Politics
Oyo Needs An Insider to Succeed Ajimobi, Guber Aspirant Advocates
AS the race to succeed Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state gathers momentum, an aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Isaac Omodewu has stressed on the need for an insider to succeed the governor.
The two-time commissioner, Omodewu who currently heads the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development, is a kitchen cabinet member and an age long associate of the governor.
The Otu born politician, in Itesiwaju Local Government Area, in Oke-Ogun stated this while addressing council chiefs at a meeting held in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital last Friday.
The guber hopeful further emphasised, ” there is need for continuity of legacies and programmes of our principal which only an insider can do. We should not allow moneybags or people with external influence to take over from our principal.
“ I wouldn’t mind if I am not lucky to be the next governor, but let us work together as one indivisible family and pursue a common goal which is letting an insider take over from Governor Ajimobi”, Omodewu added.
Giving insight into why he wants to become the next governor of the state, Omodewu said, “I am an established aspirant, I have been part of the government right from the first day and I know if I am privilege to be the next governor I will continue our principal’s laudable programmes and take Oyo state to another level.
“ We should set the state on auto pilot like that of Lagos. Asiwaju Tibubu laid the foundation and today Lagos is enjoying the proceed of continuity, Ajimobi has started it in Oyo state, we should not allow the process to be truncated by allowing those who are not part of us to take over from the system”.
Oyo SGB’s educational policy has positively enhanced our status as principals – ANCOPS
He assured the council chairmen of direct access and more proper funding. “While I was a commissioner at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, I did not only facilitated foreign trips and seminars for council chairmen, I also arranged periodic seminars and trainings for Supervisors at the local governments in the state, this I will continue if I eventually emerged as the next governor of Oyo state.”
Remarking, the state commissioner for Works, Alhaji Dauda Oladimeji, described Omodewu’s move as a right decision that should be supported and encouraged by all and sundry .
“ Omodewu is one of the few men who understands the system and will be a better successor of Governor Abiola Ajimobi”, the Commissioner said.
Some of the council gaffers whom were in attendance, including Bashorun Bosun Ajuwon, Hon Lanre Olaosegba, Hon Bamgboye , Hon Taiwo, amongst others, unanimously pledged their supports for Omodewu’s gubernatorial ambition, describing him as a notable politician with an enviable track record.
Politics
Oseni Salutes Senator Folarin’s Decades of Service at 61
Engr. Aderemi Oseni, representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency of Oyo State in the House of Representatives, has paid tribute to former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, on his 61st birthday, celebrating his decades of dedicated service and contributions to Oyo State and Nigeria at large.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni, who also serves as Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), lauded Folarin’s unwavering commitment to leadership and the well-being of the people.
Highlighting the All Progressives Congress (APC) gubernatorial nominee in the 2023 elections for three terms in the Senate, the lawmaker noted that Folarin’s legacy of service continues to be a guiding light for emerging leaders and a source of inspiration for countless individuals across the state.
“Senator Folarin has built an admirable legacy through years of selfless public service, consistently advocating for progress and unity,” remarked Oseni.
Reflecting on Folarin’s role as the Ikolaba Olubadan of Ibadanland, the lawmaker commended his leadership approach, which has bridged divides, fostered coalitions, and promoted initiatives aimed at stabilising democracy.
“Senator Folarin’s career is an example of visionary leadership,” he added, “and his commitment to public service will leave a lasting legacy for generations to come.”
As Senator Folarin marks this milestone, Oseni extended warm wishes for his continued health and success, expressing hope that his exemplary life of service will keep inspiring positive change across the nation.
Politics
Ugandan Court Hands Ex-LRA Commander 40-Year Sentence
In a historic ruling, a Ugandan court on Friday sentenced former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) commander Thomas Kwoyelo to 40 years in prison.
This landmark decision, marking the first time a member of the notorious LRA has faced trial for war crimes in a Ugandan court, follows the group’s brutal two-decade insurgency against the Ugandan government.
Kwoyelo, who was convicted in August on 44 counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, faced charges including murder, rape, torture, pillaging, abduction, and the destruction of settlements for internally displaced people.
Michael Elubu, lead judge of the case at the International Crimes Division (ICD) of Uganda’s High Court, delivered the sentence in the northern city of Gulu, underscoring a rare moment of accountability in the decades-long history of the LRA’s violence.
Judge Elubu stated that Kwoyelo retains the right to appeal both his conviction and sentence within 14 days.
Kwoyelo, who was abducted by the LRA at the age of 12 and later rose to a low-level command position within the organization, denied all charges brought against him.
The Lord’s Resistance Army, founded by Joseph Kony in the 1980s, sought to establish a regime based on the Ten Commandments. Under Kony’s leadership, the group unleashed widespread terror across Uganda and neighboring regions, resulting in over 100,000 deaths and the abduction of 60,000 children.
The violence eventually spread to Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the Central African Republic.
Politics
“A Perfect Fit”: Rep Oseni Applauds Sunday Dare’s Appointment as Presidential Adviser on Public Communications
The Chairman of the House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engr. Aderemi Oseni has hailed the appointment of Chief Sunday Dare, Agbaakin of Ogbomosoland and former Minister of Youth and Sports Development, as Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Public Communication and National Orientation, describing it a “perfect fit.”
In a statement released Thursday by his media aide, Idowu Ayodele, in Ibadan, Oseni praised Chief Dare’s extensive background in journalism and public service, adding that his vast experience will significantly enhance national communications and orientation efforts.
“Chief Dare’s illustrious career, from his pioneering role in Nigerian journalism as a founding member of The News and Tempo magazines to his strategic leadership as Minister of Youth and Sports Development under President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, speaks volumes about his commitment to national development,” he remarked.
Oseni, who also represents the Ibarapa East/Ido federal constituency of Oyo state, noted that Chief Dare’s new role comes at a critical time when fostering national unity and effective public engagement is crucial, stressing that his deep understanding of media, both locally and internationally, will strengthen public trust in government communications.
“As an accomplished journalist and public servant, Chief Dare is uniquely positioned to reshape the national narrative and bolster public confidence in government communication efforts,” the lawmaker said.
He expressed confidence that Dare’s appointment will not only advance the ideals of democracy and transparency but also serve as a point of pride for Ogbomosoland and Oyo State.
The APC chieftain wished Chief Dare success in his new role, pledging his unwavering support in ensuring the objectives of the office are fully achieved.