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Founder and Afe Babalola University Chancellor Ado Ekiti, Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) has said that Labor Party (LP) presidential candidate Mr. Peter Obi is the most qualified person to succeed President Muhammadu Buhari.
He said that the only people who oppose Obi are those who participated in plunging the country into the state of underdevelopment in which it currently finds itself.
“Unless you are part of the old system that has gotten us to where we are, there is no way you can oppose a young man like Mr. Peter Obi, an educated, young and immaculate man with the ideas of being the president of Nigeria. ”. he said.
Babalola, who will mark 60 years of his call to the bar as a lawyer this year, said he and Obi share a common passion in their love for quality education.
“We have common ground, and that common ground is that you will give education a rightful place in your administration. Unlike all of you, I never had a conventional education, never went to high school, never went to college, but because of determination and courage, I endured. I studied privately by correspondence and got my A Level by correspondence, passed entrance to the correspondence university.
“If it weren't for education I wouldn't be where I am today and that is why by the grace of God after a successful practice, I am what I am today. This year I will celebrate 60 years of my calling to Bar and by the grace of God Peter Obi will be there. He is the most qualified to run this country.”
Credit: https://www.sunnewsonline.com/obi-best-qualified-to-lead-nigeria-afe-babalola/
Legal icon, Aare Afe Babalola (SAN) has said that the 1999 Constitution is responsible for the myriad of challenges in Nigeria and called for its replacement, adding that the document cannot produce the best group of leaders for Nigeria.
The founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti (ABUAD), also called on Nigerian leaders to urgently address the problem of the country's huge debts.
Postulating that the country is bankrupt and on the verge of bankruptcy and collapse, Babalola said Nigeria risks being sucked into those who lent the country money.
Addressing reporters yesterday in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti state, the elderly statesman lamented that the 2023 elections are being held under the 1999 constitution, which he described as lopsided and flawed. He said the money bags, not the best candidates, will emerge because of the current constitutional arrangement.
Urged the National Assembly to propose a Law to amend the current Constitution by replacing the 1999 Constitution with the 1960/63 Constitution and also to establish a Provisional National Government pending the elaboration of a new constitution in accordance with the Section 9 (1) of the Constitution of 1999. .
“Remember that in my speech to the press on April 18, 2022, I urged the FG to suspend the 2023 elections and propose a six-month interim government that will build a new construction for the country.
“I still stand by my suggestion that any election held under the 1999 Constitution cannot and will not produce new leaders with new ideas. Rather, any election held under the current Constitution of 199 will simply result in the recycling of the very people who have driven Nigeria into extreme poverty, mass unemployment, underfunded education, insecurity and huge foreign debt. This is contrary to Section 14 (2) (b) of the Constitution which states that 'the safety and welfare of the people shall be the purpose of government'.
He went further, saying: “I have no sympathy for any Nigerian who aspires to rule Nigeria in any capacity, be it as a legislator, governor or president. However, the fact is that the 1999 Constitution, to a large extent, is the root cause of the economic, social, political and religious problems of the country today.
“I insist that unless a new Constitution is established, similar to the good old Constitutions of 1960 and 1963, with the necessary amendments, none of the contenders, and indeed, no angel can save the country from total collapse.
“Our bitter experience since 1999 has taught us that we urgently need a new Constitution that must stipulate strict conditions regarding the age, academic qualifications, character and personality, as well as the family background of the candidates, especially for the presidency and National Assemblies”.
Babalola, who stated that Nigeria's external debt had increased to N42.84 trillion as of June 30, 2022, while internal debt service increased to N5.24 trillion in the same period, said that any Nigerian aspiring to leading Nigeria should be concerned and concerned that the country owes so much.
As part of the immediate solutions, the huge indebtedness, the senior lawyer suggested that all Nigerian billionaires and trillionaires should make voluntary donations, through a Special Committee, to be established by the Federal Government, for immediate payment of all or part substantial part of the huge debt
"In addition, the government should emulate Obasanjo's example by approaching creditors, either for full debt forgiveness or substantial debt reduction," he said.
Credit: https://leadership.ng/afe-babalola-insists-1999-constitution-cant-produce-best-leaders/
A Joint Task Force established to protect the Kogi/Ekiti border area, has arrested two suspected kidnappers that held four victims hostage for days.
The JTF, comprising the military, police, Amotekun corps and local hunters, under operation Eradicate Bandit at the Borders of Rural Ajoni Communities (EBBORAC), also recovered part of the N3 million collected from the victims.
A school principal, two teachers and a nurse, were last week abducted at Irele- Ekiti, in Ajoni Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ekiti State, and taken to an unknown destination by the gun wielding kidnnapers.
Three of the abductees were later freed upon payment of N3 million ransom, while one of them reportedly escaped from the abductors.
Chairman of Ajoni LCDA, Hon. Michael Ogungbemi, told newsmen, in Ado Ekiti, yesterday that the suspects were nabbed during a joint operation inside the sprawling forest at Irele-Kogi border area.
Ogungbemi said the operation became so terrific that the kidnappers hurriedly freed three victims from captivity, which provided a lead for the JTF to proceed with combing all forests in the axis.
“When they knew that the operatives were closing in on them, three victims in their possession were suddenly released this afternoon.
This further provided a lead for the operation.
“Part of the ransom collected from the victims were recovered and the released victims are now in the hospital receiving medical treatments.
“The JTF also succeeded in apprehending two suspects, who are now undergoing interrogation and investigation by the police,” he said.
The Commandant, Amotekun Corps in Ekiti State, Brig Gen. Joe Akomolafe, confirmed the arrest.
Akomolafe added that those arrested are now in police custody, while the freed victims have received adequate treatment in the hospital.
“I can confirm to you that two suspects arrested are being held by the police.
Regarding the freed victims, they were initially taken to the hospital, but they have reunited with their respective families,” he stated.
Telecommunications giant, Globacom, yesterday, began fulfilling its promise of rewarding loyal subscribers with amazing prizes in its Festival of Joy promo, as it presented a three-bedroom apartment to a 19-year-old undergraduate.
The ceremony saw Ibrahim Akindele becoming a landlord for recharging his Glo line.
Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Mr. Debo Ogundoyin, and other key lawmakers of the state legislature graced the ceremony and also handed keys to the apartment to Akindele.
The 200-level student of Science Laboratory Technology of Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, who could hardly believe the fortune, confessed that he received the call that turned him into a landlord with so much scepticism.
“I was in disbelief at first.
I thought it was just someone playing pranks on me,” he said, adding that he would allow his parents to decide how to put the apartment to use.
His mother, Mrs. Funmilayo Akindele, who savoured the joy of her son’s new status, said: “The house will be a place of refuge for Ibrahim and his older brother while we will be coming to spend weekends with them.
”
In his welcome address, Globacom’s Head of Operations for the West Territory, Mr. Akeem Yusuf, noted that the promo is another opportunity for Globacom to reward its subscribers with amazing prizes, in line with its commitment to continued empowerment of customers.
“Our commitment to the total well-being of our subscribers and the realisation that shelter is one of the key needs of man have fuelled our desire to help some of them have houses of their own through this promo,” he stated.
The city of Ibadan is hosting another prize presentation on Thursday, November 17.
Some other lucky winners will go home with prizes, such as a brand new Kia car, power generators, sewing machines and rechargeable fans, among other prizes.
The Glo Festival of Joy will make 20 lucky subscribers homeowners, while another 24 will win brand-new cars across the country.
Subscribers, who have not keyed into the promo, are required to dial a dedicated short code, *611#, and “recharge with N500 weekly, to stand a chance to win a rechargeable fan; N2,500 monthly for a sewing machine; N5,000 monthly for a generator; N10,000 monthly for a car and N20,000 data subscription during the promo period for a house.
The more the recharges, the higher the chance of winning,” the company said.
The hearing of a lawsuit filed, Funmilayo Omosule, against the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority Administration (OGFZAA) for its alleged illegal suspension stalled on Tuesday at the Abuja National Industrial Court. Judge Olufunke Anuwe adjourned the matter until February 1. after the absence of OGFZAA's lawyer in court. When the matter was called, the plaintiff's lawyer, Kekechi Uzoanya, informed that the matter was scheduled for today for the adoption of the final written directions of the parties in the lawsuit. Uzoanya said that the defense lawyer had yet to submit the written address of him so that they can respond properly. “We were hoping the defense would come forward so we can respond. Unfortunately, we are still waiting for them to show up,” he said. In addition, Uzoanya said that the defense lawyer was not in court. He said the court clerk told him that the defense lawyer sent a message that he had pre-election business in Gombe. However, the judge told Uzoanya that the defense attorney's failure to submit his final address in writing should not prevent the plaintiff from submitting his. Accordingly, Judge Anuwe adjourned the matter until February 1 for the adoption of final written directions. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Omosule and OGFZAA had been locked in a fierce legal battle to resolve the legality or otherwise of his suspension, following his petition against some of the agency's administrative staff for alleged corruption. OGFZAA had, through a letter dated April 18, 2011, suspended Omosule as manager of its Abuja office because he had refused to comply with its letter dated December 3, 2010, which had ordered him to present the originals of your credentials. for verification. However, Omosule refuted the authority's claim, stating that he made available to the defendant the CTCs of his educational certificates/credentials, including GCE 'O Level certificates and degree certificates, as per the instructions. Omosule had claimed that the originals of his credentials went missing under untraceable circumstances in 2010 when the report to produce the originals was made. The claimant also asserted that the CTCs of its certificates presented to the respondent were certified institutions, which included the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Ado-Ekiti University, then Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti, respectively. Plaintiff seeks the court's declaration that he was still a staff member of the organization and was entitled to all rights, privileges, and benefits due to his employment. court for an order ordering the defendant to reinstate him to the position of principal, at the 17th grade level, a position that his contemporaries claimed were currently being held. Omosule is also seeking the court's order to order the defendant to pay all outstanding wages, benefits and entitlements to him since 2011 and also to order the defendant to pay him the sum of N50 million as exemplary and general damages.
Source Credit: NAN
The hearing of a lawsuit filed, Funmilayo Omosule, against the Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority Administration (OGFZAA) for its alleged illegal suspension stalled on Tuesday at the Abuja National Industrial Court. Judge Olufunke Anuwe adjourned the matter until February 1. after the absence of OGFZAA's lawyer in court. When the matter was called, the plaintiff's lawyer, Kekechi Uzoanya, informed that the matter was scheduled for today for the adoption of the final written directions of the parties in the lawsuit. Uzoanya said that the defense lawyer had yet to submit the written address of him so that they can respond properly. “We were hoping the defense would come forward so we can respond. Unfortunately, we are still waiting for them to show up,” he said. In addition, Uzoanya said that the defense lawyer was not in court. He said the court clerk told him that the defense lawyer sent a message that he had pre-election business in Gombe. However, the judge told Uzoanya that the defense attorney's failure to submit his final address in writing should not prevent the plaintiff from submitting his. Accordingly, Judge Anuwe adjourned the matter until February 1 for the adoption of final written directions. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Omosule and OGFZAA had been locked in a fierce legal battle to resolve the legality or otherwise of his suspension, following his petition against some of the agency's administrative staff for alleged corruption. OGFZAA had, through a letter dated April 18, 2011, suspended Omosule as manager of its Abuja office because he had refused to comply with its letter dated December 3, 2010, which had ordered him to present the originals of your credentials. for verification. However, Omosule refuted the authority's claim, stating that he made available to the defendant the CTCs of his educational certificates/credentials, including GCE 'O Level certificates and degree certificates, as per the instructions. Omosule had claimed that the originals of his credentials went missing under untraceable circumstances in 2010 when the report to produce the originals was made. The claimant also asserted that the CTCs of its certificates presented to the respondent were certified institutions, which included the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and Ado-Ekiti University, then Ondo State University, Ado Ekiti, respectively. Plaintiff seeks the court's declaration that he was still a staff member of the organization and was entitled to all rights, privileges, and benefits due to his employment. court for an order ordering the defendant to reinstate him to the position of principal, at the 17th grade level, a position that his contemporaries claimed were currently being held. Omosule is also seeking the court's order to order the defendant to pay all outstanding wages, benefits and entitlements to him since 2011 and also to order the defendant to pay him the sum of N50 million as exemplary and general damages.
Source Credit: NAN
The Minister of State for Transport, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, has assured the people of Ondo and Ekiti states that the Federal Government has not abandoned the reconstruction of the Akure-Ado Ekiti road. Adegoroye, in a statement Media and Publicity Assistant Ebenezer Adeniyan, said this when a delegation from the Ondo State House of Assembly, led by Bamidele Oleyelogun, visited him in Abuja. He said the contract awarded to Dantata and Sawoe for the dualization of the highway was being investigated and work on the project would resume as soon as the process was completed. Adegoroye said that the Minister of Public Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, had taken the road as a priority for the government and had taken steps to investigate the contract awarded in 2020. He said: “I know what our people are facing in that way, but I want to beg again for more patience. Let us reiterate to our people that the project will not be abandoned.” The minister also assured that the proposed deep-water port in Ondo state would soon become a reality. He said the Federal Government recognized the importance of the proposed port for the blue economy Policy of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari Adegoroye described the visit of the state legislators as historic and added that they were true representatives of their people He promised to analyze all the development problems that had raised for the good of the people and the Earlier, the Speaker said the visit was to forge a working relationship between the to House of Ondo State Assembly and the Minister, who was a member of the House. Oleyelogun, who said the state was blessed to have someone of Adegoroye's caliber as minister and praised his achievements so far. However, he urged it to be the rallying point for the people of the state. He also urged the minister to lead the All Progressives Congress (APC) to victory in the state in the 2023 general election. Also speaking, the Vice President, Mr. Samuel Aderoboye and the Chairman of the House Fice and Appropriation Committee , Mr. Sunday Olajide, described the minister as very accommodating. They urged the minister to ensure a greater presence of the Federal Government in the state of Ondo. Other members of the House on the visit included Minority Leader Rasheed Elegbeleye, Parliamentary Secretary Abayomi Akinruntan, Deputy Whip Chief Festus Akinfiranye and Olushola Oluyede, as well as House Secretary Benjamin Jaiyeola. (www.ewsng)
Source Credit: NAN
LR Ms. Tolulope Akinyemi, Chief Executive Officer, Karen-Happucha Global Services Limited, Ekiti, Mr. Akindele Akinola, National Network Consultant, Mr. Tayo Ogundare, Managing Director and CEO, SkyNet Worldwide Express and Pastor Sunday Oluwadare, General Supervisor, Heritage Glorious Prayer Intercession Ministry at the opening of SkyNet's new office in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.
Mr. Tayo Ogundare, CEO and CEO of Skynet Worldwide Express, says his office in Ekiti will boost e-commerce and provide employment opportunities for residents.
Ogundare stated this at the opening of the company's Ekiti branch throughout the Ajilosun area in Ado-Ekiti, in the state capital.
The Nigerian News Agency reports that the company is opening its branch in the state in partnership with Karen-Happucha Global Services Limited.
Ogundare said the new branch was in furtherance of the company's stated global growth strategy and pursuit of excellent customer service.
He said the office, when fully operational, will provide a true platform for online marketing, ordering and package delivery to flourish, especially among the young population.
Ogundare said no fewer than 30 more branches would be opened across the country in the next six months in a bid to upgrade and bring logistics services to Nigerians' doorsteps.
According to him, the new offices are expected to provide more than 400 direct and indirect jobs to Nigerians.
Ogundare said the branch in Ekiti, which comes at the start of a new administration in the state, underscores Ekiti's growing economic importance and the friendly environment that welcomes investors.
He said its opening was meant to bring the firm's excellent service offerings to the good people of Ekiti.
The SkyNet chief said the opportunities for future growth are endless for the people of the state with the commissioning of a new cargo airport.
“The strategy is to position SkyNet Worldwide Express as a first choice and customer friendly company with the ability to offer specialized and tailor-made services for highly demanding Nigerian customers who have suffered from amateurish and failed logistics service for too long. weather.
“With the SkyNet Worldwide Express office in Ajilosun, Ado Ekiti, the people of Ekiti can now seamlessly send their documents and packages anywhere in Nigeria and to more than 180 countries around the world.
“Also, with our experience in food export, customers with family and friends in the US, Canada, UK and Europe can easily send them food at an affordable price.
“We also provide e-commerce/shopping and shipping services for international buyers from China, the US, and the UK.
“Companies and organizations that source their raw materials and equipment from abroad can also take advantage of our freight forwarding service to move urgently needed materials and equipment to Nigeria.
"We have the ability to handle the repair and return of defective items," he said.
Ms. Tolulope Akinyemi, CEO of Karen-Happucha Global Services Limited, said in her remarks that the company was committed to the safe and speedy delivery of packages across the country.
She revealed that her company is the first national network participant commissioned in Nigeria for SkyNet Worldwide Express.
“We offer express collection and delivery services, both national and international, we are dedicated to the transport and accommodation of goods, air and sea freight services and customs clearance. we also offer e-commerce for online shopping and delivery,” he said.
The highlight of the event was the ribbon cutting unveiling SkyNet's delivery bikes and office space.
reports that the spiritual dedication of the branch was performed by Oluwadare, the General Overseer, Estate of the Glorious Prayer Intercession Ministry.
edited
Source Credit: NAN
President Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with the family of retired professor of English and English Literature and former Dean, Faculty of Arts, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Prof. David Olagoke, aged 88.
In a condolence message by his spokesman, Mr Femi Adesina, on Tuesday in Abuja, Buhari said Olagoke’s service to the nation would remain indelible.
President Buhari also shared the loss with friends and professional associates of the scholar, writer and publisher.
He noted that the deceased “enriched Nigeria’s educational administrative system and curricular with his intellect and wisdom, with evergreen plays like `The Incorruptible Judge’, `Irokoman’ `The Woodcarver’, and `Death in the Forest’.
’’
According to the president, the rich pedigree of the educationist, shaped by years of unwavering commitment to research and teaching, started out as Education Officer at King’s College, Lagos, in 1958.
Olagoke was Lecturer , University of Lagos, 1968-76; Senior Lecturer, 1976-84; Associate Professor of English, University of Lagos, 1984-87.
He was Professor of English and Dean of Arts, Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, November 1987.
The president believed that Olagoke, who was Longman Research Fellow, would be remembered for his contribution to knowledge, wise counsels to students and leaders, and exemplary lifestyle of discipline and simplicity.
He prayed that the almighty God would receive the soul of the departed, and comfort his family.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
Minister of State for Transportation, Prince Ademola Adegoroye, has felicitated with Gov. Abiodun Oyebanji of Ekiti on his inauguration and assumption of office.
Adegoroye, in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Ebenezer Adeniyan, on Monday in Abuja, said he was out of the country when the governor was inaugurated.
He said, “This visit is to felicitate with my friend, Oyebanji on taking the mantle of governance in the state.
”I was unfortunately absent at the inauguration of my brother, associate and friend of almost 30 years, Abiodun Oyebanji, and so I am visiting him at Ado Ekiti this morning for the first time.
“I recall that he was one of the first to visit and congratulate me on my assumption of office as Federal Minister a few months back.
It is therefore expedient for me to do same as we share a lot in common.
”I am convinced that Oyebanji has all it takes to take Ekiti to the next level of development, and I urge the people of the state to give him the same support accorded his predecessor, Dr Kayode Fayemi.
”
Expressing optimism that Oyebanji will sustain and add to the legacies of development left behind by Fayemi, Adegoroye promised the support of the transportation ministry for the development of the state.
Responding, Oyebanji thanked the minister for his visit, saying he was impressed with the activities of Adegoroye since he became a member of the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Adegoroye said his administration would work with the minister towards the development of the state, including the reconstruction of the Akure – Ado Ekiti road.
NewsSourceCredit: NAN
