I’ll continue to hold Jonathan in high esteem – Buhari

By Anthony Ogbonna

President Muhammadu Buhari has said that he would continue to hold the former President of Nigeria, Goodluck Jonathan, in high esteem because he (Jonathan) conceded defeat at the 2015 presidential election.


Jonathan and Buhari President Buhari made the statement on Thursday night when he hosted members of the Kannywood entertainment industry to a dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Buhari, while recalling his political struggles since 2003 when he made his first attempt to clinch the presidential seat, lauded Jonathan for accepting defeat in the 2015 general elections.

According to him, “I’ll continue to hold former president Jonathan in high esteem as a result of that singular act.

“He (Jonathan) was in power as Deputy Governor, Governor (Bayelsa), Vice-President and President, all for about 10 years and he voluntarily accepted defeat and surrendered power to me,’’ he said. Buhari also reassured that the brutal activities of the Boko Haram sect in the country  would soon become history.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan who contested under the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, had called and congratulated the then, victorious

Continue to preach hope, peace, unity, Ambode urges religious leaders

…As Osinbajo, Gov attend 58th Independence Service in Lagos

Agegepulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Sunday urged religious leaders to see the period as a time to continue to preach the message of hope, peace, unity, integrity and religious tolerance and intensify prayers for God’s intervention and restoration of hope in the future of Nigeria.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at a special Independence Interdenominational Service, held at the headquarters of the Deeper Life Bible Church Headquarters in Gbagada, Lagos, said he was optimistic that the best of Nigeria and the State was yet to come, urging Nigerians to continue to pray, hope and work for a better future for all.

"My brothers and sisters in the Lord, at this auspicious period in the history of our nation, the Church and indeed everyone who believes in the efficacy of prayer have a responsibility and patriotic duty to pray for the wellbeing and progress of our nation. I believe strongly that the best of our nation and our State is yet to come. Let us continue to pray, hope and work for a better future,” he said.

He said that as the nation prepares to go to the polls next year, all hands must be on deck to sustain and deepen the process that will result in sustainable growth and good governance for all, just as he urged Nigerians to eschew all tendencies that may aggravate the challenges being experienced at the moment.

“As we celebrate our 58 years independence anniversary, I urge us to remain steadfast and continue to uphold those values that have been passed down from our heroes who sacrificed so much to liberate us from the yokes of colonial rule.

“Today’s occasion is also coming at a critical time in the history of our nation when all hands must be on deck to sustain and deepen the process that will result in sustainable growth and good governance for our people.   We must all get involved and work together to ensure that the potentials of this nation are fully realized for the benefit of everyone and future generations,” he said.

He specifically commended the General Superintendent of Deeper Christian Life Ministry, Pastor W. F. Kumuyi, for his dedication and commitment shown towards the propagation of Christianity and the service of God over the years, adding that he (Kumuyi) had continued to impact the lives of many globally through inspirational teaching of the Word of God.

Governor Ambode also lauded the contributions of the church in the State, saying that the Gbagada community has benefited immensely from their various corporate social responsibility projects initiated by the church.

“I congratulate the Deeper Life Bible Church on this magnificent edifice you have put up here. I was unable to join you for the formal opening but I am very happy to worship in this sanctuary today as we celebrate another anniversary of our Independence.

“As I congratulate you on this new Church building, I also thank you for the good works you have done in the Gbagada Community. Your holistic approach to religious activities has been demonstrated in your corporate social responsibility actions especially the construction of the Oduwole Bridge and a multi-level car park to ease traffic in this community.

“You have demonstrated that the Church can play a lot of roles in nation building. Beyond the spiritual role of praying for the Government, the Church can also partner with the Government to make our communities a better place,” the Governor said.

He said his administration, in furtherance to the efforts of the church, embarked on the construction of a network of six roads identified by the community development associations, including Aderemi Akeju Street, Okun Street, Femi Kuti Street, Brown Road, Adegbenro/Ganiyat Dawodu Street and Yetunde Brown Street.

Governor Ambode said the contract for the road, which was awarded in September 2017 was already 60 percent completed and is expected to be concluded by the end of the first quarter of 2019, while adding that adjoining road networks such as Diya Street and Ajayi Aina streets have been scheduled for rehabilitation to further enhance road connectivity within the axis.

“For us as government, we will continue to promote fairness, justice and everything that will make life more comfortable for our people,” he said.

Also speaking, Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo in his message titled ‘Coming of Age’, said Nigerians must come to the realisation that the destiny of the country was in their hands and as such must continue to make concerted efforts to promote values that unite rather than divide us.

AMBODE, ROLE MODEL TO YOUTHS- BOYS SCOUT CHIEF

...Appoints Lagos Gov Patron, Peace Ambassador

…Gov Unveils Strategic Program To Support Voluntary Youth Organisations

Commissioner of Lagos State Scout Council, Chief Jonathan Tawose on Wednesday conferred the State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode as the Patron of Lagos State Council of Scout Association of Nigeria, saying the decision was based on his leadership qualities and being a good role model for the Nigerian youths.

Tawose, who spoke at the investiture of the Governor as Patron of the Scout Council, held at Lagos House in Alausa, Ikeja, said the Scout Association, as a non-religious and non-political international organization, has the vision to build the youths of today into responsible leaders of tomorrow, adding that it was gratifying to note that Governor Ambode's activities align with the vision to give better tomorrow for young ones.



"We are aware of the Governor's hardwork, dedication and above all total devotion to the emancipation of mankind. The Governor is a model to Nigerian youths with his show of exemplary leadership qualities.



"Once again, we congratulate you (Ambode) most warmly on all your achievements and we must say that the Governor is blessed with good administrators who are assisting him to ensure that Lagos State remains the number one State in Nigeria," Tawose said.



Responding, Governor Ambode seized the occasion to unveil a strategic program to support voluntary youth associations and Non-governmental Organizations with the necessary empowerment to better perform their role to inculcate right virtues and discipline needed to prepare younger ones for leadership.



He said as the bedrock of societal development, it was important for adequate measures to be firmed up to properly train the youths which, according to him, would in turn have positive effect on the nation.

He said: "Let me use this opportunity to urge all our youths to take advantage of the efforts of the State Government and well meaning organizations creating safe spaces which promote discipline, moral and healthy competition to better their lives. We believe strongly that the youths are the bedrock of societal development and if a youth is educated, trained and empowered, he or she is built; and if you build the youths, you build a nation.



"On this note, the Government has decided to support the cause of Voluntary Youth Organisations (Uniformed and Non-Uniformed) registered with the State. We will make financial donations to these organisations including but not limited to the Boys Scouts, Girls Guide, Brigade – Boys and Girls, Sheriff Guard and the Red Cross."



While explaining the need for the support, the Governor said it was important for a platform to be created for the youths of today to be better leaders of tomorrow, and such required proper training.

         

"We are supporting these voluntary organisations in order for us to promote what they stand for and use it to inculcate discipline and also mentoring for leadership to our younger ones. We would actively now participate in what is going on in all these organisations.



"It is time for us to create that old platform to redirect the energies of younger people to positive things and so we need to scale up the activities of voluntary organisations like the Scout Association so that we create an alternative for the younger ones and make them the real successors to whatever it is that we are doing, Governor Ambode said.



The Governor, who appreciated the Scout Council for honouring and identifying with the programmes of his administration toward the betterment of human lives in the State, said it was also instructive to note that the association ranked among the leading voluntary organizations established to inculcate virtues of discipline, leadership, patriotism and community service in the youths.



"Voluntary organizations such as Scout Association which comprise young people provide a strong platform to promote unity and mental co-existence which are critical to the survival, growth and development of our nation. Unfortunately, in the recent past, Voluntary Youth Organizations have not been as vibrant as they used to be.



“There is therefore an urgent need to do a self- appraisal of the current state of these organizations and develop strategies that will improve their relevance within the context of modern realities. I urge you to stay true to your highly encouraging vision statement which says that “By 2023 Scouting will be the world’s leading educational youth movement, enabling 100 million young people to be active citizens creating positive change in their communities and in the world based on shared values”.



The Governor, as part of the event, was also conferred with the award of Ambassador of Peace for the Scout Association of Nigeria, while the Deputy Governor, Dr Idiat Adebule was also invested as the Grand Matron of Lagos State chapter of Nigerian Girls Guide.

BREAKING: Police Set To Arrest Femi Fani-kayode

The Nigerian police is set to arrest ex-aviation minister, Femi Fani-Kayode for allegedly breaching Peace, conspiracy, falsehood and criminal defamation.

FFK, a known critic of the ruling APC and the Buhari administration received a letter of invitation from the Commissioner of Police, Abuja Headquarters, CP Habu Sani.

Native Reporters

AgegePulse

EID EL KABIR: EMBRACE SACRIFICE, LOVE, UNITY, AMBODE URGES MUSLIMS

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday called on Muslims in Nigeria to embrace the values of sacrifice, love and continue to foster unity as they join their counterparts worldwide to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir festival.

In his Sallah message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Habib Aruna, Governor Ambode said the period of the celebration was a clarion call for Nigerians to imbibe the lessons of the season such as selfless service to God and humanity, sacrifice and sincere commitment to righteous conducts in their private and public life.

He explained that the significance of the season should be beyond feasting, adding that as Muslims prepare to offer animal sacrifice in the prescribed days of the festival, the real essence should be to encourage piety, self-discipline and sacrifice.

Governor Ambode therefore called on all Nigerians to exhibit these values for the good of the country and shun any act capable of heating up the polity or causing distrust among various ethnic groups in the country.

“As we celebrate this auspicious occasion, let us renew our faith in our nation and implore the Almighty God to restore to us those values that place high premium on human life, love of neighbour and sharing even as we ventilate our faith in the unity of our dear country”, the Governor said.

“This period requires more patience, fortitude, tolerance, endurance, patriotism and a greater willingness to make personal sacrifices for the good of all,” he said.

The Governor also thanked Lagosians for supporting his administration, assuring that the Government would continue to do its best to serve the people and promote fairness and mutual tolerance among the populace, irrespective of their ethnic religion or political affiliation.

While wishing all Lagosians, especially adherents of the Islamic faith a happy Eid-el-Kabir celebration, Governor Ambode enjoined Nigerians in other parts of the country to continue to be their brothers’ keeper.

Today's Headlines

*AgegePulse Magazine*  ...the mouthpiece of Agege/Orile Agege
Headlines Today*[Thu-23-Nov-2017]*

Infrastructure key to sustainable development - Hon. JS Babatunde

Hon. Ganiyu Egunjobi Embarks on roads construction... Calls for peaceful Campaign

Infrastructure: Taiwo Dada Street, others get government attention

Pen Cinema flyover  bridge construction: LASG removes Ogunji Statue in Pen Cinema Roundabout

Residents in Agege/Orile call for more physical projects from government

Grassroot football: RenewElephant Cup is World Class - Director, WGB

National Orientation Agency (NOA) holds Peace/Security Awareness Sensitisation Campaign in Agege


*Punch Newspaper*

EFCC/DSS clash: Sagay, Falana berate DSS for stopping Ekpeyong, Okes arrest

National security structure has collapsed Senate

EFCC makes a U-turn, releases Anyim, seizes his passport

Lagos judge withdraws from Justice Nganjiwas bribery trial

Tinubu visits Afenirere leader, says no automatic ticket for Buhari

27 die in Adamawa herdsmen, farmers clash

Killing: Police file charges against ex-PDP chair sons wife

Non-indigenes wont succeed me, says Amosun

Well take decision on Kashamu soon, says PDP

Maina: Malami files defence before Senate panel

I take responsibility for PDPs defeat in 2015 Jonathan

HIV: Lawmaker asks sex workers to send proposal to NAssembly

Edo seeks EU support for trafficked victims

Ozekhomes firm, lawyer clash in Patience Jonathans $15.5m case

FCT to pull down illegal buildings in Lugbe, Kubwa, others

EFCC declares witness in Suswams trial hostile

Nigeria to achieve self-sufficiency in rice in 2018

Boko Haram engaging in forced marriage, extortion CDD


*Vanguard Newspaper*
Adamawa attack: Gov Bindow summons traditional rulers as death toll rises to 60

Obiano receives certificate of return from INEC

I'm a prophet with value at home 'Okowa

Anambra: TMG calls for stiff action against vote buying

Industrialist hails Obiano, mourns Ekwueme

Use Avengers three-month ceasefire to develop N-Delta, FG urged

UNICEF tasks Nigeria on open defecation

IFAD empowers 4,000 Benue youths

The worst is over ' Buhari

Edo NUT kicks against Bill transferring payment of teachers' salaries to LGs

Nwosu resigns as Anambra PDP nears explosion

Delta farmers inaugurate exco

PNDPC didn't join PANDEF 'Ayemi-Botu

We've built structures to rehabilitate human trafficking victims 'Obaseki

Zimbabwe: This is not a coup- military

Why I joined APC now- Ojukwu

Investors Protection Fund: NSE seeks 8 year tenure for Board members

BOI tasks women entrepreneurs to employ more people


*The Nation Newspaper*
2019: Buhari will follow due process, says Tinubu

Northcentral governors, leaders urge Buhari to contest in 2019

Senate seeks new security design to end killings

Boko Haram: CDS in Northeast as governor visits victims

Buhari orders audit of recovered assets within one month

Budget won't be ready before March

No going back on arrest of Ekpeyong, Oke, says Magu

Can Nigeria ever achieve analogue switch-off

Jealous wife charged with stabbing ex-PDP chair's son to death

PDP chair: Disagreements may be resolved at convention, says Makarfi

Will Obaseki fulfill promises to revamp education

Sokoto spends N3b on scholarship

Private sector role vital in education says Lagos govt

Ex-UNILAG VC, man of peace

OAU alumni adopt hall

Peak trains teachers on nutrition

Fixing education's woes

NGO kits up school in Ondo


*Thisday Newspaper*
Citing Gaps in Management of Recovered Assets, Buhari Inaugurates Audit Panel

Tinubu: APC Has Not Endorsed Anyone for 2019 Presidential Ticket

Address Fiscal Challenges, Despite GDP Growth, World Bank Tells Nigeria

Apple Sells MekaMons Robots Built by Nigerian-British Engineer

Fidelity Bank Partners Africa's Young Entrepreneurs on Youth Empowerment Nume Ekeghe

NNPC Secures $3.7bn Alternative Financing in Three Years

AfDB Portfolio in Nigeria over $6bn, Says Adesina

Mubi Bombing: IG Places CPs, AIGS on Red Alert

PDP Denies Makarfi's Presidential Ambition

Police File Murder Charges against Wife for Alleged Murder of Ex-PDP Chair's Son

AfDB: DBNs Role in MSMEs Sector Extremely Important to Us

ABINBEV Restates Commitment to Nigeria with $250m Investment

Masari: Nigeria Has Several Big Men But Few Leaders

Events Have Proven Buharis Govt is Corrupt

So Many Things to Reform

Will the Donald Dukes of Nigeria Ever Get a Chance

Eagles Victory over Argentina May Be Counterproductive, Ighalo Warns

Who is Afraid of Family Planning

Christian pilgrims urged to be good ambassadors

The Lagos State Government has urged intending Christian pilgrims to Jerusalem and Rome to shun all vices capable of bringing disrepute to the image of the State and Nigeria while in the Holy Land.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Home Affairs, Mrs. Toyin Awoseyi gave the advice during the Y2017 Dedication Service for Intending Pilgrims to Jerusalem and Rome themed "Proclaiming Christ By Serving The Nation", held at the Chapel of Christ the Light, Alausa Ikeja, Lagos.

Awoseyi counselled the pilgrims to pray for the sustenance of peace and unity in the country, portray the image of Lagos State positively and resolve to be good ambassadors of the State and the country at large.

While praying for journey mercies for the pilgrims, Awoseyi advised them to embark on the pilgrimage with the intention of achieving spiritual rebirth by focusing on the spiritual aspect of the exercise.

The Permanent Secretary added that the only way the intending pilgrims could have powerful and life-changing testimonies after the pilgrimage is by making adequate preparations before embarking on the journey, stressing that holy pilgrimage started from the day the decision to embark on the journey was conceived.

The Acting Presiding Chaplain of the Chapel, Very Reverend Ayo Olu Oyadotun, in his sermon, stressed the need for the intending pilgrims to have truthful intention as they embark on the journey with the objective of experiencing a genuine encounter with God.

Reverend Oyadotun further advised the pilgrims to be mindful of their conduct while on the pilgrimage and desist from all acts that could make their journey to Jerusalem and Rome a wasted effort.

”You should have a genuine concern for God and make the decision to become better persons and citizens after the whole pilgrimage exercise,” he said.

The Board Secretary of the Lagos State Christian Pilgrims Welfare Board, Mrs. Yetunde Gbafe, counselled the intending pilgrims on the appropriate diet, the kind of clothing suitable for the journey and the expected general conduct before, during and after the Holy pilgrimage.

She highlighted other necessary details relating to feeding, sight visit in Jerusalem and Rome as well as the history and culture of the people.

Apapa gridlock: Lagos reconstitutes Joint Security Task Force to ensure sanity

…Orders Police, other Security Agencies to strictly enforce Traffic Law, okada ban

…Restates ban on industrial fireworks, assures residents of peaceful yuletide celebration

The Lagos State Government has reconstituted the Joint Security Task Force established to tackle Apapa gridlock and other security threats within the axis brought about by the blockade of major roads in the area by tankers and containerized trucks.

The Apapa gridlock, in the past few weeks, had worsened due to breakdown of operations at the ports located in the axis.

Rising from the monthly Security Council meeting held at the Lagos House in Ikeja chaired by the State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and attended by heads of security formations in the State, the State Government said the Task Force comprising of police, military, officials of Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) would immediately be deployed to the axis to ensure sanity and contain any potential security threat.

While briefing Government House Correspondents at the end of the meeting, the State’s Commissioner of Police, Mr Imohimi Edgal said while the issues that gave rise to the gridlock were being addressed, the Task Force would ensure that the roads in the axis were not totally locked down, and also prevent criminal elements from taking advantage of the gridlock to perpetrate their nefarious activities.

Edgal, who addressed the briefing alongside commanders of security formations in the State, said: “We deliberated extensively on the Apapa gridlock and the Governor has approved with immediate effect the reconstitution of a Joint Task Force made up of police, the military, LASTMA and FRSC officials to ensure that whilst the major problems that gave rise to that situation in the first instance are being tackled, we on our part as security agencies, will ensure that we have a good semblance of decency on our roads.

“We will ensure that we create a corridor for smaller vehicles and ensure that there is no complete blockade to free flow of traffic. We will also have plain cloth and uniformed security agencies ensuring that there is no crime in the axis due to the traffic gridlock.”

The CP, who assured residents that every necessary arrangement had been made to ensure peaceful yuletide season, said the Council also approved increased visibility and patrol in all parts of the State, especially in areas there are traffic gridlock as a result of construction activities.

Already, Edgal said due to increased patrol, about 35 notorious traffic robbers were recently arrested in Ilupeju and Oshodi axis, many of whom he said are ex-convicts and would soon be charged to court at the end of investigation.

He added that as a result of the community policing and community safety partnership strategy adopted by the Lagos Police Command, there had been about 35 per cent drop in issues of residential robberies, while more boats had been handed over to Marine Police by the State Government to secure the waterways and riverine areas especially to checkmate incursions by militants and secure schools in such areas, in addition to the Tactic Guards already formed.

Speaking on ongoing clampdown on commercial motorcycles popularly known as Okada on restricted routes, Edgal said security agencies in the State have been given marching orders to strictly enforce the traffic law, and that no lawlessly or breakdown of law and order would be condoned.

He particularly admonished motorists and transport unions to impress it on their members to obey traffic laws, just as he said Okada riders must not only refrain from restricted routes, but also use helmets both for rider and passenger and not carry more than one person at a time, among other rules of engagement.

“We have the Lagos State Traffic Law and it is our responsibility to enforce the law. Motorists, motorcyclists and other form of road users must obey the law. Our men have been mandated to enforce all aspects of the law not only prohibition along some routes but also those aspects that have to do with safety. We don’t want officers and men to be challenged unduly when they are enforcing the law and I want to use this opportunity to call on the unions, especially the Okada unions to call their members to cooperate with the police. They should not form themselves into pressure and riotous groups to challenge the police and other security agencies,” Edgal said.

He said aside the security measures already put in place for residents and visitors to experience a peaceful yuletide season, any resident who sell, distribute or use industrial fireworks would be arrested and charged to court, saying that the ban on such is still very much in force.

Besides, Edgal thanked Lagosians for their cooperation with security agencies so far and urged people to continue to volunteer useful information that would help arrest potential security threat.

Happy 57th Independence Nigeria

It's our strong believe that the future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. May the future of our nation begets prosperity to all and sundry.

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