who will serve as Presiding Officers (PO) in various polling units across the country, they must be remembered that any atrocity committed during the exercise may affect their future negatively.
The Apex electoral body in Nigeria must also be vigilant especially in the respect of recent fire disaster that affected both sensitive and non sensitive materials in some INEC state headquarters and the postponement of the election.
What will be the best Valentine’s gift for the country is for the peaceful conduct of Saturday’s election and Nigerians will actually decide who will be the number one citizen of the most populous country in Africa.
Saturday, February 23 Presidential and National Assembly elections is knocking, please think twice before taking any decision.
By Olamiposi Ishola
Mega Icon Magazine Political Desk
Politics
Relief as Rep ‘Lafi’ Empowers 300 Constituents Through Skill Acquisition Programme
Over 300 constituents of Akinyele/Lagelu Federal Constituency in Oyo State benefitted from a skill acquisition and empowerment programme organized by their representative in the National Assembly, Hon. Akinmoyede Olafisoye.
The event, held at Faith Joe Event Centre, Alegongo, Akobo, Ibadan, aimed to address the challenges of unemployment and economic hardship by equipping participants with practical skills and financial support.
The programme focused on empowering youths, students, and unemployed graduates to become self-reliant. Each participant was provided with a certificate, a Point of Sale (POS) terminal, an umbrella, and ₦100,000 as a startup grant to kickstart their businesses.
The tools and financial aid were designed to enable beneficiaries to establish sustainable sources of income.
Participants received comprehensive training, gaining hands-on experience to ensure they could effectively utilize the tools provided. The POS machines were configured with the personal details of the recipients, ensuring proper use and discouraging unauthorized transfers.
Addressing the participants, Akinmoyede who is the Chairman House Committee on Nigeria/ Mexico Parliamentary Friendship enjoined the beneficiaries to explore the opportunity for their benefit by ensuring that they use the machines for the purpose it was meant for.
He added that all the machines have been configured with the documents of individual beneficiaries which will make it very difficult to transfer to another person.
In his goodwill message, the Oyo Central Senatorial chairman of APC, Hon. Joshua Oyebamiji said comparing what the lawmaker has been doing in the area of dishing out empowerment and palliatives to his constituents, it is difficult to tag him a first-timer at the national assembly.
While appreciating Akinmoyede for his gesture at the event, former APC Deputy State Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Alimi, Hon. Fatai Awoyoola, and Hon. Akinbode Emmanuel said they were yet to discover the magic wand being used by the lawmaker for his constant and habitual empowerment programmes.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke at the end of the training, Afolabi Kuburat, Akinropo Akindotun, Ajala Abisade Iyabo, and Grace Anuoluwapo Ayinde lauded the lawmaker for giving them the opportunity to be self-reliant at this time when Nigerians are facing economic hardship.
Politics
Oyo: Olafisoye Facilitates Capacity-Building Training for 300 Constituents
The House of Representatives member representing Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency Oyo State, Hon. Prince Akinmoyede Olafisoye Wasiu has initiated another skill acquisition and capacity-building training for no fewer than 300 members of his constituency.
The initiative which is being organized in partnership with Federal Cooperative College, Ibadan is part of a strategic effort by the lawmaker to foster rural development of cooperative for their economic emancipation and break the shackles of poverty so as to alleviate the impact of the high cost of living among the people in Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency he represents.
The training programme is coming up on Monday 18th November, 2024 at Faith Joe Event Centre hall. Alegongo, Ibadan by 8.00am.
A statement issued by the Special Assistant on Media to the lawmaker, Alimi Abdullahi stated that the capacity-building is designed to equip participants with essential entrepreneurial skills with a view to building sustainable livelihoods and improve the quality of lives of the people of Akinyele/Lagelu federal constituency.
All the participants for the training are expected to be at the venue by 8am so as not to miss any part of the training.
Politics
#OndoDecides2024: Rep Oseni Hails Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Commends Residents for Peaceful Polls
The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni has congratulated Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa on his victory in the recently concluded Ondo State gubernatorial election.
Aiyedatiwa, the incumbent governor of the Sunshine State, was declared the winner of the election on Sunday at 2:30 pm. He defeated his closest rival, Ajayi Agboola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in a landslide victory.
In a statement issued on Sunday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, Oseni described Aiyedatiwa’s triumph as a testament to his resilience, grassroots connection, and unwavering dedication to the development of Ondo State.
He praised the electorate for reaffirming their trust in visionary leadership.
“I extend my heartfelt congratulations to my dear brother, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on this historic victory. Your emergence reflects the confidence and hope the people have in your ability to deliver purposeful and transformative leadership,” Oseni remarked.
The lawmaker commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, and other stakeholders for their pivotal roles in ensuring a transparent and credible election.
He also applauded the people of Ondo State for their active participation and peaceful conduct during the polls, which bolstered the election’s credibility.
Oseni expressed optimism that Aiyedatiwa’s administration will usher in renewed development, unity, and prosperity for the state.
“As you prepare to assume office, I urge all stakeholders and citizens of Ondo State to lend their support to your administration. Together, you can advance progress and strengthen the democratic foundations for a better Ondo State,” he stated.
He further expressed confidence that Aiyedatiwa’s second term will be characterized by impactful governance and innovative policies that will advance the state’s growth and enhance the welfare of its people.
-
Politics6 days ago
Oyo Rep. Member, Akinmoyede Appoints Three More Aides
-
Crime & Court1 week ago
EFCC Chair Raises Alarm on Rampant Fraud in Nigeria’s Electricity Sector
-
Health6 days ago
Oyo: Tragedy As Bride-to-Be Among Four Dead in Suspected Lassa Fever Outbreak
-
Politics4 days ago
#OndoDecides2024: Rep Oseni Hails Aiyedatiwa’s Victory, Commends Residents for Peaceful Polls