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Ajimobi’s death, a loss to black race – Akintola
Legal luminary and politician, Chief Adeniyi Akintola (SAN), has described the death of former governor of Oyo state, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, as a colossal loss not only to Nigeria but the entire black race in the global community.
Sen. Ajimobi reportedly died yesterday at a Lagos hospital as a result of complications from undisclosed health conditions after he was said to have contracted Covid-19 few weeks ago. He was 70 years old.
Chief Akintola said, in a condolence message made available to journalists in Ibadan on Friday by his Personal Assistant, Prince Olumuyiwa Akinbiyi, that Ajimobi would never be forgotten in the history of mankind as one of the finest Africans who did his best to change the face of leadership and public administration in the 21st century.
“Former governor Ajimobi was a courageous man who traversed many areas of life and impacted positively. After a successful career in the organized private sector, he came into politics with a mission to change the face of democratic governance and he was able to achieve a lot despite many odds which came his way.
“At a time when democracy was heading for the rock in 2006 , when an individual planned to place his personal interest above that of the whole country (Nigeria), Sen. Ajimobi was among the courageous federal lawmakers who stood their ground and thwarted the ill-advised third term agenda of the then civilian president. This was in addition to his brilliant contributions to legislative activities and robust engagement at the 5th National Assembly.
“On the home front, Ajimobi became a governor of Oyo state in 2011 and it took him a little time to convince the whole world about his readiness and determination to change the narrative of sloppiness and window dressing. He came up with a broad vision to restore, transform and reposition the Pacesetter state and after an unprecedented two consecutive terms of uninterrupted eight years in office, he emerged the indisputable Architect of Modern Oyo State.
“Losing such a great man to the cold arms of death at a time when his wealth of experience, renewed passion and candour is needed more indicate a disaster of an unquantifiable magnitude.
“However, we find solace in the legacy of hard work, innovation and unbeatable achievements which he left behind. May God grant him eternal rest and uphold members of his immediate family as well as all his friends, supporters and associates”, Akintola stated.
Former Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Adeolu Akande, has extended warm felicitations to Barrister Sarafadeen Ali, the Senator representing Oyo South Senatorial district, on the occasion of his 61st birthday.
In a statement released on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, on Saturday, Akande lauded the lawmaker, describing him as a luminary whose life has been marked by distinguished service to the nation.
“Today, I join the world in celebrating you on your special day, as you mark 61 years of God’s abundant love and glorious impact on humanity,” the former NCC gaffer expressed.
He added, “I wish you many more years of God’s grace in your life.”
The headquarters of Heritage Bank at Victoria Island, Lagos, was besieged on Thursday by members of the labour union, protesting the recent dismissal of 1,000 support workers.
The National President of the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees, Comrade Anthony Abakpa, led the demonstration, condemning the bank’s management for what he deemed a lack of adherence to due process in the termination of employment contracts.
Speaking during the protest, Comrade Abakpa asserted that the leadership of Heritage Bank failed to follow established protocols before executing the mass layoffs.
He emphasised the union’s commitment to pursuing justice for the affected workers, vowing to escalate their demands until the bank’s management rectifies the situation.
“We will intensify our demands for justice,” declared Comrade Abakpa, urging the bank’s management to take corrective action to address the grievances of the dismissed workers.
The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Olayemi Cardoso, clarified that Nigeria is not utilising its foreign reserves to bolster the naira, despite recent fluctuations in reserve levels.
Speaking from Washington DC, where he is attending the International Monetary Fund-World Bank Spring Meetings, Cardoso highlighted the influx of $600 million into Nigeria’s reserves account within the past two days.
While the naira has experienced a notable appreciation against the dollar in recent weeks, climbing over 40% from approximately N1,900/$ to about N1,000/$1, Nigeria’s foreign reserves have been dwindling. As of April 15, reserves dropped to approximately $32.29 billion, marking the lowest level in over six years.
Cardoso emphasised that the shifts in reserves are typical for any country, where various financial obligations, such as debt repayments, necessitate withdrawals.
He stated, “What you’ve seen with respect to the shift in our reserves is normal in any country’s reserves where, for example, debts are due and certain payments need to be made. They are made because that is also part of keeping your credibility.”
Continuing, Cardoso underscored the dynamic nature of the market, advocating for a system driven by willing buyers, willing sellers, and price discovery.
He emphasised, “The shift in our reserves has really little or nothing to do with defending the naira, and that is certainly not our objective.”
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