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Ingratitude, a sin before God, says Akpabio

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Senator Akpabio and wife at the Carol Service organized by the St. John Paul 11 College

Minister, Niger Delta Affairs Ministry, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has attributed the success story and the uncommon transformation witnessed in Akwa Ibom state during his administration to his relationship with God.

The minister also stated that the act of ingratitude, not giving God what he wants which are Praise, Worship and Thankfulness are sins before God, saying, “God created man to praise, worship and adore Him and not building castles and buying cars. If you do all these, you would have fulfilled God’s purpose for your creation. Not doing all that is a sign of ingratitude which is a sin before God.”

A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Jackson Udom, quoted the former governor of Akwa Ibom State, as saying this while speaking at the Carol Service organized by the St. John Paul 11 College, which also coincided with his 59th Birthday Celebration in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital, on Thursday.

According to the former Senate Minority Leader, ” I am celebrating with you today for the first time. I want to thank you immensely. As you celebrate me today, you will also be celebrated. In life, not everybody must appreciate you. If you are a friend to everybody on earth, then you will not become anything. “

” Even in your family, you cannot be liked by all. If Joseph was not sold by his brothers to the Egyptians, he wouldn’t have become the Prime Minister. The brothers needed to conspire to sell him. Unknown to them, they were paying transport fare for Joseph to go and fulfil his destiny in Egypt. You must not be liked by everybody in life. The Bible says ‘Rule thou in the midst of your enemies’. It didn’t say you should rule in the midst of your friends, “he stressed.

Speaking further, Akpabio told the students, ” when you hear people mention Godswill Akpabio in a derogatory manner, it means Godswill Akpabio is a leader, because it is only leaders that rule in the midst of their enemies. Focus on what you are doing, believe in yourself and know that God is with you and it doesn’t matter who is against you. One with God is a majority. You must ever remain a grateful heart and never forget your foundation.”

He advised students to always put God first in whatever they do because no one succeeds without Him. ” You must at all times, recognize the place of God in all you do. Allow God to lead you in whatever you do.  In your examinations always know that He is with you. God be with me, should always be your watch words.”

Akpabio disclosed that the 9999 Carol Service that held annually throughout his administration was the key that unlocked the doors for the uncommon transformation of the state from 2007- 2015. “It was an event that opened Heavenly blessings upon the state and that was our little way of showing gratitude to God for all the blessings upon the state. That was the secret behind what we called Uncommon Transformation”.

Earlier in the day, there were various events to mark the 59th birthday celebration of the legal practitioner cum politician in different parts of the state.

The day kicked-off with a phone-in quiz competition in four radio stations, where prizes were given out to members of the public who gave correct answers to questions.

Other activities to mark the day was a Thanksgiving Mass at St Ann Cathedral, Ifuho, Ikot Ekpene,  Leadership Round Table Lecture and 10,000 man March in Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District of the state.

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‎LAF Foundation Founder, Adisa Marks Birthday with Food Outreach in Oyo

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‎Founder of the LAF Foundation, Dr. Olalekan Adisa, has  celebrated his birthday by distributing food items to residents across Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, reaffirming his commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.

The outreach, which attracted beneficiaries from different communities within the council area, was organised to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship confronting many households. Residents, including the elderly, widows, and low-income earners, received bags of rice and other food items from the foundation.

‎According to Adisa, his birthday was an opportunity to appreciate God by extending love and kindness to people in need rather than holding elaborate celebrations.

He said: “Every birthday reminds me that life is meaningful only when it positively impacts others. Today is not just about celebrating another year; it is about sharing God’s blessings with those around us. If we all make helping others a habit, our communities will become stronger and more united.”

The scholar noted that the LAF Foundation would continue to champion humanitarian interventions aimed at improving the welfare of the less privileged through education support, health initiatives, youth empowerment and community development programmes.

‎In his words, “The economic realities demand that those who have the capacity should lend a helping hand. This gesture may seem small, but for many families, it will make a significant difference. Our commitment to humanity remains unwavering.”

‎Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the foundation for the timely intervention, describing the gesture as a source of relief. They commended Adisa for consistently identifying with ordinary people and prayed for greater strength and resources for him to sustain the initiative.

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‎Oseni hails Dotun Sanusi’s elevation as Gbonka Olubadan, says honour well deserved

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general election and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated foremost businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his elevation to the prestigious chieftaincy title of Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the honour as a fitting reward for a life devoted to service, compassion and the development of humanity.

‎Oseni, in a statement issued on Friday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said the elevation was a well-deserved recognition of Chief Sanusi’s outstanding contributions to the socio-economic growth of Ibadanland and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of countless people through philanthropy, enterprise and community development.

‎The federal lawmaker noted that Chief Sanusi has, over the years, distinguished himself as an exceptional son of Ibadan whose investments, humanitarian interventions and unwavering support for the less privileged have continued to leave lasting footprints across Oyo State and beyond.

‎He said the latest elevation in the revered Olubadan traditional succession line was not merely a recognition of status, but a celebration of character, integrity and purposeful leadership, adding that Chief Sanusi has consistently demonstrated that genuine greatness is measured by the number of lives positively impacted.

‎According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the respected industrialist has earned the admiration of many through his humility, generosity and unwavering commitment to the progress of his people, stressing that his contributions to education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic development have continued to strengthen communities and inspire hope.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, I heartily congratulate my distinguished  brother and friend, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his well-deserved elevation as the Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland. This honour is not only a recognition of your place in the revered Olubadan traditional institution, but also a celebration of your remarkable life of service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to humanity,” Oseni said.

‎He added: “You have consistently shown that true leadership is about touching lives, creating opportunities and giving hope to others. Your philanthropy has restored dignity to many families, empowered young people, supported education and strengthened communities. It is gratifying to see these noble contributions being recognised through this prestigious elevation. I am confident that you will continue to serve Ibadanland with the same humility, wisdom and sense of responsibility that have always defined your public life.”

‎Oseni also commended the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Olubadan-in-Council for preserving the time-honoured succession tradition, describing the institution as one of the enduring symbols of stability, unity and cultural heritage in Yorubaland.

‎He expressed confidence that Chief Sanusi’s elevation would further strengthen the traditional institution while inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace selfless service, integrity and genuine commitment to community development.

The APC senatorial candidate prayed for God’s continued guidance, sound health and greater wisdom for the new Gbonka Olubadan as he ascends to higher responsibilities, expressing optimism that his new status would open another remarkable chapter of impactful service to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

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Oriire Rescue: SWEGOP Seeks Stronger Security in Border Communities

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The South West Guild of Online Publishers has urged the Federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen security in border communities following the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The guild said the successful rescue of the victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending months in captivity, should mark a turning point in efforts to secure vulnerable communities and prevent similar attacks.

In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Bisi Oladele, and Public Relations Officer, Remi Oladoye, SWEGOP commended President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the security agencies for what it described as their commitment and coordinated efforts that led to the victims’ rescue.

The guild described the operation as proof that strong political will, intelligence-driven operations and effective collaboration among security agencies can deliver positive results in the fight against insecurity.

It also praised the gallantry, resilience and professionalism of the military and other security personnel involved in the operation, noting that their sacrifices had restored hope to the rescued victims, their families and residents of Oyo State.

While celebrating the successful rescue, SWEGOP sympathised with the families of security personnel and civilians who lost their lives during the ordeal, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

The publishers observed that recent abductions across parts of the country revealed a disturbing pattern of attacks on border communities, where inadequate security presence, poor road networks, weak telecommunications infrastructure and easy escape routes into neighbouring countries have continued to expose residents to criminal activities.

It, therefore, called on governments at all levels to sustain the level of cooperation demonstrated during the rescue operation by strengthening collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to improve the safety of residents.

The guild further urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to deepen investments in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, rapid response mechanisms and community policing to guarantee the safety of schools and ensure that children can learn without fear.

SWEGOP reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace, public safety and the protection of lives and property across the South-West and the country.

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