News
Dotun Sanusi Funds Film Celebrating Governor Makinde’s Life, Ancestral Roots
…Dele Odule, Dupe Jayesinmi, Lalude, Iya Gomina, Others Shine in ‘Seyi Makinde Omojomolo’
In a much-anticipated release, the Yoruba film industry, also known as Nollywood, is gearing up to launch the highly-anticipated movie, ‘Ifin Omojomolo,’ on YouTube.
This cinematic masterpiece, sponsored by the esteemed Ibadan-based billionaire businessman, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, promises to captivate audiences with its stellar cast and compelling storyline.
Titled ‘Ifin’ (Obatala Kolanut), the film is produced by Omolara Adebayo, affectionately known as ‘Iya Kuegbe,’ and boasts a lineup of renowned Nollywood stars, including Dele Odule, Dupe Jayesinmi, Fatai Oodua (Lalude), and Omolara Adebayo herself.
The movie also features Ahmed Ayomide, Adebayo Ọlálékan (Agbontawon), Musiliu Dasofunjo, Ayodele Omotosho, Ayo Oluyemi, and Chief Mrs. Saratu Aduke Konibaje (Iyaloja General of Oyo State), among other talented actors.
‘I F I N Omojomolo,’ led by Iya Kuegbe, a respected figurehead of elderly women and affectionately known as ‘Iya Gomina’ (Governor’s mother) in political circles, aims to showcase why Seyi Makinde, the Governor of Oyo State, has become a beloved and esteemed political figure in the state.
The producer, Omolara Adebayo, revealed that the film portrays Governor Makinde’s remarkable character, even during his teenage years when he sold bread on the streets of Ibadan to support his family. She emphasised that the movie offers valuable lessons and inspiration to the younger generation, encouraging them to lead impactful lives.
According to her, “People may be wondering why is it that Seyi Makinde, out of many people, becomes the most adored politician and political leader of immense value and honour today?
“The reason is in his distinguishing character from birth as a child imbued with love and honour and always ready to shoulder other people’s burdens and responsibilities.
“As a little boy, Seyi Makinde has been showing philanthropic spirit from his teenage years and could deny himself to support anybody in need.
“He has always been a peace-loving gentleman to the core who loves to use his hard-earned wealth to settle issues and make people comfortable.
“He also helped his parents hawking bread to support them in their times of need.
“He is a real Ibadan ‘shon of the soil’ with an ancestral home at his family compound of Aigbofa Oja’ba Ibadan.
“The story tells of how his great grandfather who was an herbalist left Ogbomoso to first settle in Ajia (their village in Egbeda Local Government) before relocating to the main city after he consulted the oracle for Balogun Ogunmola ahead of an imminent war which the victorious Ibadan warriors conquered.
“His prediction that they would win the war which came to pass, made Ogunmola give him a land to settle in the heart of Ibadan which is today known as Aigbofa compound in the present-day Ibadan Southeast Local Government,” she narrated the history behind Makinde’s ancestral home in Ibadan.
Adebayo expressed her gratitude to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ilaji Hotels and Sports Resort, Engr. Dotun Sanusi, whose unwavering support made the production possible from start to finish.
She said, “My appreciation goes to Engr Dotun Sanusi who believed in this project and provided all the logistics support to make this film on Governor Seyi Makinde’s life a reality.
“My prayer to God is to continue to bless Engr Dotun Sanusi who today is our God-send philanthropist and promoter of good governance in Oyo State and the country as a whole. This film will soon be premiered for the public to enjoy.”
Explaining the choice of ‘Ifin’ (Kolanut) as the movie’s title, Adebayo highlighted the cultural significance of Kolanut in the lives of the Yoruba people. She mentioned that Kolanut, known for its exceptional quality and spiritual value, holds a special place in Yoruba culture, religion, and social gatherings. Adebayo also noted that Kolanut played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s history and was considered a symbol of unity during the nation’s early years.
Adebayo added that a writer went further to state as follows: “…However, the pattern, and presentation of kola nut in all of these places (Yorubaland, Igboland, and Hausaland) when a visitor comes around, approves his welcome in the same way that denial of kola nut denotes displeasure and disapproval.
“Among the Igbo, it is said in a proverb that “onye wetera oji, wetera ndu”, which translates to “he who brings kola, brings life.
” The implication of kola nut presentation, therefore implies the establishment of love and trust. And that is why, it is believed that whoever partakes in the sharing and eating of kola nut with one has become one’s friend and has entered into an oath of preservation of life with one.
“In this sense, kola nut becomes a communion food. A feast of love, trust, and togetherness, and these qualities are embedded in this character today known as our darling Governor Seyi Makinde,” Adebayo added.
Adebayo, also emphasised that the presentation of Kolanut during welcoming ceremonies across various Nigerian regions symbolizes hospitality and approval, highlighting its deep-rooted cultural importance.
The release of ‘Ifin Omojomolo’ on YouTube is eagerly anticipated by fans of Yoruba cinema, as it promises to be a riveting cinematic experience that celebrates the rich culture and political journey of Oyo State’s distinguished Governor, Seyi Makinde.
The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has announced a record revenue collection of N5.7 trillion as of November 12, 2024, surpassing its yearly target by 10 percent.
This was disclosed by the Comptroller-General of Customs, Adewale Adeniyi, at the ongoing 2024 Comptroller-General of Customs Conference in Abuja.
Themed “Nigeria Customs Service: Engaging Traditional and New Partners with Purpose,” the conference showcased the Customs Service’s progress in modernizing its operations and fostering collaborative partnerships.
“Today, I stand before you to demonstrate how our commitments in 2023 have evolved into tangible achievements,” Adeniyi stated.
He attributed the revenue growth to a series of reforms, including the implementation of a one-stop solution for cargo alerts, a revamped ICT infrastructure, streamlined inspection procedures, and enhanced automation.
Adeniyi explained that these changes reflect the agency’s commitment to elevating operational transparency and efficiency.
“We pledged to re-align our free trade operations, elevate cargo integrity standards, and expand our scanning capacities,” he said.
“Above all, we promised to usher in a new era of customs operations—one built on transparency, efficiency, and genuine collaborations with our partners.”
As of Tuesday, November 12, Adeniyi confirmed that the NCS collected N5.07 trillion, achieving the anticipated 10 percent revenue surplus.
“This performance validates our partnership-driven approach to revenue collection and trade facilitation,” he added.
Adeniyi also highlighted recent strides in trade facilitation, revealing that six companies have been selected to benefit from the Authorised Economic Operators programme, which provides fast-tracked customs clearance and other trade facilitation benefits.
Similarly, the NCS has processed 21 requests under an advance ruling programme, designed to expedite customs decisions on import and export cargoes before they reach Nigerian ports.
The Comptroller-General expressed optimism about the NCS’s potential to drive further economic growth, citing the agency’s commitment to fostering partnerships and advancing innovative practices within the customs sector.
Nineteen out of the thirty-eight directors who were shortlisted to fill permanent secretary vacancies within the Federal Civil Service have failed the qualifying examination, a memo from the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) revealed on Tuesday.
The memo, signed by Dr. Emmanuel Meribole on behalf of the examination committee, disclosed that the qualifying exam was conducted on Monday, November 11, 2024.
The Federal Government, through the OHCSF, launched the recruitment drive in October to fill permanent secretary vacancies in eight states.
Providing insights into the progress, Eno Olotu, Director of Press at OHCSF, stated, “Of the 38 eligible directors who sat for the exam, 19 have passed the first stage and will move on to the second stage, which will assess their competency in using Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in government operations on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.”
Olotu highlighted the rigorous three-stage selection process, designed to ensure that only the most capable individuals are appointed to these high-ranking civil service roles.
This comprehensive approach, according to OHCSF, aims to elevate the quality of leadership across federal ministries.
The directors who advance beyond the ICT proficiency test will face a final stage on Friday, November 15, 2024, where a panel of senior government officials and private sector experts will conduct a final evaluation to determine their suitability for the permanent secretary positions.
The Chairman of the House Committee on the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) and representative of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in Oyo State, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, on Saturday urged the community to unite in advancing key development projects aimed at transforming Ikogosi.
Speaking at this year’s Ikogosi Day celebration and the launch of a N1 billion development project in Ekiti, the lawmaker, who served as the Chairman of the occasion, emphasised the importance of unity and collective action.
He encouraged attendees to approach the celebration as a call to action for the betterment of their community.
“As we all know, Ikogosi is not merely a town; it is a treasured gem in the heart of Ekiti State and Nigeria as a whole,” he said. “Ikogosi, a historic and vibrant town, plays a vital role in the tourism and economic landscape of Ekiti State. Its rich cultural heritage and unique resources draw visitors and stimulate economic activities that benefit us all.”
“Today is not just a celebration; it is a call to action,” he continued. “Let us come together, united in purpose, to support these transformative projects that promise to uplift the Ikogosi community. I urge everyone here to invest their time, resources, and energy in this endeavor. Together, we can build a legacy of self-help and development that future generations will cherish.”
Reflecting on the broader challenges facing the country, Oseni encouraged the people of Ikogosi and all Nigerians to remain hopeful and resilient, assuring them of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to a brighter future for the nation.
“To the good people of Ikogosi and all citizens of Nigeria, I urge you to remain steadfast and hopeful. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu means well for all Nigerians. The APC-led administration’s Renewed Hope agenda holds the promise of a brighter future. Though the beginnings may be challenging, perseverance will guide us toward a prosperous new Nigeria,” he stated.
In a statement released by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, the lawmaker lauded the Ekiti State government under Governor Biodun Oyebanji’s leadership for its transformative efforts in governance and development.
He acknowledged the strides made by the governor and praised his impactful initiatives, which have set Ekiti on a progressive path.
“First and foremost, let me commend the Ekiti State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Mr. Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji. The trailblazing development initiatives and effective governance during your tenure have not gone unnoticed,” Oseni remarked.
“Under your stewardship, we have witnessed remarkable progress and commendable governance that have undoubtedly made Ekiti State a shining example of peace and development,” he added.
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