Let's strive to enter Jannat without accountability

Ibn `Abbas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "I was shown the past nations. I saw a Prophet who had a very small group (less than ten in total) with him, another Prophet who was accompanied by only one or two men and some did not have even one. Suddenly I was shown a huge crowd and I thought that they were my Ummah, but I was told: 'This is Musa (Moses) and his people, but look towards the other side. I looked and beheld a great assemblage. I was told: 'These are your people and amongst them there are seventy thousand who shall enter Jannah without being taken to account or torment". Then the Prophet (PBUH) stood up and went into his apartment, and the Companions began to guess who may be those people who would enter Jannah without any accounting or torment. Some said: "Probably, they are the ones who kept company with Messenger of Allah (PBUH)". Others said: "Probably, they are the ones who have been born as Muslims and have never associated anyone with Allah in worship". Then Messenger of Allah (PBUH) came out and asked, "What are you discussing?'' So they told him. He then said, "They are those who do not make Ruqyah (blowing over themselves after reciting the Qur'an or some prayers and supplications the Prophet (PBUH) used to say) nor seek it, nor perceive omens (i.e., they are not pessimistic) but keep trust in their Rubb (Allah). ''On this, Ukashah bin Mihsan stood up and asked: "Pray to Allah to make me one of them.'' The Prophet (PBUH) said, "You are one of them.'' Then another man stood up and asked the same thing. The Prophet (PBUH) answered, "'Ukashah has surpassed you". [Al-Bukhari and Mulsim]. Lessons from this Hadith. This Hadith mentions the importance of faith in Allah, inducement for having trust in Him and the distinction of people who have these qualities. Although the practice of blowing over someone after reciting the Qur'an or supplications of the Prophet (PBUH) and medical treatment are permissible but they who avoid them because of their extreme trust in Allah and save themselves from bad omen, enjoy a distinguished position. We ask Allah to purify our hearts, ease our worries and aid us to put our trust fully on Him only. Aameen.

What is the way-out to the rising wave of kidnapping?

The discovery, the other day, of a den of kidnappers and fraudsters in Oyo State especially many other cases of kidnapping in Ibadan and other parts of the country underscores the growing apprehension over a menace now on the rise in some parts of the country. It once again reaffirms the need to smash the criminal syndicates whose sole business is to prey on innocent members of the public. The trend is worrisome and shows a society fast losing its cherished values. This calls for vigilance and alertness on the part of all citizens as well as the security forces. There are myraid of these national threats such kidnappers, fraudsters, fake currency traffickers, car snatchers and ritual killers. The government at all levels are not also helping matters. The hide-out of these monsters are not properly discovered and those discovered do not witness a water tight investigation at long last. Do not forget that the "SOKA" discovery was buried along the line. How many of them were arrested and how many were brought to book?.Perhaps,the government is the major beneficiary. That Ibadan den showed the sophistication of the criminals in the conduct of their heinous activities. Therefore,the security agencies therefore must not forget that huge tasks are on their hands and should act decisively. The Nigerians across the length and breadth of the nation with most coming from Abuja, Lagos, Kogi ,Oyo and other states have fallen victims. There is no way to ascertain the number of people who have been so kidnapped, defrauded or killed for ritual sacrifices by those people but the list is believed to be very lenghten. The herbalists are not left out of the quote. Why must the herbalists join the crew of the kidnappers? I think they are traditionists but majority of them have turned themselves to the agents of evils. Sadly enough, Ibadan, the hitherto political and economic capital of the old Western Region, has suddenly become the den of devious criminality of all sorts. This is giving the city bad image. This descent into infamy should be halted by the authorities. But the menace of kidnapping is not limited to Ibadan. Indeed, it seems to be pervading the whole of the Southwest region more than any other part of the country. Within the last few weeks, the cases of kidnapping of high profile individuals have been on the increase. Comrade Nurudeen Giwa,the vice president of the National Association of Okeogun Students endured days in the hands of kidnappers before he was rescued but we all know what resurfaced after his release. No dog goes scot-free in the den of lion. A medical worker in Oyo State were also kidnapped for ransom. A popular business man,in person of Mr. Adeshina in Oyo town was kidnapped in Ibadan for weeks and the news secured today. These are to mention but few. Certainly, all Nigerians must be one another’s keeper in a regime of eternal vigilance. Human values have been so bastardised and preaching to the kidnappers will not deter them. The full weight of the law should therefore be brought upon them whenever they are caught. Buildings and other properties used by the criminals should be bulldozed. Other places under the siege of kidnappers are ripe for a similar action to rid the society of criminal elements. My people,where do we go from here,where do we go from here?

BUHARI IN MECCA, AND SO WHAT?

Rligion is a personal affairs between a man and his God. In islam, the best of religious practices is the one a muslim transacts between himself and Allah without the knowledge of others. It boils down to the concept of Ikhlaz in the religion, which technically describes purification of intention in religious obligations and superogations solely for Allah. Scholars of Aqeedah caution a muslim to be wary of showing it off when He strives in religious obligations through putting forwards any act of worship by ensuring detail attention is paid to absolute purification of his intention for his creator only. A religious act put forwards without ikhlaz is not only rejected but also amounts to shirk. Shirk means associating partners with almighty Allah. Perhaps, President Buhari, who is currently performing his lesser Hajj in Macca,Saudi Arabia,performing one of the superogatory rituals of Islam, Has a pure Ikhlaz and doing so, only as a Muslim and not because He happens to be the President of Nigeria currently. The manners in which some folks flood pages of the social media with that news is somehow discomforting and hypocritical. Did Buhari tell Nigerians He headed for the Hajj to pray for the country? Yes, one may agree He would of course remember the nation during the rituals, but was this not how supporters of former President Goodluck jonathan virtually turned him into the President of only christians in Nigeria by christianising his office without any sensitivity to the feelings of other religious followers in the country? When they saturated all crannies of social media with his un-ending Jerusalem visit and bowing to the Jewish wall, was it not the same folks now circulating the pictures of Buhari being ushered into black square Mosque in Mecca that added their voice to ours in accusing Jonathan and his supporters of christianising his office? Of course, Buhari's visit to Saudi Arabia in his capacity as a President of a country would make him a focus of attention from media stations around the world, how does circulating such pictures and flooding one's walls with the news add a point to his performance as our president? How can we accuse the men of yesterday and indulge in similar errors that made us accuse them today?

Ogun monarchs:See What Fulani Herdsmen Did In Ogun State…very Sad

Six traditional rulers in ijebu-Igbo in Ijebu North Local government Area of Ogun State, yesterday, raised alarm over the alleged destruction of farmlands and the rape of women by Fulani herdsmen in the area. The monarchs said activities of the herdsmen and their cattle posed serious threat to security in the area. Addressing newsmen at its inaugural meeting held at the secretariat of the local government in Ijebu-Igbo, the monarchs said it had become imperative for government to check the alleged destructive and nefarious activities of the herdsmen in the area before they get out of hand. They appealed to Ogun State Government to take immediate steps to bar the herdsmen and their cattle from the community to avoid any form of confrontation between them and the people of Ijebu Igbo. Three of the six traditional rulers, who constitute the council, the Sopen lukale of Oke-Sopen, Oba Mufutau Yusuf; Kegbo of Atikori, Oba Ibitoye Solaja and Bejeroku of Oke Agbo, Oba Olaoye Abas, and 21 other chiefs and prominent indigenes of the town, who attended the meeting,stressed that the destruction of the town’s farmlands by the herdsmen had imposed untold hardship on the people of the community who are mainly farmers. Source Vanguard

OYO STATE NOA DIRECTOR COMMENDS OYO SPEAKER ON PEOPLE-FRIENDLY POLICIES

The Oyo State Director of the National Orientation Agency, Mrs. Dolapo Dosunmu has commended the unique administrative and leadership style of the Eight Speaker of the Oyo Assembly, Mr. Micheal Adeyemo for being responsive and attentive to the yearning of the people of the State.

Mrs. Dolapo Dosunmu made the remark when she led her management team on a working visit, to the Oyo State House of Assembly, a visit which was aimed at developing and achieving harmonious working relationship with the Assembly; particularly in the areas of bridging the communication gap between the Government and the public thereby building a responsible and value oriented citizens.

The Speaker of the State Assembly Hon. Micheal Adeyemo expressed readiness to partner with the NOA by forming a workable team comprising the forum of Local Governments in the 33 Local Government of the State, the Oyo State House of Assembly and the National Orientation Agency to assist the NOA deliver on its mandate to the people effectively.

Hon. Adeyemo also called for the re-introduction of civic education in schools curriculum to

enhance and regain our lost value system and patriotic ideals while also charging religious

leaders to eschew emphasis on prosperity in their teachings and rather encourage teachings that will advance national development.

The Speaker emphasized on the sustenance of peace in the State by commending the State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi for achieving this as evidenced by peaceful conduct of the citizens and attendant progress in the State.

CHIEF J.O. OJEWUMI RECEIVES OKEOGUN PROJECT FORUM TEAM

Okeogun politics can not be completed without the mentioning of Chief J.O. Ojewumi's name. He is from Iganna but resides in Ibadan. He's a unionist, astute politician, business man and hotelier. Baba was met at his Mokola Hill office on Monday. As usual, Okeogun Project Forum's activities were presented to him.

He listen with rapt attention but his reactions were full of activism rich with political history of Okeogun. He explained that Okeogun has always be a one party zone until the 1978/79 meeting between then Okeogun Patriots and Late Sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo at Manon House in Iseyin.

As a built up to the 1979 general elections Chief Obafemi Awolowo was to seek the support

of Okeogun Area and the meeting took place at Iseyin. Okeogun area was represented by

Okeogun Patriots members comprises of the likes of Alhaji Tijani Mossa(Saki), Chief Oladele (Okeho), Baba Elisha Sepeteri, Chief Ojewumi and Chief Oyeleke Agboola who spoke on behalf of Okeogun Patriots.

Chief Ojewumi narrated that after Chief Obafemi Awolowo finished his address soliciting for Okeogun people's votes, Chief Oyeleke responded by asking that "when would Okeogun area be allowed to produce a governor? This same question we are asking today infuriated Chief Awolowo who angrily made his popular statement "that if you refused to vote for me, sands of the soil will vote for me!

He continues facing Chief Oyeleke and said "your forefathers did not have the gut to ask me such question". He concluded. Our fearless Chief Oyeleke Agboola of the blessed memory replied that Awolowo will never win the election! At last, Chief Awolowo lost the election to President Sehu Shagari.

Chief Oyeleke Agboola and some of the Okeogun Patriots defected to NPN. At the NPN, he was to be made the Chairman of Nigeria Ports Authority but Late Chief Akinloye and some of his Ibadan mates, protested that if an Okeogun man is given juicy post, he would empower his people. Instead, Late Chief Oyeleke was given Chairmanship of UCH board. Though, Chief Agboola died of mysterious ailment due to his antagonist stand to Chief Awolowo, his fearlessness and gallantry action will remains indelible in our minds. The respected Chief Ojewumi advised OPF not to waste time on efforts to convince Ibadan people as they would not want to give a chance to Okeogun area to produce the next governor.

He specifically said that he doesn't have any confidence on the incumbent governor to support Okeogun for next governor because he's full of empty promises and has never accorded the deputy governor his respect as shown in his singlehanded appointment of caretaker chairmen without consulting any leader or even his deputy.

Lastly, he opined that for Okeogun to produce the next governor, our politicians must be made to jettison party politics and support only a political party that chooses an Okeogun indigene as its candidate. Going further he revels his experience as a pioneer member of the popular NURTW and also the second Chairman for a period of 10 years covering Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti and Osun states.

He was instrumental to the formation of the FRSC in collaboration with Major Salawu. He is pleased with Okeogun Project Forum activities and said that his door is open at anytime.

HUSBAND SCARCITY!!! by Maryam Habu shinga

This may not be the best time for me to write on this because of misinterpretations, but I can no longer resist the push. "Husband Scarcity" has become one of the challenges faced by many young girls today. If you go to prayer houses, majority of the intentions are prayer for a life partner. And this calls for concern.
Casting our minds back to the time of our mothers and grandmothers, was there really much of a "Husband Scarcity" problem? Or, maybe there were more men than women then, or there was an adequate corresponding numbers of both genders. I don't think so. Maybe then, the women had values and were prepared to build a home and not park into a built home. Then, once a young man comes of age and can at least feed himself and his wife, he goes out in search of a wife and the woman really appreciates him and helps him to build a future.
What am I really trying to say? We created what we now see as "Husband Scarcity" for ourselves. Today, the reverse is the case. Ask an average girl to define her dream husband; you get things like "he has to be tall, handsome, fair, and rich, own a house at least, and be presentable" and then she adds "God fearing" in order not to sound so worldly. Then, check the number of girls around you and the number of men that meet that standard, and you will see the problem.
You hear girls say, "I cannot suffer in my father's house and then go and start suffering with a man." What a wonderful dream! What if from the beginning, you have everything you want and there is no suffering, and later in the marriage, the table turns around, then comes suffering? Will you run away? No one prays for suffering, but it is good to start small and end big, than start big and end small.
The problem is that the description majority of girls give of their ideal man is virtually the same. When 50 girls want the same kind of man and the man that fits what they want is just 1 man, and the man can only pick one. Then, what becomes of 49 others? They simply start lamenting of "Husband Scarcity". Another irony of our time is that it is hard, due to the face of our economy to find a man who is of marriage age who possesses all those things these ladies want, legally (except those involved in Internet fraud); even the number of those in Internet fraud is not enough to match all those searching for already made husbands.
If you look around, majority of the ladies of substance, of good value and virtue, who are ready to build a home with a man who has prospects, are married and not complaining of husband scarcity. The easiest way to find a husband now, is to change your view of who a husband is. A husband is that man God made and then saw that it may be hard for him to really actualize his purpose for making him, without a help mate and then made the woman and gave to him, and he felt complete and fulfilled MARRIAGE IS NOT A POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAM.
It is a mission of building the family of God here on earth. For those who see marriage as a way out of poverty, it is a way into bondage. Women are HOME BUILDERS, not HOME WARMERS... DON'T CONFUSE A MAN'S PATH WITH HIS DESTINY. Where he is today, may only be a route to where God has destined him to be tomorrow. Another truth is that YOU MAY BE THE ONLY FAST MEANS TO THAT HIS DESTINATION. Join in alleviating "husband scarcity". PICK UP THE RIGHT VALUES.
 I am not saying that you should pick anyone that comes your way and talks of marriage, not all men are husband materials. What I am saying is that you should stop setting your standard on material acquisitions or physical appearances. Look beyond the physical. WHAT MAKES A MAN WHO HE IS, IS NOT WHAT HE OWNS OR HOW HE LOOKS, IT IS WHAT HE IS MADE UP OF. And that which he is made of is, most times, not seen with the physical eyes, only its effects can be seen. Marriage is a permanent thing. Whatever is seen is temporal and that which is not seen is permanent.

T

Nobody has banned the use of hijab in Oyo State – Muslim Community

It would be recalled that the state government in a circular signed by the Head of Service in February 2014 allowed the use of Hijab by Muslim female students in government, community and Muslim-named schools throughout the state. The Muslim Community of Oyo State has dispelled insinuations that the government has banned the use of Hijab in the state. Apparently reacting to a report, the organisation’s Chairman, Alhaji Ishaq Sanni, and Secretary, Murziq Siyanbade in a statement on Sunday said there was nothing like that.

Instead, the Muslim Community said the state government had directed the usage of Hijab in the state for whoever wishes to use it.

It would be recalled that the state government in a circular signed by the Head of Service in February 2014 allowed the use of Hijab by Muslim female students in government,

community and Muslim-named schools throughout the state. The statement by the Muslim

Community on Sunday said: “Even though, the Muslim Community noticed non-compliance by some recalcitrant and overzealous principals in the state, which we are working on with the appropriate authorities.

“It is therefore in bad state for any group to insinuate that the State government has directed the banning of Hijab in Oyo state.” The Muslim Community of Oyo state restated its full support to the administration of Governor Abiola Ajimobi in Oyo State and urged others not to involve in any act capable of disrupting the peaceful coexistence of religious groups in the state.

Abubakar Bukola Saraki : The Chief Salesman Of Made In Nigeria Goods

Dont be surprised if the salesman you will see in your neighborhood next time is a six-footer, smooth-looking and well spoken man. His face will look familiar because you have encountered him physically or through the media, particularly television, the print and online. You will wonder if he is not the man holding that top public office. What does he want? What is wrong with him? What is he selling? Or are you mistaking him for somebody else?

As you ponder on the questions, you probably will realize he is the person you actually thought of. The number three man in the country. That is the Senate President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki. What is wrong is the fact that Nigeria’s economy is in a bad shape. There is therefore the need for change of attitude and positive, practical actions

to save the nation, rebuild its economy and put its youth back to work. Saraki as the head of the nation’s legislature has identified his role as a lawmaker who is constitutionally charged to focuss on oversight responsibility on executive bodies and also advocating for the direction that will bring overall development to the country.

He has also decided to offer himself as the salesman for Made in Nigeria Goods. The Senate President has at various fora articulated the viewpoint that the right response

to the falling value of the Naira against the dollar (N358 to $1) is for the country to increase its productive capacity and change from an importing, foreign goods-crazy and oil dependent country to a nation which is self-reliant, with many buoyant local industries and hundreds of thousands of youths gainfully employed.

He envisaged that the employed youths will become tax payers. Thus, domestic taxes will become a veritable source of revenue for funding infrastructural development and social services. These positions have been espoused by the Senate President in many prepared and off-the -cuff speeches he made at different fora, particularly while receiving many of the numerous groups, organizations, foreign missions and individuals that have paid courtesy call on him in his office.

Recently, the man has decided to put his words into action. First, when a group of artisans and local manufacturers from Aba town in Abia State sought to pay him a courtesy call and their contact man, Senator Enyinanya Abaribe, said the visit was to promote their locally manufactured products with the Senate President coming to open their trade fair, they got an immediate appointment. It was during the visit that the Senate President unfolded his plan to immediately initiate the amendment of the Procurement Act, particularly Section 34 of the law which gives discretion to government agencies about patronizing locally produced goods.

He added that the word ‘ may’ will become ‘shall’ to compel agencies to only buy locally made goods. In cases where there is no option to imported items, the said agency must get clearance from the Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP). “This is the only way we can create jobs, solve the problem of unemployment and stop the growing army of aggrieved youths who pose danger to society. We can do it. We have the population which translates to a huge ready market. This is how we can genuinely help our people. “The chairmen of our relevant committees are being put on notice to ensure that they focus their oversight on these areas.

We must make sure that government agencies like the Armed Forces can patronize the shoe making industries in Aba and other places”, he said. Saraki went on to declare open the Made in Aba Trade Fair at the Area 10 Playing Ground, Abuja, where he gave assurances to the local producers that they have an ally in him and that he has dedicated himself to fighting their cause through legislations, oversight and advocacy activities.

He promised to personally speak with heads of security agencies to stop importation of their foot wears and other kits as they can be easily produced in Aba and other towns. Saraki on his twitter handle thereafter call on Nigerian manufacturers to send him a twit of products they are producing and their addresses so that he can re-twit. Immediately the offer was made online, many young Nigerians entrepreneurs responded. And thus, the Senate President became an advertising platform for Made in Nigeria products. Perhaps taking a cue from the comradeship demonstrated by Saraki with the Aba manufacturers and other local producers of goods, the owner and management of Innoson Motors based in Nnewi quickly approached the Senate President that they will want to meet and acquaint him with their products as the only local manufacturers of automobiles in Nigeria.

Less than 48 hours after they sent words to him, they got an appointment. Spokesman of Innoson Group, Mr. Sunny Nwosu commended Saraki and the Senate leadership for the prompt response to the request for audience sent by the company, an opportunity that had eluded them in the past. “In less than 48 hours of contacting the Senate President, we were told to come over. We are encouraged by your views on Made in Nigeria goods.

What we need is the support, encouragement and inspiration from decision makers like you”, he said. Their host however said he was only doing his job and exhibiting his passion by identifying with them. He said one of the actions government should quickly take at this point to save the national economy is to ensure that local industries are patronized by government agencies so that Nigerian manufacturers can enjoy the advantages accruing from the big market that her population offers. “That is why this eighth Senate is determined to amend the Procurement Law to ensure that government agencies patronize Made in Nigeria products.

I am sure the House of Representatives is in support of this. It is our joint responsibility to

ensure that you succeed. If you are successful, a lot more small and medium scale enterprises will draw inspiration from you and they will become successful. “That will help to create jobs which is one of the mandate presented to us by the youths of this country during the last elections. We in the legislature will look at all laws and help to create an enabling environment for local businesses to thrive in Nigeria”, he said.

The Senate President said using laws to protect locally made goods is not peculiar to the country as it has been done in the United States under President Herbert Hoover in 1933 while China and South Africa have also enacted similar laws in the past. He lamented a situation where a company like Innoson only sold about 3,000 vehicles in 2015 when Nigerians buy about a million vehicles annually, adding that If Nigerians patronise Made

in Nigeria cars it will force foreign manufacturers to set up plant here.

The Senate President further promised Innoson Group that he will get in touch with them as he has collected the price list and the information booklet on the automobiles produced by the company. He also had a short drive in one of the SUVs produced by the company, thereby providing a testimonial endorsement for the Nigerian manufacturer. With the plan to amend the Procurement Act of 2007, Saraki and his colleagues are seeking to reenact the Buy American Act signed into law on March 3, 1933 by Hoover which compels US government and its agencies to prefer US made products in their purchases.

Section 217 (3) Of the South African constitution provides a framework for the policy

of preferential procurement for government agencies. Also, the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act 5 of 2000 and the regulations published under it in 2001 prescribed

requirements regarding Black economic empowerment considerations. In China, Article 10

of the Government Procurement Law provides that domestic goods, projects and services must be used for government procurement except when the required goods are not available in China, the objects of procurement are for use outside China or it is specified otherwise in other laws and administrative regulations.

Thus, what Saraki and his colleagues seeks to do with the Procurement Act is putting the law on the same pedestal with what obtains in some developed economies. Shortly after the Innoson Group left Saraki, a group called South East Traders Association visited him and pleaded that he should help them intervene on difficulties they are facing in their importation business. The Senate President did not mince words in telling them that he is not in support of importation. He enjoined them to start producing some of the goods they import locally and they will have his total support. The pattern that is emerging from all these encounters by the nation’s chief legislator is that the man has become the

Ambassador of Made in Nigeria goods. 

Call it protectionism. Call it backward integration. Or local content and backward integration campaign. These are some of the concepts that we have heard of in the past. What Saraki seemed determined to achieve is to put the weight of his office, the influence of his name and the richness of his personal and official resources into helping Nigerians who have dared to be different by undertaking production of goods that will offer quality alternatives to their fellow country men and women. This definitely is a noble campaign.

It is also an idea, as Victor Hugo said, whose time has come. We pray that he succeeds in this endeavour. So, when next you see this suave, prominent and determined salesman of Made in Nigeria products in your neighborhood, don’t be surprised. Just support, accept and encourage him. It is another way of salvaging a country in economic crisis, particularly outside the hallowed legislative chambers.

Deceitful Government

Is it true that we are practicing democracy in this state? Is it true that public opinion is part of democracy? Is it true that constitution is agreed rule guiding how to practice government in a democratic state? Are we following the constitution in this state? If all the above answer is "No" emphatically, it means there is fire on the mountain. And also "aberration " is happening to us.

Please how can we say we are practicing democracy that public views are no where to be

found. Why are they trashing all the opinion of electorate that voted for them. Is it proper for an alien to be imposed on indigene. If truly this is the change they are chanting, it actually means "Negative change". Our Governor in Oyo state and other law makers, what you did is already uncheckable for us but I want you to know that the king who reign with

"dispute and corruption" will be reminded and also the king who reign with "peace and laudable achievements" will also be reminded as well.

Although voice of people is no where to be heard again but stop creating dispute with your own authority. Respect the electorate in which you'll come and meet in the next coming four years. Stop creating dispute and crisis among the people, review and recheck all the oath you made before entering the office, remember that you said "you'll be acting according to the law of the state" but you aren't doing so. And for those who answered "yes to above questions, please wake up from your slumber and rebuild the state that belong to us with your own possessions.

Let practice democracy the way its defined. Who are the government?, is it not everybody in a state  was categorized as government? Who is a governor or lawmakers without population in a state. If u can go back to "feature of state" you'll see that the first element of a state is population which means people living in a state. Who are you without the citizens. Please let your change be POSITIVE.

Barr. Shittu paid an homage to Obafemi Awolowo University

Today 19th of February, Barr. Adebayo Shittu, Minister for communication of Nigerian republic paid an homage visitation to his brained-base home, where he had first degree in law known as Obafemi Awolowo University. According to findings It was discovered that he was invited by the chief imam of the central mosque, to remind him some lessons ought to be acquired from the life history and caliphatory political roles of Umar bin Khatab.
During this period war was seen as a tool to make a town gained recognition. In this age
Umar was afraid by Many Arab states and on this verge one of the then Israelites leader sent for Umar in order to sign treaty so he and his servant had to engage in a voyage to Israel land. In fact, this kind of journey arranged on rotational basis but by the time they ought to enter Israel it now got to servant's turn to sit on camel while Umar was to walk, at this juncture umar descended himself low.
However, the second lesson from umar was that he used to go round in the midnight to know who are enduring suffering until he approached an old woman whose children were suffering from hunger. Having seen this umar felt disheartening for his failure to attend to their demands and hastily rushed down home to procure some food items from the BAITIL
MAIL and gave to the woman. Of course, umar waited till he saw that the children were fed to satisfaction. The chief imam explored minister to Inculcate the habit of umar bin khatab in his political modeling.

There is neither victory nor vanquish

It is no longer news that Abdkareem Adegoke from Saki Okeogun has been nominated to be the interim chairman of Saki Okeogun local government council. My belief is that we

must not allow our sympathy for another man to cloud our senses of judgement at the

expense of our dear town. Let us all remember that we all rallied-round Barr. Adebayo Shittu when he was initially nominated by Mr. President despite his hatred by factional group within his party and Goke's case must not be an exceptional.

We must all be meticulous for being drawn into parochial politics at the expense of our great and dream town. AbdKareem Goke is in dire need of the support of all and sunday.

I think our major concerned is how our major roads will be dualized,how our teeming youths will be empowered and many others. There are also town's issues to be resolved and our attention must not be diverted from finding lasting solutions to all these.

I learnt that there are under-toned political conspiracy theories that a factional group within

the APC in Saki Okeogun attempted to cause a pandemonium after the confirmation of the

nominee so as not to make government conductive for him. I respect the right of citizens

to protest and to show concerns about what happens in our community quarters but I must

caution that any step that may be ranchorous to the progress and success of our town must be seen as pre-emptive.

I feel the need to state that we must all remember that furnitations for good governance in our town which is our priority must be built on peace, stability, just,egalitarian and love and these must never be compromised.I wish to advise us to be very reluctant to cast the

stone of judgement. Such projection emanating from the factional group should be described as a rotten egg which does not deserve to be welcomed.We must declare any threat to the in-coming administrator and peace loving people of Saki as uncultured, uncouth,anti-democratic,uncivilized ,and unconstitutional and we must begin to doubt if the trouble-makers are really indigenes of the town. 

This must be taken note. As democrats and law abiding citizens,this is not the right time to be stagging unnecessary plans. In the light of the above, I want to assure you that no amount of threat/campaign of calumny from disgruntled elements and selfish politicians that are suffering from chronic diarrhoea of the mouth ailment will distract the youths in their beliefs and support for good vision and mission for the town. Ogbomoso, Osogbo and

Saki were created at the close range and we all know where Ogbomoso and Oshogbo are today and we all know where Saki is and that is why it is very important for us to desist from bitter politics.

Finally,I want to appeal to you all in the name of Asabari and names of all that are decent to allow peace to reign so that the good works started by Engineer Yunus Gbadamosi can continue. This is our biggest challenge as a people and we need all hands on deck to achieve it all. I hope all sincere Sakites in anticipation of our acceptance of this appeal for the progress, salvation and success of our dear town.

Oyo Assembly announces LG caretaker Chairmen nominees

Yestaday, the Oyo State House of Assembly announced the much anticipated names of nominees of the 33 caretaker committee chairmen nominees in Oyo State. The names were last week received by the Speaker of the House, Hon. Micheal Adeyemo from Governor Abiola Ajimobi on Thursday. Adeyemo while reading the letter received from the executive, at an emergency plenary, stated that the names were yet to be ratified as the names are being subjected to screening.
He said the reports of the committees on the screening would determined the final ratification of the nominees.
Below is the list of 33 names of the transition committee chairman in the state;
Afijio – Lukman Anwo
Akinyele – Opeyemi Salami
Atiba – Okeniyi Gbolagade
Atisbo – Ogundeji Ayoola
Egbeda – Ademola Adewuyi
Ibadan North – Yinka Akinbode
Ibadan – North East- Lekan Afuye
Ibadan North West – Wasiu Olatunbosun Ibadan
South East – Nojeem Abass
Ibadan South West – Rauf Folarin
Ibarapa Central – Azeez Oladejo
Ibarapa East – Adelore Atanda
Ibarapa North – Tunji Omolewu
Iddo – Wahab Oladejo
Irepo – Yekeen Popoola
Iseyin – Saheed Alaran
Itesiwaju – Niyi Adeagbo
Iwajowa – S.M Egunjobi
kajola – Moses Babalola
Lagelu – Abiodun Oladeji
Ogbomoso North – Biodun Alade
Ogbomoso South – Sunday Adedeji
Ogo-Oluwa – Yinka Jesutoye
Olorunsogo – Ogunrinde Williams
Oluyole – Kolawole Oorelope
Oorelope – Okunlade Samuel
Ona-Ara – Sina Adeagbo
Orrire – Jacob BamIgboye
Oyo East – Tirimisiyu Azeez
Oyo West – Oladeji Adebisi
Saki East – Moruf Salau
Saki West – Kareem Adegoke
Surulere – Gabriel Adegbola

Petitioning Nigerian Bank Cunsumers

Join CAFON to declare March 1st "No Banking Day" in protest of excessive bank charges!
Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria CAFON March 1 is " No Banking Day" Protest against excessive bank charges. Dear Nigerian Banks Consumers, for many years now, consumers of banking services have been subjected to series of poor and unsatisfactory transactions and relationship terms.
We have endured excessive charges, illegal fees and unfair contracts that only protects the
bank but does not protect the consumers. Banks debit our accounts at will for charges we never agreed to or were not aware of; they charge us for every little service; we pay for getting our statements; introduction letters; and now, some banks are charging N200 for the use of deposit and transfer forms! Under the current CBN management, abolished fees are being reintroduced.
ATM withdrawals that was free now cost N65 on 3rd withdrawals. We pay N1000 for debit card issuance and renewals; we pay N105 for every online transfer; and they still charge N105 as Annual Debit Card Maintenance and now, a new Stamp Duty charge of N50 on every credit of over N1000 has just been introduced.
Moreover, COT that was supposed to end finally in 2016 is now being reintroduced as 1% of every withdrawal purportedly as Monthly Current Account Maintenance Fees! This is unacceptable! The fact is, Consumers are being exploited by all the banks and CBN is aiding and encouraging these exploitations. We cannot continue to endure this exploitations! That is why Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria CAFON, a consumer rights NGO is calling consumers to join us in protest of Banking Exploitation by declaring
Tuesday, March 1 2016 as NO BANKING DAY!
Our Demands are:
(1.0) We want bank charges reviewed downwards.
(2.0) Banks must clear fees with consumers before debiting our accounts.
3.0) Banks forms & contracts must be reviewed to include more protection for consumers (4.0) Consumer complaints must be resolved promptly and satisfactorily.
(5.0) CBN must review the new Stamp Duty Charge, Account Maintenance Charge and Debit Card Maintenance Fees.
We urge ALL consumers to boycott ALL banking services in protest of these excessive charges and policies. That means on Tuesday March 1,
(a) Don't visit any bank or branches to transact any business.
(b) Don't use your ATM from 12a.m -12 midnight on March 1, 2016
(c) Don't log in to any of your accounts online & don't do any transfers from 12am-12 midnight.
(d) Don't make any online payments from 12am- 12 midnight.
(e) Don't issue any cheques or banking instruments dated March 1, 2016.
(f) Avoid doing any financial transactions on March 1 but if you must, avoid the banks!
We can all commit to observe a No Banking Day Protest to press home our demands. After all, if we don't patronize them, they can't be in business. Please sign this petition if you agree to join the protest and share with your friends and family until we have mass awareness so everyone can observe the No Banking Day Protest. It is not right, so let's use our Rights!
Signed Sola Salako President CAFON Consumer Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria CAFON started this petition with a single signature Start a petition today to chang something  you care about.
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How Do Muslims View Death?

Muslims believe that the present life is a trial in preparation for the next realm of existence. When a Muslim dies, he or she is washed and wrapped in a clean, white cloth (usually by a family member) and buried after a special prayer, preferably the same day. Muslims consider this a final service that they can do for their relatives and an opportunity to remember that their own existence here on earth is brief.

The question of whether there is life after death does not fall under the jurisdiction of science, as science is concerned only with classification and analysis of sense data. Moreover, man has been busy with scientific inquiries and research, in the modern sense of the term, only for the last few centuries, while he has been familiar with the concept of life after death since time immemorial.

All the Prophets of God called their people to worship God and to believe in life after death.

They laid so much emphasis on the belief in life after death that even a slight doubt in it meant denying God and made all other beliefs meaningless. The very fact that all the Prophets of God have dealt with this metaphysical question of life after death so confidently and so uniformly - the gap between their ages in some cases, being thousands of years goes to prove that the source of their knowledge of life after death as proclaimed by them all, was the same, i.e. Divine revelation.

We also know that these Prophets of God were greatly opposed by their people, mainly on the issue of life after death, as their people thought it impossible. But in spite of opposition, the Prophets won many sincere followers. The question arises: what made those followers

forsake the established beliefs, traditions and customs of their forefathers, notwithstanding the risk of being totally alienated from their own community? The simple answer is: they made use of their faculties of mind and heart and realized the truth.

Did they realize the truth through perceptual consciousness? They couldn’t, as perceptual

experience of life after death is impossible. God has given man besides perceptual consciousness, rational, aesthetic and moral consciousness too. It is this consciousness that guides man regarding realities that cannot be verified through sensory data. That is why all the Prophets of God while calling people to believe in God and life after death, appeal to the aesthetic, moral and rational consciousness of man.

For example, when the idolaters of Makkah denied even the possibility of life after death, the Quran exposed the weakness of their stand by advancing very logical and rational arguments in support of it: And he (i.e. man) presents for Us an example i.e. attempting to establish the finality of death) and forgets his [own] creation. He says, “Who will

give life to bones while they are disintegrated?”

Say, “He will give them life who produced them the first time; and He is, of all creation,

Knowing.” [It is] He who made for you from the green tree, fire, and then from it you ignite. Is not he who created the heavens and the earth Able to create the likes of them? Yes, [it is so]; and He is the Knowing Creator.(Quran, 36:78-81) On another occasion, the Quran very clearly says that the disbelievers have no sound basis for their denial of life after death. It is based on pure conjecture:

And they say, “There is not but our worldly life; we die and live (i.e. some people die and others live, replacing them) and nothing destroys us except time.” And they have of that no

knowledge; they are only assuming. And when Our verses are recited to them as clear evidences, their argument is only that they say, “Bring [back] our forefathers, if you should be truthful.” Say, “God causes you to live, then causes you to die; then He will assemble you for the Day of Resurrection, about which there is no doubt,” but most of the people do not know. (Quran, 45:24-26)

Surely God will raise all the dead. But God has His own plan of things. A day will come when the whole universe will be destroyed and then the dead will be resurrected to stand before God. That day will be the beginning of a life that will never end, and on that day every person will be rewarded by God according to his or her good or evil deeds.

The explanation that the Quran gives about the necessity of life after death is what the moral consciousness of man demands. Actually, if there is no life after death, the very belief in God becomes meaningless or even if one believes in God, it would be unjust and indifferent God, having once created man and now not being concerned with his fate.

Surely, God is just. He will punish the tyrants, whose crimes are beyond count having tortured and killed hundreds or thousands of innocent people, created great corruption in society, enslaved numerous persons to serve their whims, etc., because man has a very short life span in this world and because numerous individuals are affected by one’s actions, adequate punishments and rewards are not possible in this life.

The Quran very emphatically states that the Day of Judgment must come and that God will decide the fate of each soul according to his or her record of deeds: But those who disbelieve say, “The Hour (i.e. the Day of Judgment) will not come to us.” Say, “Yes,

by my Lord, it will surely come to you. [God is] the Knower of the unseen.” Not absent from Him us an atom’s weight within the heavens or within the earth or [what is] smaller than that or greater, except that it is in a clear register .That He may reward those who believe and do righteous deeds.

Those will have forgiveness and noble provision. But those who strive against Our verses [seeking] to cause failure (i.e. to undermine their credibility) for them will be a painful punishment of foul nature. (Quran, 34:3-5) The Day of Resurrection will be the Day when God’s attributes of Justice and Mercy will be in full manifestation. God will shower His mercy on those who suffered for His sake in the worldly life, believing that an eternal bliss was awaiting them. But those who abused the bounties of God, caring nothing for the life to come, will be in the most miserable state. Drawing a comparison between them, the Quran says: Then is he whom We have promised a good promise which he will meet [i.e. obtain] like he for whom We provided enjoyment of worldly life [but] then he is, on the Day of Resurrection, among those presented [for punishment in Hell]? (Quran, 28:61)

The Quran also states that this worldly life is a preparation for the eternal life after death. But those who deny it become slaves of their passions and desires, making fun of virtuous and God conscious persons. Such persons realize their folly only at the time of their death and wish to be given a further chance in the world but in vain. Their miserable state at

the time of death, and the horror of the Day of Judgment, and the eternal bliss guaranteed to the sincere believers are very clearly and beautifully mentioned in the following verses of the Quran:

[For such is the state of the disbelievers], until, when death comes to one of them, he says, “My Lord, send me back that I might do righteousness in that which I left behind (i.e. in that which I neglected).” No! It is only a word he is saying; and behind them is a barrier until the Day they are resurrected. So when the Horn is blown, no relationship will there be among them that Day, nor will they ask about one another. And those whose scales are heavy [with good deeds] - it is they who are the successful. But those whose scales are light - those are the ones who have lost their souls, [being] in Hell, abiding eternally.

The Fire will sear their faces, and they therein will have taut smiles (i.e. their lips having been contracted by scorching until the teeth are exposed). (Quran, 23:99-104) The belief in life after death not only guarantees success in the Hereafter but also makes this world full of peace and happiness by making individuals most responsible and dutiful in their activities.

Think of the people of Arabia before the arrival of the Prophet Muhammad . Gambling, wine, tribal feuds, plundering and murdering were their main traits when they had no belief in life after death. But as soon as they accepted the belief in the One God and life after death they became the most disciplined nation of the world. They gave up their vices, helped each other in hours of need, and settled all their disputes on the basis of justice and equality. Similarly the denial of life after death has its consequences not only in the Hereafter but also in this world. When a nation as a whole denies it, all kinds of evils and corruption become rampant in that society and ultimately it is destroyed.

4 mins · Publicw

PROFESSOR DIBU OJERINDE GIVES TOTAL SUPPORT TO OKEOGUN PROJECT FORUM

Since we received an invaluable advice from an elder at the Tede meeting in September 2015, that efforts should be made to individually visits our Who is Who in Okeogun, the team comprising of Barrister Kayode Asiru and Mr. Tola Ajewole earlier visit to former UniAbuja Vice Chancellor, Professor Adelabu has been reported. In like manner, a courtesy visit was paid to the Asiwaju of Okeogun Professor Dibu Ojerinde at Jamb headquaters in Abuja recently. 

Our sources explained their goal, mission and mode of operations, finance, strategies, outcome of their past meetings, feedbacks from their people and other efforts in the pipeline. He listened with rapt attention and did not interrupt. They concluded by stating that all we need is his blessings and support.

He responded that he is already aware of Okeogun Project Forum but waiting for this briefing. He congratulated all of them and shower  praises and prayers. He narrated his experience on this project they are now spare heading. He mentioned how many people came to him to pressurize him to contest for governorship of Oyo State and reasons he declined. He stated that at an age close to 70, he believe younger ones should be encouraged. Secondly, as Asiwaju of Okeogun, his role is to assume the position of

kingmaker not a contestant. He warned them to be weary of spoilers among them, especially on the issue of finance. 

He said our people's attitude to contribution to this kind of project will be discouraging but they should not allow that to weaken them. He assure them of his support and that of Okeogun traditional council. He is ready to discuss with the Alafin of Oyo and some other zonal power blocks in Oyo State when it's time.

He saluted their courage and it pleases him that they started early.

On their proposed OKEOGUN SUMMIT to be held at a location in Ibadan he said it's a good idea to bring contributors from other zones - Ibadan, Oyo, Ogbomosho and Ibarapa to discuss power- shift in Oyo state and desirability of Okeogun to produce the next governor.

They pray that may their good Lord grant him good health and spare his and their lives to see to the success of this project.

L.G CARETAKER ADMINISTRATION IS ILLEGAL

Political circles in Oyo State at the moment, the major issue under intense discussion and

one which has brought about palpable suspense and tension is the issue of appointment of

caretaker administrations in the 33 local government areas of the State.
The drama and intrigue are peculiar to the ruling APC. The issue is 100% the internal affairs

of the party. Colleagues in the House of Assembly who are in the APC have been inundated

with inquiries, lobbying and pressure as to when the list of caretaker chairmen will be sent

to the House of Assembly and released to the pubic.I am on the one hand bemused

by the unnecessary tension and on the other hand disappointed that Nigeria is yet to have the right framework for the smooth running of that tier of government closest to the

people. If there is no caretaker administration at the federal and state level, why should we have it at the LG level? Isn't that a systemic failure? We are in a democracy. It is no longer

nascent or experimental. Soon we'll celebrate 20 years as a CONSTITUTIONAL DEMOCRACY.  Let me say something about the constitution that is called the grundnorm. It contains provisions of the law for which no derogation is allowed. Any law or action or inaction contrary to the dictates of the constitution will be void. Inconsistencies are given zero-tolerance.

Section 1 (2) of that constitution states that "the Federal Republic of Nigeria shall not be governed, nor shall any person or group of persons take control of the Government of Nigeria or any part thereof, except in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution".

Section 1 (3) states that "if any other law is inconsistent with the provision of this constitution, this Constitution shall prevail, and that other law shall to the extent of the

inconsistency be void".

Section 7 (1) talks about the local government system. It states that "the system of local

government by democratically elected local government councils is under this Constitution guaranteed; and accordingly, the Government of every state shall subject to section 8 of this Constitution, ensure their existence under a law which provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of such councils.

Please take note that the constitution used an imperative expression in the above quoted

provision. It used "GUARANTEED" just like we have it concerning fundamental human rights in chapter IV. No derogation, deviation, violation or alternative is allowed. We must have democratically elected administrations in our local governments.

Take a look at it. President Buhari earned his mandate by traversing all states of the federation campaigning for votes. Same with governors, federal legislators and state lawmakers. They went through processed of nominations and spent money and goodwill to

gain their mandates. Why would someone, a governor, sit in the comfort of his office, consult with some cabals and force certain people on us as our rulers? Quite insane, really. Some spent 3 or more years reaping fruits of the illegality. Unfortunately no one is paying

useful attention to the anomaly. Gani Fawehinmi's party, NCP, took the bull by the horns in

Lagos State and dragged the state governor to court over the matter. The Lagos High Court per Justice Abdulfatai Lawal declared caretaker administration illegal and unconstitutional. The Lagos state government has appealed the judgment but it is evident an exercise that will end in futility.

No court will go against the clear and unambiguous provisions of the grundnorm. The National Assembly has a pivotal role to play. It should not only amend the constitution to

reflect the tenure and composition of LGCs, it should scrap State Electoral Commissions and allow INEC to conduct elections into councils. That will eliminate the penchant of state governors to manipulate the elections.

I am willing and ready to stand with the constitution on the matter. We should have more of

public interest commentators, activists and lawmakers who will stand for best standards.

The system of caretaker administration, a platform for cronyism and incompetence, is a

curse on our democracy. 

OPEN LETTER TO GOVERNOR ISIAKA ABIOLA AJIMOBI

Our dear amiable and astute governor of Oyo State , His Excellency, Senator Abiola Adeyemi Ajimobi. With due respect sir, I wish I could forward this letter officially but in consonance with the behaviours of many career officer,political aides and stakeholders who might probably prevent its unfettered access to you, I decided to make it open one in accordance with the poor state of the Okeogun Polytechnic to Ijale-Oda Saki main road so that the people home and abroad can bear me witness and attest to the moribund situation of the road in question especially as it affects all and sundry.
I want to avail this medium to hint you that the road has on a daily basis become a trap of death following its perpetual negligence by government for the past two decades. I want to assure you on behalf of all Sakites carrying the same burden that if this project is faithfully executed and not that one that will be washed away in the raining days, your name will be written in the golden book of records of the town and Sakites will never forget you as you will be commendabe and memorable and this will surely surpass you from previous government.
Believe me or not, many communers are suffering from this havoc,neglect, abandoned and slow process of work and the road has become no-go area to many especially the travellers and motorists owing to its deplorable condition. The nightmare associated to this unaccessible road has made some landlords /ladies to abandon their houses and become tenants in other places.
Moreover,anytime it rains,pollution and communicable diseases become widespread and vocal and also poses a great threat to the commercial buses and motorists. Infact,Saki main road does not look like a township road. It is very sardonic that the road has not witnessed rehabilitation despite that the only polytechnic in the Okeogun is sited in the area. Instead of rehabilitating the road for the unfettered movement of students, lecturers,visitors,and communers easier, the government just left everything disorder .
I firstly want to felicitate with you for breaking the long-aged second term jinx in the state. I also want to congratulate you for your invincible victories at the Tribunal,the Appeal and the
Supreme Courts. My dear Governor, since you assumed office as the executive governor of Oyo State in 2011, you have made tremendous efforts and activities so as to make our dear state the true pacesetter state of the nation. Your track record of achievements include
the rehabilitation of roads in various parts of the tate especially the Mokola Fly-over,Iseyin
Okeogun road and many others, equipping health centres across the state and host of other
achievements.
Your Excellency, other areas you made some reasonable important include the provision of
shuttle buses for civil servants , students and inhabitants. All these are indeed commendable achievements, your excellency, but it is not over until it is over.The saki Okeogun road is in the sorry state . Despite the maltreatment,a bulk of the people of
the town still went ahead to cast their votes massively for the success of your party and gave you in particular the second chance to lead our state in accordance with the last election result.
Hence,this appeals for their urgent attention and remedial consideration. Now that the lawsuits here and there are over,I appeal to you,our "KOSELERI" to come to our dear aid and address the glaring injustice and neglect of our major road having suffered for more than enough. I also want to advise you to focus on all the projects you have enlisted to embark upon and get them completed before the expiration of your second term in office . For your tenue which is 4 year and 7-month away,working on more projects in the next three years may prove counter-productive except mopping up operations to address some lapses using Saki road as a typical example of such lopsidedness.
Though, I do not know the criteria for your awarding of road contract but I know that Saki
Okeogum did not get a fair share of your deal. Infact, the Saki Okeogun has been the victim
having not witnessed any of its main roads tarred since an inception of your tenure in 2011. I do not know the sin we Sakites committed for being treated unjustly in the government we all labored for. Sir,this is an imbalance that your second tenure should address urgently for the economic needs of the good people of the town and in the overring interest of the state in general . I hope as a listening governor who is on a rescure mission,you will use your good office to address this and find the lasting solution to the yearnings of the good people of Oyo State.

SAKI OKEOGUN RESIDENTS RENEW CALLS TO REHABILITATE POLYTECHNIC TO IJALEODA MAIN ROAD .

After four and half years of complaints to the Oyo State government over the horrible state of the community road with no solution on sight, residents of Saki Okeogun have again reechoed calls for the rehabilitation of the road · According to the residents,the affected road also required functional drainage even as the road will serve as major link to the ever-busy Sango quarters bus-stop that usually experience traffic sharis daily.
Worried by the several man-weekly lost on the road, the residents have called on His Excellency, Governor Abiola Ajimobi to come to their aids,stating that something urgent must be done as the raining season is also fast approaching.
Some residents said " A team from the ministry of works and infrastructure was said to have been dispatched to carry out an assessment of the road ,the government officials actually came, did some surveillance of the road,started the clearing of the road and promised to come back for proper construction for over a year but nothing have been done.
Every effort by the community to get them back to work has met brick-walls. It is very regretting to note that the Saki Okeogun road has suffered total neglect since inception of the presence administration despite our unrelenting efforts for recognition to the past governments.
Promises made by the government to bring development and dividend of democracy to our community have remained unfulfilled". The need for the rehabilitation of the road by the government is not negotiable. Consequently,we are again appealing to the state government to urgently rehabilitate this road which continues to get worse and hazardous every seconds of the day.
While counting on our (AJIMOBI) cooperation, it is our utmost sincere that you will give this
matter its urgent attention" . We are also very sympathetic with the state government following the embattled economic downturns but it is our beliefs that government is constructing roads in phases with available resources.
No amount of money spent to construct the road will be commensurated with the maximum utility that will be obtained by the masses. As a patriotic child of the town, I also want to join million others towards the urgent construction of the road as it is causing more harm than good to the people. Governor Abiola Ajimobi, should please make hay while the sun shines. Igbà ara lan búra!

Why Buhari appointed Yorubas into key ministries – Shittu

The Minister of Communications, Barrister Adebayo Shittu has revealed why Yoruba sons and daughters were given key portfolios to oversee in the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Shittu, stated that “our credentials of incorruptibility, great passion, selflessness and
dynamism are the selling points.” He stated further, “if you look at the antecedents
of all of us, ministers from Yorubaland, you would agree with me that these are people of
impeccable character, who have had knowledge update in public life and have the commitment.”
The minister promised that he and his colleagues of Yoruba extraction would do our best to justify the confidence reposed on them by Buhari, stressing that “we appreciate the great favour the President has done to us.”
“Mr. President is the model that everybody has to follow. If he was not confident that we could perform, he wouldn’t have done it the way he did it. So, I believe that we would not disappoint Mr. President and also, largely, we would not disappoint the Nigerian people,” Shittu stated.

Why I Trust In Saraki’s Judgment

Reading through the surreal judgment delivered by the Supreme Court of Nigeria on the case filed against the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) by Senator Bukola Saraki, it came as a surprise that the CCT was allowed to proceed with the case despite damning evidences that suggests the case was more of persecution and not prosecution as they would have believe us.
Although, the ruling by the Apex Court has given birth to all sorts of sentimental headlines on different news platforms, it however, remains to be seen what the likely objective of such a charade trial is, and will be. Some rhetorical questions that comes to mind as
a concerned Nigerian citizen are: “Why is Bukola Saraki the only politician who makes such
sensational news headlines?” and “when will the Nigerian judicial system stop being a stooge of the ruling party and speak out in support of the the truth.”
In the year 1999, Nigeria’s National Assembly was reborn. This rebirth gave rise to the
restoration of the powers of the legislature after many years of relative obscurity that had left Nigeria without or with little access to a legislature capable of implementing oversight
functions.
Prior to the 7th and 8th Assemblies, due to the relative secrecy in which the National Assembly was run, like many other Nigerians, I was uninformed and lacked the vital information on how the National Assembly was being managed by our representatives in government. Many Nigerians tend not to understand the primary functions of the   legislature which is to make laws for peace, order and good governance and which has totally left many wondering how the legislative arm of the government really works.
However, in the 7th Senate, under the leadership of Senator Bukola Saraki, in a bid to not leave any stone unturned, Saraki began publishing updates on the plenary activities of the Senate. In a similar vein, since his emergence as the Senate president, Dr. Saraki is the first Senate President to have started publishing updates live from the Senate Plenary sessions, and has gone as far as opening up multiple channels of communication between him, the Senate and every Nigerians.
This is in line with Saraki’s promise to ensure Openness , transparency and a participatory
governance. Throughout his public service career, Dr. Saraki has continued to demonstrate his leadership prowess. In 2007 when he presided as the chairman of the Governor’s forum, a reformed forum was established with a fully resourced secretariat with the technical and administrative capabilities that was entirely focused on delivery.
As a result of Saraki’s leadership and relationship with his fellow governors, Saraki was able to begin the trend of the Nigerian Governors Forum publishing position papers on policies. This singular move has, and has continued to make the states a force to be reckon with in the appropriation process.
Recently, in a bid to develop Nigeria’s local industries; provide jobs for the teeming youth,
and; generating foreign exchange from the exportation of Nigerian products, the 8th Senate
has pushed for a revised procurement act that will ensure and encourage the patronization of made in Nigeria products. This revised procurement act will see to it that government agencies only resort to imported goods when there are no local alternatives. Such basic legislative interventions set meaningful yardsticks that should be followed across the board.
Having been equipped with meritorious years of experience in governance, Dr. Saraki sees himself as the servant of a new Nigeria. Throughout his career, this man has worked hard to set lasting precedents, break with the mediocre norm, and ensuring that he leaves a positive mark behind in office that he has been blessed to occupy since Nigeria’s return to democracy 17 years ago. In this regard, “In Bukola Saraki, I trust.”

Five JTF operatives killed by vandals ambush in Arepo

Pipeline vandals Thursday night , laid ambush on the Anti Pipeline Vandalism Joint Task Force, JTF in Arepo area of Ogun state, killing five operatives. The operatives were suspected to be naval personnel. As at friday , sources learnt that only three bodies of the slain personnel had been recovered . The incident described as a reprisal attack, occurred barely 24 hours after the Joint Task Force, comprising the Nigerian Navy, Nigerian Army and the National security and Civil Defence Corps NSCDC, had launched series of attacks at the pipeline vandalism syndicate in the area, which led to series of arrest and startling discoveries of vandalised petroleum pipeline.
While vandals were siphoning petroleum product from a burst Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation pipeline . They were said to have opened fire on the personnel but later bowed to their superior fire power, abandoning their trucks and containers filled with the siphoned petroleum product.
During its routine patrol of the area Thursday night , the JTF reportedly heard an explosion in the creeks. In their bid to ascertain where the explosion was from, they were reportedly
attacked by vandals said to have used the explosion as a bait. Flag Officer Commanding
Western Naval Command , Rear Admiral Ralph Osondu said investigations were ongoing.
He said “All I can tell you is that investigation is ongoing. I do not have the details and
cannot tell you hearsay. I suggest you contact the DHQ because the operation is under them.
“All participating officers are personnel of the DHQ, they were drawn from other services
and so, I cannot tell you whether it was navy, army, Airforce or police. Only the DHQ can
authoritatively comment on this.” It would be recalled that similar incident occurred last
year, where six operatives were reportedly killed by vandals with their bodies yet to be
recovered. This is coming on the heels of the continued disappearance of security operatives assigned to patrol the area.

Oke-Ogun renews bid for power shift

The people of Oke-Ogun in Oyo State are clamouring for power shift to their zone in 2019. They argue that, since the area has never produced a governor, the move would foster a sense of belonging and ensure even development. Oyo State is made up of seven administrative zones. They are insensitivity and Ibadan Outer cities which comprises of 11 local government areas; Ibarapa, Oke-Ogun I and II, Ogbomoso and Oyo zones. These seven divisions enhance zonal balancing in distribution of both political offices and infrastructure., Oyo, Oke-Ogun and Ogbomoso. Of all the zones, Oke-Ogun, ibarapa and

Oyo are the only ones that have not produced a governor under the democratic

dispensation.

Apart from Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala who hails from Ogbomosho, all the other governors, including the incumbent Abiola Ajimobi, are from Ibadan. The late Alhaji Lam Adesina (1999 to 2003) and Chief Rashidi Ladoja (2003 to 2007) are also from Ibadan. Against the background of this perceived injustice, the people of Oke-Ogun are now unified in the agitation for the creation of their own state.

To actualise their dream for the proposed state, the people of Oke-Ogun under the auspices of the Oke-Ogun Development Council (ODC) had presented a memorandum to the National Assembly, requesting the Federal Government to create the state out of the present Oyo state. The association, while presenting its memorandum through its National Chairman, Professor Joshua Adeniyi, reeled out the various deprivations the people of the area have suffered and continue to suffer. He accused the state governments of under-developing the Oke-Ogun axis of the state.

Adeniyi said: “Since Independence, the Oke- Ogun people have been neglected totally as whatever visible development you notice in the area is through community effort. Through

self-development efforts, Oke-Ogun people have developed themselves and we therefore want the Federal Government through significant inputs from the National Assembly to consider the creation of Oke-Ogun State.

“In Oke-Ogun, we don’t have higher institutions of learning, no tertiary health institution, the

state and federal roads are completely in state of disrepair and there is no pipe borne water in any part of Oke-Ogun. The boreholes sunk were through individual or communal efforts.

Where is government? We in this part of the state have not seen the essence of dividends

of democracy. The development is concentrated along the Ibadan, Oyo and Ogbomoso axis to the utter neglect of the Oke-Ogun zone. Where is equity? Where is justice? Where is fairness?”

The proposed Oke-Ogun State, according to Adeniyi, shall comprise Olorunsogo, Oorelope,

Irepo, Saki East, Saki West, Atisbo, Itesiwaju, Iseyin, Kajola, Itesiwaju and Iwajowa local

government councils. He said the area has all it takes to be a viable state in terms of its 13,537 sq km of landmass; a population of 1.497 million people, according to the 2006

census, abundant economic and human resources endowments. Former National chairman of Alliance for Democracy (AD) Chief Michael Koleoso and former Deputy Governor of Oyo State Chief Iyiola Oladokun are part of the struggle for better prospects for Oke-Ogun.

The zone is made up of 10 out of 33 local government areas in the state, with a population of about 1.5 million (as per 2006 National Census). Oke-Ogun has the largest landmass (about 60 per cent of the entire state), but lacks any noticeable government presence. This, according to the people of Oke-Ogun, is an indication of successive governments’ insensitivity to the plight of the people.

The zone used to be the food basket of the state, but that is no longer the case, because the younger generation has not taken to farming; most of the farmers in the area today are old, tired and weak. There is no articulated policy towards encouraging the teeming youths to take to agriculture as a vocation and business. Tools for mechanised agriculture is beyond their reach, thus forcing the young ones, many of them graduates, to take to “Okada” riding business. This has often resulted in the loss of lives through Okada accidents because the young lads are always in a hurry in their approach to the business, to maximize their earnings.

A prominent indigene of Oke-Ogun, Professor Segun Gbadegesin, bemoaned the total neglect of the region. He said: “Oke-Ogun used to be the food basket of the Southwest until oil wealth took centre stage in governmental thought and action. Roads developed since

1962 literally disappeared. Okeho-Iseyin road is a federal road that has suffered this fate. It

has been contracted out for repair multiple times by the previous administrations. Each

time, the ruling party gave the contract to its hirelings with nothing to show. Meanwhile,

farmers suffer losses because they are unable to move their produce to the market in timely fashion.

"Water irrigation has been another important variable in viable agricultural revolution. In the

Second Republic, one of the initiatives in this direction was the Ikerre Gorge Dam in Iseyin.

It was almost completed, but the Federal Government abandoned it. We were told the dam was capable of supplying potable water as well as irrigation water for the whole of Oke-Ogun. However, it remains only a dream, as reptiles inhabit the Ikerre Gorge Dam now.

What kind of government invests in laudable projects such as this only to abandon it?”

The former Minority Leader in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Alhaji Adekunle Rafiu,

also painted a similar gory picture of Oke-Ogun when he said: “There exists the fear among the stakeholders in the Oke-Ogun project that the existing political equation appears to have put a ceiling to the office to which a citizen of the region can aspire; as if perpetually restrained to second-in-command to the highest political office in the state, budgetary allocation has consistently been below 10 per cent of the state’s total budget, while lack of infrastructure finds permanent abode in the region.

“Projects usually allotted the region by successive governments are usually mysteriously manipulated overnight by the powerful and their collaborators and moved to other zones. This is in utter disregard to the laid down formula for distribution of developmental amenities which prescribes that Oke-Ogun with 10 local government areas, takes after Ibadan zone with 11 local government areas as indicated in their record.”

In the educational sphere, Adekunle said that the zone has always been short-changed,

compared to other zones. All that Oke-Ogun can boast of is the satellite campus of the

Ibadan Polytechnic located in Saki when other tertiary institutions were cited in Oyo, Ogbomoso and Ibarapa. According to him, no indigene of Oke-Ogun has risen to the position of Chief Judge. He added that the pattern is not different from the subsisting scenario as could be seen in other spheres of life.

A traditional ruler who spoke in confidence said Oke-Ogun will not accept anything less

than governor in 2019. He said: “We are tired of playing second fiddle. We want one of our

sons to occupy the exalted office in the next dispensation. The other zones that have produced governors did so with the support of Oke-Ogun. In fact, the votes from Oke_Ogun

used to decide the winner. If we had assisted other zones in the past to win governorship

elections, they should also support our zone in 2019. Our demand is that the office of

governor should go round the seven zones.

“Under the present democratic dispensation, it is the right of the people to aspire for any

office. It is also the right of the people to decide their socio-political direction, judging

from the prevailing conditions, where the Oke-Ogun area has been underdeveloped by

successive administrations.”

However, Gbadegesin blamed the problem of intra-state power shift on prolonged military

rule which, according to him, disrupted the growth of democracy in the country and also

prevented generation of citizens from active participation in the leadership of political

associations and involvement in governance generally. If there had been no lengthy military

rule, many individuals and groups would have benefitted, he added.

On the rationale of power shift demand by the Oke-Ogun zone, Gbadegesin who was recently conferred with a chieftaincy title, the Asiwaju of Okeho, said it is important to note that the progressive development of the state requires all of its parts to share a sense of belonging.

He argued that this is only possible if there is genuine expectation that anyone from any part can successfully aspire to the highest political position in the state. To this extent, Oke-Ogun indigenes have a good case for their humble request, he emphasised. In the same vein, the Professor of Philosophy did not hesitate to point out the limitation of power shift. He premised his argument on three planks. “First, power shift and zoning are, to all intents and purposes, controversial concepts. For us to ask for power shift from one zone or area to another is to suggest that the proposed beneficiary zone or area is incapable of engaging in a fair contest without the backing of zoning formula.

“Second, it is important to note that no one gives up power willingly or voluntarily. It has

to be struggled for. Third, even when power shift is accepted, the beneficiaries have to be

seen as both competent and dependable and they must prove their mettle to all the stakeholders.

“By and large, power shift or zoning does not necessarily curtail the fierceness of a successful struggle for power. This, notwithstanding, the genuine aspirations of Oke-Ogun indigenes deserves the support of

all parts of the state.”

NITDA Crisis: Group Urges Buhari To Call Minister To Order

President Muhammadu Buhari has been urged by a civil society organisation under the aegis of Coalition for Change and Good Governance Initiative (CCGGI) to call the minister of

Communication Technology; Adebayo Shittu (SAN) to order following his illegal suspension of the director general of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Mr. Peter Jack.

In a press statement signed by the group National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Usman

Abdulazeez  in Abuja, the group described the action of the Honourable Minister for Communication, as a complete departure from the promise made to Nigerians by the President. "We are disappointed with the actions of the minister thus far as they are a totally against the spirit of the Nigeria Constitution and the public service rule. Firstly, we condemn not only the suspension of Peter Jack but the insistence of the minister that the director of corporate planning and strategy, Mr.Vincent Olatunji should take over as against the most senior director, Olayinka Adejugbe who Jack had earlier handed over to.”

“In addition, the immediate desecondment without due process of the director: Human

Resource and Administration and the principal officer; Multi-stakeholder Partnership Office

amongst other that were seconded to the agency without recourse to the public service rule or the office of the Permanent Secretary of the ministry is a complete act of impunity and further portray the minister as playing a script that is not in the interest of Nigeria as a nation” the statement read.

According to the statement, the duty of the minister was to recommend to the President for

appointment in whatever capacity when necessary and therefore described his action as unconstitutional. The statement added that Peter Jack was being victimized for recruitment over 250 persons to beef up the manpower requirement of the agency that is currently less than 80 persons and also for his role in supporting the former president.

The group said if this was allowed to continue it might degrade the good intention of President Muhammadu Buhari Change agenda since the action of the minister was an abuse of the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and urge the president to call the minister to order.

Oke-ogun polytechnic students to embark on a peaceful protest

The Students of the Okeogun Polytechnic (TOPS) Saki stagged to embark on a peaceful protest this morning but they were later boycotted by the management authorities against increase in the institution’s tuition fee. The aggrieved students lamented on the incessant increase in the tuition fees.
The tuition fees was increased from N17, 300.00 to 27,000 for returning students majoring in National Diploma. The students exhibited that they have earlier met with the management of the institution for negotiation, which apparently yielded no result hence their reason to take to the streets to protest the hike. Funnily enough, they are constrained on the operation of a Students Union Governmment structure and without the Student Union Government (SUG), there is nowhere to exercise their civic complaints.
At Present, the students are planning the way forward so that the fees can be reduced.
They also call on the relevant people to use their good offices so as to find lasting solutions
to this matter.

Drama In NITDA As Minister Insists Crony Takes Over

There was a mild drama in National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) during the handing over following the illegal suspension of the director general, Mr. Peter Jack by the minister for Communication Technology, Mr. Adebayo Shittu (SAN). According to feelers, while it is traditional and standard practice to hand over to the most senior director, the minister has insisted that his crony, Mr. Vincent Olatunji (Director, Corporate
Planning and Strategy) take over to ensure the successful execution of his personal agenda.
Mr. Jack has been axed out in his bit to employ more people into the agency following the shortfall in manpower and in line with President Muhammadu Buhari’s agenda to create jobs and empower the youths. The ministry is alleging that Jack connive with the Federal Character Commission to employ two hundred and fifty persons without following due
process.
However, sources in the agency describe these allegations as untrue and unfounded as relevant proofs had been made available to the ministry. Several youth groups are already protesting the suspension of Mr. Peter Jack, and calling on President Buhari to see to his immediate reinstatement owing to the fact that the minister’s action is undemocratic, bias and seek to keep the youths perpetually without a job.

Ladoja congratulate Ajimobi over his victory in supreme court

The governorship candidate of Accord in the 2015 election in Oyo State, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja, has congratulated Governor Abiola Ajimobi on his victory at the Supreme Court. Ladoja had approached the apex court to upturn Ajimobi’s victory in the election after losing at the two lower tribunals. But the supreme Court dismissed his petition on Tuesday
for lack of merit.
Following his loss, Ladoja in a statement by his media aide, Lanre Latinwo on Tuesday 2nd February, congratulated Ajimobi on his victory and called for support for Ajimobi’s administration. He said the Supreme Court judgment brought the electoral process to an end. Ladoja, who is a former governor of the state, thanked his supporters, party faithfuls and everyone who supported him in the course of the election and judicial process. He stressed that this is the time to join hands with the governor to move the state forward, as the ruling of the Supreme Court puts finality to the election process.
Ladoja said he would continue to offer himself for service of the people and improvement of the state. He also encouraged all the people in the state to work and pray for the governor towards the betterment of the state, adding that it’s only in a peaceful atmosphere that true development can take place.

Fuel scarcity hits Saki Okeogun as marketers shut down some petrol stations:

Fuel scarcity resurfaced in Saki Okeogun as petroleum marketers closed down majority of
the filling stations that failed to keep the federal government directives to sell at #86 per litre. When the situation was monitored in the town, it was noticed that  virtually all the major filling stations were shut down. With regards , Commuters, including school
children, polytechnic students were stranded due to paucity of commercial vehicles resulting from the odds. Meanwhile, transport has increased by 100 per cent as commercial buses charged between N100 and N150 as against the usual N50 per drop.
Some motorists who spoke with me said the situation may be connected with ongoing monitoring of compliance with new pump price of N86.50k per litre by the Department of
Petroleum Resources (DPR).
According to an inhabitant who spoke based on condition of anonymity said "Some of the
marketers have refused to adjust their pump price until they exhausted their old stock". I wonder when they will do that.
A commercial motorcyst who rode our source from challenge to Kinnikinni, his community quarter collected a sum of #200 as fare and alerted him that they increased fare due to the bandwagon of the scarcity and incessant price purchasing of fuel from the black marketers and urged the government at all levels to do something urgently so as to save the situation.

Another motorist, Mrs Stella James, said she parks her vehicle at home and took her children to school in a taxi as a result of the matter. Some people said the stations were sealed up due to revoke licences of marketers who defaulted in implementing the new pump price. This issue is getting unbearable and where do we go from here; what is the way-out?

THE OKEOGUN DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL (ODC) HONOURS BARRISTER ADEBAYO

The oke-ogun development council held a civic reception in honour of Barr. Adebayo Shittu the honourable minister of communication in iseyin on saturday 30th january. The president of the formidable association stated that the Okeogun Development Council is the umbrella body that encompasses all groups in Okeogun and also a body of professionals who have made it so good in their professional careers.
He recalled the prime objective of the Grand Reception and also restated the rationals behind the formation of the aging group which is now a model to all. He lamented that Okeogun axis is the most neglected, marginalized and backward zone in the state despite its human and natural endowments. He alerted that the area is blessed resourcefully and potentially but derelicted by the handlers of the helms of affairs. He appreciated the kind
gesture of present administration which determines that justice must prevail irrespective of the zones and that is why we also have a sense of belongings in the Federal Executive Council members.
He added that the area is in dire need of assistance in areas of Agriculture, solid mineral resources ,science and technology. He also called for the harnessing of the Ikere Dam which will be source of benefit not only for okeogun area but all the South West geopolical zone of the country be it in power or water generation and opinied that the Honourable minister of Communication had earlier visited the place before migrating to the occasion. He appealed to Raji Fasola who is also an indigene of Iseyin Okeogun by birth to work on the project so that it can be commissioned by Mr. President.
However, Otunba Bamidele Dada,  narrated and shared his wealth of political wisdom and experience. He expressed his satisfaction for the marvellous performance of the minister during the senate screening and implored the minister to remain focus and not to be distracted on his saddled National assignment. He recalled on the Okeogun agenda and parts of it is the tapping of our natural resources, creating enabling environment for our people and employment opportunities for all and generation of IGR for the state . He said the area has solid minerals and National Park (Sepeteri) which can serve as sources of revenue for Okeogun and state in general. He hinted on the menace of Bororos to our farmers. He made it known that he is now an elderstate man who will be willing to share his notes of advice to whoever consults him.
Moreover, Professor Dibu Ojerinde the Emeritus Professor informed that the area has 60% landmass in the state which is more the landmass of 29- state of the Federation. His booklet shows the geographical location of the ten local government council areas of the zone. He regretted the socio-economic downturns of the area, no single university, multi-national company can be pointed out from the area and said the people of the area are wallowing in abject poverty following the poverty line of the people living in the zone which is a matter of concern.
He was grateful to Mr. President who gave a first class ministry which is second to none to the illustrious child of the soil. He spoke on the abandoned stones such as Agriculture, mabbles and others that are needed to be cornerstoned and assured that "we are ready
to sacrifice whatever it takes for the betterment of our fatherland". He called on free zone for the area so as to douse the tension of smuggling which we are known for. He charged the minister to create more opportunities for the Okeogun indigenes and called on all to rally support for the minister. He gingered everybody to be educated and made it known that Iseyin Grammar School made him what he is today in accordance to the scholarship awarded to him and attributed his educational career experience further and to the iseyinland.
Oba Salaudeen Ganiyu also officiously stated that Okeogun will produce the next Governor of the state and boastfully said no rise for perpetual second fiddle and remorsely stated that they will shower their wrath on whoever becomes a running mate to any political Party come 2019. The minister of communication was decorated with an Award of Excellent alongside the minister of Agriculture, House, power and water resources. He also thanked God who is given opportunities to our illustrious children using the legend professor Dibu Ojerinde as a case study. He affirmed that Babatunde Raji Fashola acknowledges that he is an indigene of Iseyin because they migrated from the place to Lagos but assured that the minister will come for and archeological study appropriately.