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Oyo: Akanbi hails Buhari for honouring MKO Abiola

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Sen. Adesoji Akanbi on Wednesday lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his recent declaration of June 12 as Nigeria’s Democracy Day and signing into law the public holiday (amendment) bill.

The former Senator, who represented Oyo South senatorial district between 2015 and 2019, in his message posted on Facebook  submitted, “It is indeed a great move and very welcome development,” adding that “In every corner of our country, this special day, in honour of Late Chief M.K.O Abiola, marks the turning point in our history. Nigerians as a nation and as a people defied all odds and expectations, and chose to rebuild our motherland on the principles adhered to by many nations before us: that the people of a country can stand sovereign over their elected leaders, by exercising their right to choose at the ballot box. It reminds us of the valour, vision and dream of passionate Nigerians from all parts of the country, even our heroes past, who came together in unity of purpose to ensure a well deserved democratic rule after a long and tough military rule regime.”

The June 12, 1993 presidential election which had produced late Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was annulled by the then military head of state, Ibrahim Gbadamosi Babangida.

Senator Akanbi message further reads, “today, we celebrate the momentous rebirth of our nation’s democracy, marking the continuation of a leadership that is inclusive and represents the interest of every Nigerian.

In every corner of our country, this special day,in honour of Late Chief M.K.O Abiola , marks the turning point in our history. Nigerians as a nation and as a people defied all odds and expectations, and chose to rebuild our motherland on the principles adhered to by many nations before us: that the people of a country can stand sovereign over their elected leaders, by exercising their right to choose at the ballot box. It reminds us of the valour, vision and dream of passionate Nigerians from all parts of the country, even our heroes past, who came together in unity of purpose to ensure a well deserved democratic rule after a long and tough military rule regime.

And I sincerely commend His Excellency President Muhammadu Buhari for signing into law the Public Holiday (Amendment) Bill, which legalizes June 12 as Nigeria’s democracy day. It is indeed a great move and very welcome development.

In retrospect, the last three decades have been filled with many challenges; our nation has been faced with tough times yet our history shows these are not insurmountable, we only need to draw on the perseverance of those before us.

We must bear in mind that our organised strength lies in the common experiences we share with our fellow Nigerians, and our everyday successes as a nation are rooted in the foundations of our citizen-centered democracy.

Nevertheless, we must also never forget that just as our strength lies in our commonalities and shared experiences, our most potent power emanates from our over 150 million-strong voice. When our minds are bind together as one, we are strong. When we speak out as one, we are formidable. When we demand as one, we are insurmountable.

We must therefore continue to uphold the bond of citizenship that has kept us together as one indivisible people.

It behooves on us all to be diligent and firm in the belief that we shall harvest the dividends of the sacrifices given by many to obtain and sustain our democracy.

We must unequivocally understand, that this democracy of ours is not just a gift, but a responsibility to be harnessed and developed for the benefit of generations of Nigerians that are yet to come.

I celebrate every Nigerian at home and in diaspora, human right activists, our service men and women, religious leaders, military men and even lawmakers that may have been “witch-hunted especially those of 3rd Republic which Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi happened to be for standing for the truth among others, who have definitely played important roles in attaining and maintaining our democratic system. Remembering these heroes goes beyond a holiday in our homes, but ensuring that the will of Nigerians of all social status, tribes, ages and religions to embrace the true spirit of a statesman, understand our differences, join hands in unity beyond words and shoulder the responsibility of re-building Nigeria knowing that no one can build this nation except we do come together and remain as one.

In this regard, as we reflect and celebrate JUNE 12 as our democracy day, I urge us all to march into the future with the knowledge that in the spirit of togetherness, we can achieve a lot more for our common prosperity.

 

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Oyo South: Tegbe, Others Named Oseni Students’ Movement Exco

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A students’ leader, Comrade Tegbe Stephen, has been named Coordinator of the Remi Oseni Students’ Movement ahead of its formal inauguration.

The appointment is part of efforts to strengthen the students’ support base for the All Progressives Congress (APC) Oyo South Senatorial candidate, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, across tertiary institutions in the district.

Also named into the executive are Comrades Wale Ajibike (Bosslee), Isiaka Hammed (General), Salami Olatunji, Adetunji Sultan Adekunle, Oluwatobi Ojo and Onifade Victor.

The announcement was made during a strategic meeting with student leaders in Ibadan. The meeting was attended by the Oyo South APC Youth Leader, Com. Olalekan Olowe, and Oseni’s Personal Assistant, Com. Ibrahim Alabi, popularly known as “Otunba Poly.”

Addressing the gathering, Olowe described the movement as a platform to mobilise students across Oyo South, urging the newly named executive to live up to the confidence reposed in them.

He said: “Students remain one of the strongest forces in any democratic society. We expect you to build a vibrant movement that will unite your colleagues and advance the vision of Hon. Aderemi Oseni across our campuses.”

Olowe added that the executive would be formally inaugurated in the coming weeks, after which the movement would commence full activities across the senatorial district.

Also speaking, Ibrahim Alabi urged the student leaders to remain committed, united and focused on the responsibility entrusted to them.

“This is a call to service. Your duty is to mobilise, educate and inspire students to play active roles in the democratic process. We believe you have the capacity to justify this confidence,” he said.

Responding on behalf of the executive, Tegbe thanked Oseni and the students’ leadership for the opportunity to serve, assuring them of their commitment to the assignment.

“We appreciate the confidence reposed in us and will not take it for granted. Our resolve is to build a formidable students’ movement across Oyo South and ensure that students on every campus are actively mobilised ahead of the election,” he said.

The formal inauguration of the executive is expected to be held soon.

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Oseni celebrates Oyo APC Publicist,  Sadare, extols loyalty, commitment to progressive cause

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated the Oyo State Publicity Secretary of the party, Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a loyal progressive, effective communicator and committed party stalwart whose contributions have continued to strengthen the party in the state.

Oseni, in a statement issued on Sunday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said Sadare has remained a consistent and dependable voice of the party, discharging his responsibilities with professionalism, integrity and an unwavering commitment to the ideals of the All Progressives Congress.

He noted that the Oyo APC spokesman has distinguished himself through responsible public communication, constructive engagement and an enduring commitment to promoting the party’s vision, values and programmes.

According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Sadare’s humility, calm disposition and ability to articulate the party’s position with clarity have earned him the respect of party leaders, members and stakeholders, while also contributing to the unity and stability of the APC in Oyo State.

“Alhaji Wasiu Olawale Sadare is a committed progressive whose loyalty and dedication to our great party have remained steadfast over the years. He has served with uncommon diligence and has continued to project the ideals of the APC with dignity, courage and sincerity,” Oseni said.

The lawmaker added that the publicist’s birthday presents another opportunity to celebrate a man whose service has gone beyond official responsibility, noting that his contributions to strengthening internal cohesion and fostering constructive engagement within the party deserve commendation.

“As you mark another year today, I join your family, friends, political associates and the entire progressive family in celebrating God’s faithfulness in your life. Your commitment to duty, humility and sense of responsibility continue to inspire many within our party.”
Oseni prayed for greater accomplishments for the celebrant, asking Almighty Allah to bless him with good health, wisdom and renewed strength to continue serving the party and humanity.

“I pray that Almighty Allah grants you many more years in sound health, abundant grace and greater accomplishments. May He continue to guide your steps, enlarge your coast and reward your selfless service to our great party, Oyo State and our nation. Happy birthday, and many happy returns.”
The statement added that Oseni wished Sadare a memorable celebration and expressed confidence that his wealth of experience, dedication and leadership would continue to contribute meaningfully to the growth of the APC and the advancement of progressive politics in Oyo State.

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Oyo lawmaker, Oseni empowers Agbeni traders with ₦50m grant, rallies support for Tinubu

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) senatorial candidate for Oyo South, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, on Friday strengthened his grassroots engagement with traders by presenting a ₦50 million business grant to members of the Agbeni Amunigun Traders Association in Ibadan.

The empowerment package is expected to benefit traders across the market, which cuts across Ibadan North-West and Ibadan South-West Local Government Areas of Oyo State.

Oseni, who represents Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, also donated ₦5 million towards the completion of the association’s secretariat. He further pledged to install solar-powered streetlights within the market to improve security and make the business environment more conducive.

Speaking during an interactive meeting with the association’s leaders, executives and representatives of its 15 zones, the lawmaker described traders as key drivers of the local economy, saying they deserved continuous support to grow their businesses and improve their standard of living.

He also appealed to the traders to sustain their support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, expressing confidence that the economic reforms introduced by the administration would deliver lasting benefits for the country.

“The decisions taken by President Tinubu were difficult, but they were necessary. Today, fuel queues are gone, states and local governments receive higher allocations, and more resources are available for infrastructure, education, healthcare and other development projects, including the regular payment of salaries,” he said.

Oseni highlighted ongoing road rehabilitation projects, interventions in the health sector, agricultural support initiatives and the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) as some of the programmes making a difference under the current administration.

He noted that the student loan scheme had opened up access to higher education for many young Nigerians, while other economic reforms were laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Looking ahead, Oseni promised that if elected to represent Oyo South in the Senate in 2027, he would facilitate an interest-free revolving loan scheme for traders. He said the programme would be jointly managed by the market leadership and a reputable microfinance bank to ensure genuine traders had access to affordable credit.

“I will continue to support policies and programmes that help small and medium-scale businesses thrive because traders remain the engine of our economy. My goal is to create opportunities that will help your businesses expand and improve the welfare of your families,” he said, assuring the association that the requests presented to him would receive prompt attention.

Earlier, the Babaloja of the market, Alhaji Abdul-Latifu Abdulganiyu; the Baale, Alhaji Muniru Oladayo; the General Chairman of the market, Alhaji Nureni Lawal; the Iyaloja’s representative, Alhaja Basirat Owolanwa; and the youth representative, Alhaji Adeyinka Basiru, praised Oseni for his consistent support for traders and other community-based empowerment programmes.

The market leaders unanimously endorsed his senatorial ambition and pledged to mobilise support for his 2027 bid, saying his record of empowerment, constituency projects and community development had earned him the confidence of the people.

 

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