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Ibadan In Lockdown, As Eminent Nigerians Pay Last Respect To Adebayo.
ENCOMIUMS were showered on the former Military Governor of Western Region, Retired Major General Robert Adeyinka Adebayo by eminent Nigerians who gathered yesterday at his lying in state in Ibadan , the Oyo State capital to pay their last respect to the highly revered leader who died on 8th March, 2017 at the age of 89, a day before his 90th birthday.
Dignitaries, politicians across the parties including the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, sitting governors and their deputies, former civilian and military governors, Yoruba leaders among others gathered at the House of Chiefs, Agodi Government Secretariat paying tributes to the former Military Governor of Western Region, General Adebayo.
The corpse, which was received around 2pm at the Ibadan end of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, was accompanied to the venue around 2.48pm by some governors in the Southwestern states, comprising of Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rauf Aregebsola (Osun), Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos) and Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo).
The scion of Adebayo family and erstwhile Governor of Ekiti State, Mr Adeniyi Adebayo accompanied by the widow of the deceased, Mrs. Modupe Adebayo led the family to pay their last respect.
The Senate President, Saraki in his remarks urged the gathering not to mourn but to celebrate a life well spent. “I stand here not to mourn but celebrate General Adebayo, it is not common for six state governors to celebrate an individual, let me commend the efforts of the organizers.
“I think Baba Adebayo deserves more than this, on behalf of entire Senate, General Adebayo is more than South-West.
“That is why the entire Nigeria is here to honour General Adebayo.
“The only tribute we can have for them is to sustain the labour of our past heroes not to die in vain”, he stressed.
The host governor, Abiola Ajimobi, speaking on behalf of his colleagues described late General Adebayo as an illustrious son of Africa whom dignitaries are being giving final farewell.
He said, “Papa fought a good fight, and we take solace, I congratulate us all for the good works of the late General Adeyinka Adebayo.
“Papa has carved his name on our heart, his legacy will always remain in our heart. May his gentle soul rest in peace.
Earlier in his address, the Chairman of the Planning Committee, who is also the Secretary to Oyo State Government, Alhaji Olalekan Alli said that the demise of Adebayo though heartbreaking but a thing of joy for a life well spent.
Alli added that the choice of Ibadan for the day of tribute is in recognition of contributions.
Similarly, the Yoruba Council of Elders who spoke through Chief Sofola described the demise, Adebayo as a huge loss.
“He was an embodiment of what has been said here. As Military Governor, he contributed to the betterment of his people and as Chairman of YCE he worked diligently for the betterment of people”.
Also, the Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Professor Idowu Olayinka represented by DVC (Admin), Professor Emilolorun Ayelari emphasized that tremendous achievements by the former Pro Chancellor of the University will continue to be remembered by the University.
The lying in state also had in attendance, Deputy Governors of Ogun State, Mrs. Yetunde Onanuga, Osun State, Chief Grace Laoye Tomori, former Governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande, Former Military Governors of old Oyo State, General David Jemibewon, Col. Oladayo Popoola and Real Admirer Akin Aduwo and former Civilian Governor of old Oyo State, Dr. Victor Olunloyo, former Deputy Governor of Oyo State Chief Iyiola Oladokun.
Others include the Olubadan of Ibadanland who was represented by his chief led by High Chief Owolabi Olakulehin (Balogun of Ibadanland), Secretary to Ogun State Governor, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa and Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr. Abiodun Odude.
In the list of senators is the Senators representing Oyo Central and North, Alhaja Monsurat Sunmonu and Dr. Abdulfatai Buhari, members of Executive Councils in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos and Ekiti.
The Provost of the Cathedral, St. Peters Anglican Church, Ibadan, Venerable Wale Adebiyi and representatives of Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abubakri Abdulganiy Agbotomokekere prayed for soul of the departed octongarian.
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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