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‘You ‘re a breath of fresh air’, UI congratulates Pro-Chancellor And Chairman of Council, Oyegun at 82

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Your Excellency,

At 82, Dear Chief John E. K. Odigie-Oyegun, CON, you grow each day wiser and more optimistic. You look strong and healthy, youthful and well-preserved, all evidence of the Lord’s grace.

You are a breath of fresh air at the critical stage in the life of this University.

As you know, you are such an important leader to us in this premier institution! No gift could ever express how much you mean to us and how much incredibly we appreciate you as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Ibadan.

This special day provides an opportunity to salute your virtues of discipline, commitment to excellence and diligence which have continued to earn you resounding breakthroughs in various endeavours.

Also, this special day, is a testimony of your well-acknowledged accomplishments and feats in the public services as well as what you left behind for the good people of Edo State as the First Executive Governor.

These achievements, attainments and successes will continue to inspire generations of leaders in our country.

Most worthy of mention was your significant role in the enthronement of the current political dispensation in our country as the founding Chairman of All Progressives Party (APC), among other, memorable, indelible and historic roles as the Deputy National Chairman, (South), All Nigeria Progressive Party (ANPP); Vice-Presidential candidate of the party and later member of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Chief John Evboyomwan Kenneth Odigie-Oyegun was born on 12 August, 1939 into the family of Pa Daniel Osagiedde Odigie-Oyegun, MBE and Mrs. Shaka Elizabeth Oyegun, new Amurun.

He was admitted to the University College, Ibadan in 1960 and bagged a Bachelor of Science, (Hons) in Economics in 1963. He was a resident of Kuti Hall which he served as the Hall Secretary.

This distinguished Nigerian attended many world-class postgraduate institutions.

He joined the Federal Civil Service in 1963, worked in various capacities and at different levels and was appointed a Federal Permanent Secretary in 1975 at the age of 36. In this capacity, he served the Cabinet Office, Ministry of Science and Technology, 1982 -1983; Ministry of Internal Affairs, February to September 1984; and Ministry of Commerce and Industry, September 1984 to December 1985.

By retirement in December 1985, he had put in a total of twenty two years in the Federal Public Service, nine of which was as Permanent Secretary.

In 1991, he contested and won on the platform of the Social Democratic Party and became the first Executive Governor of Edo State in January 1992. He has since remained a principled yet prime actor on the Nigerian political stage.

A man of steadfast principle, courage and conviction, he sacrificed all to play a key role in the crisis that followed the aborted and now historic June 12 elections of 1992 and the crisis that followed. A staunch member of National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), Chief Odigie-Oyegun paid a steep price when he was forced into exile where he emerged the Executive Secretary to the NADECO-Abroad. Along with the likes of late Chief Anthony Enahoro, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Prof. Wole Soyinka among many others, he waged a relentless struggle for a permanent end to military rule and the restoration of democracy in Nigeria.

An outstanding boardroom executive, Chief Odigie-Oyegun, at various times, served in the Board of several public, private and international entities.

A versatile industrialist and business man,
he is Chairman of several companies including Teletok Nigeria Ltd, Lagos and Imperial Woodwork Industries Limited, Benin City.

Chief Odigie-Oyegun belongs to many professional and social clubs including the Metropolitan Club, Lagos. He was past President of Rotary Club of Ikoyi. He is a member of Nigerian Economic Society (NES); a Fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM) and a life Trustee of the Benin Club. He is a life sustaining member of the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) and a very active member of the Benin Branch. On Saturday, 11 June, 2016 the University of Ibadan Alumni Association (UIAA) Worldwide conferred on him 2015 Most Distinguished Alumnus (MDA) award at an impressive ceremony in recognition of his selflessness and diligence, not for personal gain, but service to God and humanity.

Given the above and others which I could not chronicle, on behalf of Council, Senate, Congregation, Management, Staff and Students of the University of Ibadan, I rejoice with you , your family, friends, associates and admirers across generation in Nigeria and all over the world to give glory and thanks to Almighty God for His abiding grace and mercy on this wonderful alumnus of UI, illustrious son of Edo State and Nigeria on his remarkable 82nd birthday.

May each day of Chief John Evboyonwan Kenneth Odigie-Oyegun be wonderful in the full knowledge as the extraordinary person you are, the quintessential family man, elder statesman, and UI’s global ambassador who has made enormous contributions to national development.

 

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AND MANY HAPPY RETURNS SIR!!!

Olatunji Oladejo, JP, MNIPR
Director of Public Communication University of Ibadan

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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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