Tinubu approves conversion of YABATECH to university

AgegePulse Magazine 

…As minister lauds college management

By Adesina Wahab

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, on Friday, said President Bola Tinubu has approved the conversion of the Yaba College of Technology, YABATECH, to a university.

Tinubu approves conversion of YABATECH to university

He disclosed the news to the management, staff, and students of the college during a working visit to the institution.

“The rector said some minutes ago that the staff, students, and management of the college have been praying and fasting that it be converted to a university. Somehow, you have kind of ambushed me, but I must let you know that when I discussed the issue with President Bola Tinubu, he did not waste time in approving. I am just waiting for the memo and other necessary protocols from the appropriate quarters.

“This school is a legacy, and with over 200 staff members holding doctorate degrees in various fields, it is more than ready and fit to become a university. All the credit about this should go to the president, who loves education and is concerned about giving the best to the youths who are our future leaders,” he stated.

Alausa, who went around the college to inaugurate and inspect some projects, expressed satisfaction with the maintenance culture of the management that has kept most of the facilities in good shape despite their age.

“I commend you for pursuing excellence, and we need innovation and investments in technology for development, and I can assure you that the federal government would back you up,” he added.

He stressed further that one of the reasons the Tinubu administration is focusing on technical and vocational education and adding entrepreneurship to it is to stem the Japa Syndrome.

“We are not taking the issue of artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, and others with levity. We know that if our youths are good at those things, they can be in Nigeria and be working for firms in many parts of the world, and they will be earning foreign exchange. That will help stem this Japa of a thing, where people would travel abroad to do menial jobs,” he stated.

In Europe and other places, the focus has been on incorporating TVET to become a core aspect of their education system, and that is what we are doing now. We need education that would aid manufacturing and technological innovations and that would also lead to a robust private sector, which will drive societal growth and development,” he opined.

Earlier, the rector, Dr Ibrahim Abdul, said with over 200 PhD holders in its services, YABATECH was more than qualified to become a university.

“While we are praying that we become a university, we don’t want to become just one of those universities. We want to be a university of technical and vocational education that would bring innovation and also solve societal problems and challenges and contribute greatly to the advancement of our dear country. We have the manpower, and we just need the support of the government in this regard,” he stated.

Abdul reeled out the various achievements of his administration and said the management would not relent in raising the stakes higher.

“The rector said some minutes ago that the staff, students, and management of the college have been praying and fasting that it be converted to a university. Somehow, you have kind of ambushed me, but I must let you know that when I discussed the issue with President Bola Tinubu, he did not waste time in approving. I am just waiting for the memo and other necessary protocols from the appropriate quarters.

“This school is a legacy, and with over 200 staff members holding doctorate degrees in various fields, it is more than ready and fit to become a university. All the credit about this should go to the president, who loves education and is concerned about giving the best to the youths who are our future leaders,” he stated.

Alausa, who went around the college to inaugurate and inspect some projects, expressed satisfaction with the maintenance culture of the management that has kept most of the facilities in good shape despite their age.

“I commend you for pursuing excellence, and we need innovation and investments in technology for development, and I can assure you that the federal government would back you up,” he added.

He stressed further that one of the reasons the Tinubu administration is focusing on technical and vocational education and adding entrepreneurship to it is to stem the Japa Syndrome.

“We are not taking the issue of artificial intelligence, robotics, coding, and others with levity. We know that if our youths are good at those things, they can be in Nigeria and be working for firms in many parts of the world, and they will be earning foreign exchange. That will help stem this Japa of a thing, where people would travel abroad to do menial jobs,” he stated.

How I'Ve Impacted My Constituents, Agege In Recent Time- Hon. Dr. Wale Ahmed

Yomi Durojaye

...Extols President Tinubu Led Administration 

 

The House of Representatives' Agege Constituency is represented by Dr. Wale Ahmed, a former lawmaker, two-time commissioner, and former secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State. He discussed his involvement in the National Assembly, the Tinubu administration, and other topics.

In the 2023 presidential election, Nigerians made informed choices and cast informed ballots, and I want to start by making that clear. 

The past few years have undoubtedly been extremely difficult, demanding, and rewarding for the nation because Nigerians elected a seasoned politician who is a full-blooded democrat, a champion of democracy, and a fair-minded man of vision and inspiration. He is clearly well-suited to the role of providing direction and focus to this vastly diverse nation.

God had prepared President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for this moment. He is undoubtedly leading with a decent heart, possessing the necessary national perspective, and bringing the nation together by implementing a just and equitable administration that has everyone on board.

I can see demonstrable courage and boldness, a rare clarity of thought and wisdom, as he is mobilising every segment of the society for nation building. He has been decisive in taking certain steps and difficult decisions in the overall national interest, thereby laying a good, solid foundation for greater tomorrow and future prosperity.

President Bola Tinubu presides over a government of reforms.  His reforms and innovations fall within the framework of indepth socio-economic restructuring, which, fundamentally, comes with transcient pains, the types that will predictably herald a new lease of life for the generality of Nigerians, both now and in the future. For example, under his leadership, Nigeria’s revenue base has ballooned and strengthened exponentially, translating in the lower sub-units, that is states and local governments, now having much more funds to channel into their developmental priorities.

There is now a lot of fiscal discipline and financial loopholes are removed. I also salute his focus on grassroots governance as exemplified by the financial autonomy to the councils, which will foster development at the grassroots level.

On his constituency activities,  Dr. Wale spoke with confidence on his office has transformed the face of Agege Federal Constituency...

....I will like to put it this way. It is difficult to start counting or enumerating the way I have impacted on our people Agege Federal Constituency. I practically live with them. So, I am able to rise to the occasion and responde to their needs. To be specific, I will start with our educational programme.

Two days ago, we identified those young people who just gained admission into the university . No fewer than 50 of them were given scholarship. We will be encouraging and mentoring them.

Before that, we looked at our environment and discovered that not all of them would go to the university or Polytechnic. We trained 150 of young people in various vocations and during graduation, we gave them money to go and start business, to buy equipment. Recently, we did a medical outreach for three days. It was so successful,  so helpful. As a matter of fact, since then, they have been asking for more.

In Agege, we are known for our markets and Agege bread.  We have provided solar powered street lights to increase after hour business activities and security,and solar powered boreholes. We presented flours to Master Bakers Association in Agege in aid of their business. We also gave market men and women food items and financial empowerment.

 The distribution of foodstuffs to all and sundry has been virtually an every month affair. I am at home virtually every weekend. I am always with my constituents. Other assistance, as the need arise, we do that regularly.

We must prioritize the supply of water in the upcoming year. I educate them of our beloved President Asiwaju Tinubu's enormous accomplishments. The average person in Agege is aware that the macroeconomic indicators that indicate the president's policies—such as the decline in inflation, the strengthening and stability of the naira, the increase in foreign reserves, and the decrease in fuel prices—will soon result in lower landing costs for meals at their table. In other words, there is hope for the future and my people in Agege have faith in this government.

Credit: Oladesu Emmanuel 

Agege Federal Lawmaker, Dr. Wale Ahmed Urges Constituents To Support Tinubu Reform Policies

Yomi Durojaye 

House of Representatives member Dr. Wale Ahmed yesterday urged the people of Agege Constituency to rekindle their solidarity and support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

He said Nigerians will savour a new lease of life, assuring that the dividends of socio-economic reforms embarked upon by the administration will spread.

Tinubu.           Wale Ahmed

Ahmed spoke at his constituency office where no fewer than 50 tertiary students received N100,000 each under his ‘Noble Scholarship Programme.’

Speakers at the event admonished the beneficiaries to face their studies, shun cultism and other social vices, make their parents proud and be a good ambassadors of the scheme.

At the ceremony, the lawmaker also donated bags of rice and cash to market men and women from Agege and Orile-Agege councils, bags of flours to Agege master bakers and a generator to the Divisional Police Office.

Accompanied by a party colleague and former federal lawmaker, Jide Jimoh, the legislator said he sponsored the educational programme in appreciation to God who enabled him to study medicine at the Usman Dan Fodio University,  Sokoto, despite being an indigent student.

Ahmed thanked the All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders,members and other constituents in Agege for their cooperation, urging them to increase their support for the Tinubu administration.

He also charged them to maintain the unity of the fold.

On the scholarship scheme, he said:” We obtained GCE and JAMB forms for our youths. I remember my six years as a student in Sokoto. I only had transport fare for the first year. There waa nobody to give me transport money. When I entered Year Four, I spent one week at home after resumption because of lack of transport fare. I am sponsoring the education programme to give thanks to God.”

Ahmed promised to do follow-up by monitoring the students’ progress.

To the students, he said:”You can achieve your goals in life with hardwork.”

Jimoh of Mainland Constituency said: “It is a day of joy. Our leader, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is in town. This is what he likes. This is good news to our president and our governor. There is no beneficiary of scholarship who will not be happy for life.

“Dr. Wale Ahmed has also given grants. This is true representation. He is in the House moving motions and sponsoring bills. He is serving our party and your constituency.”

To the students,he said: “Treasure the opportunity. Guard it jealously. Use it well.”

At the ceremony were Idowu Akinola, who represented House of Assembly Speaker Mudashiru Obasa, Taofeek Oloriodo, Monsurat Adegbenro, Mrs. Akinyemi, Youth Leader Semiu Lateef, Alhaja Dupe Boyejo, Olumuyiwa Lebiyo, Omooba Sobande, Joseph Ayobami, Isola Omodele and Segun Balogun.

The chairman of the screening committee, Abiodun Ogedengbe, said the selection of beneficiaries was transparent and devoid of partisanship.

He said to be above board, he said he prevented his daughter who had gained admission into the university from participating in the exercise.

He urged the beneficiaries “to go and excel,” and their parents to monitor them because they are young.

The chairman of APC in Agege Council, Alhaji Tunde Azeez Disco, advised the students to be good ambassadors of the council and constituency, excel academically and engage in community service.

He described the expansion of educational opportunities as the real dividends of democracy.

Breaking: Police declare Briton, Nigerian wanted for attempting to overthrow Tinubu

 The Nigeria Police Force, on Monday, declared a British national, Andrew Wynne, also known as Andrew Povich, and a Nigerian, Lucky Obiyan, wanted for allegedly plotting to overthrow the democratically elected government in the country.

Breaking: Police declare Briton, Nigerian wanted for attempting to overthrow Tinubu

The police accused the British national of building a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, the Force spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, said Wynne rented a space at Labour House and established a school to serve as a decoy.

He said, “The Nigeria Police Force has launched a comprehensive investigation into the activities of foreign national and subversive elements plotting to undermine the democratically elected government in Nigeria through unconstitutional regime change and orchestrating violence across the country.

Investigations have identified a foreign mercenary, Andrew Wynne (also known as Andrew Povich or Drew Povey), a British national, who built a network of sleeper cells to topple the government and plunge the nation into chaos. He rented space at Labour House, Abuja, for an ‘Iva Valley Bookshop’ and established ‘STARS of Nations Schools’ as a cover for his subversive activities.”

Adejobi said documentary evidence and confessions revealed that Wynne provided finance and operational guidance to allegedly topple an elected government in the country.

He said, “Documentary evidence and confessions revealed that Andrew Wynne issued directives, monitored progress, and provided finance and operational guidance to achieve unconstitutional regime change in Nigeria.

“He mobilised and deployed several billions of naira to his Nigerian collaborators, urging them to mobilise the public to violently storm police facilities and military barracks, anticipating a bloodbath that would instigate international condemnation of the Nigerian government. These acts are in clear violation of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act 2011 and other relevant laws,” the FPRO added.

Adejobi said Wynne and his local coordinator, Obiyan, had fled the country.

He said, “Since the commencement of investigations, Andrew Wynne has fled the country. He and one of his local coordinators, one Lucky Ehis Obiyan, have accordingly been declared wanted, and global hunting for them has commenced in connection with this investigation.”

Details later….

Punch

I Never Instructed EFCC, CCB To Begin Fresh Case Against Tinubu - Malami | AgegePulse Magazine

  

Abubakar Malami (SAN), Attorney-General and Minister of Justice on Tuesday said he never instructed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC ) and Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB) to institute a fresh case against Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, former governor of Lagos state and national leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Tinubu, Malami

“The office of the Attorney-General as you rightly know has not filed any action before any court in the land relating to Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. But then within the context of the law, as you rightly know, the EFCC and Code of Conduct Bureau are all statutory bodies that are vested with statutory powers to act within the context of the laws establishing them”.

“So, I am not in a position to give you a precise answer and I will suggest to you that you may consider inviting the chairman of EFCC or perhaps the chairman of Code of Conduct for elaborate answers associated with those charges if any has been filed by those agencies”.

“ I am not here in a representative capacity to speak for them neither in a defensive capacity for them. I will suggest you invite the heads of the agencies to shed more light”.

“But the office of the Attorney General and its arm which is the Director of Public Prosecution has not initiated any proceeding and no investigation has commenced at its instance from any of its agencies be it EFCC or Code of Conduct” he said.

Native Reporters

Court bars Iyaloja, others from levying Computer Village traders | AgegePulse Magazine

 

A Lagos State High Court has barred Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of All Progressives Congress leader, Bola Tinubu, from imposing levies on traders at the Computer Village, Lagos.

A Lagos State High Court has barred Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, the daughter of All Progressives Congress leader, Bola Tinubu, from imposing levies on traders at the Computer Village, Lagos.

The development comes over a year after Tinubu-Ojo, who is also the Iyaloja-General of Lagos State reportedly imposed leaders on the traders who then introduced new levies, a development which sparked a series of protests at the Computer Village.

Others who were similarly barred from imposing levies include: Mrs. Bisola Azeez, Mr. Adeniyi Olasoji, Nofiu Akinsanya, Tony Ikani and the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State.

Iyaloja-General, Folashade Tinubu, Ojo

The order is sequel to a fundamental human rights suit marked ID/9039MFHR/19 instituted against the five respondents by the five major stakeholders that represent the traders at the Computer Village.

The stakeholders representing the traders include: The Registered Trustees of Computer and Allied Products Dealers Association of Nigeria; Registered Trustees of Phone and Allied Product Dealers Association of Nigeria; and Registered Trustees of Phone Parts and Accessories Dealers Association of Nigeria.

Other applicants include: the Registered Trustees of Association of Caterers, Food and Drinks Vendors of Ogunbiyi Computer Village, Ikeja, Lagos; Registered Trustees of Ikeja Books, Stationeries and Computer Association and Azeez Olunrin.

The judgment, which was delivered by Justice Yetunde Pinheiro read in part, “I find that the 2nd and 3rd respondents’ imposition of levies on the applicants is illegal, null and void and therefore amounts to a violation of their fundamental rights.

“Accordingly, it is hereby ordered as thus: The first to fifth respondents by themselves, agents, levy collectors howsoever called are restrained from imposing levies and/or fines on the members of the 1st to 5th applicants at the Ikeja Computer Village in the Ikeja Local Government Area of Lagos State.”

In a letter titled, ‘Dear members, Our Court Victory against Iyaloja and Babaloja and Others in Computer Village, Ikeja’, the leadership of the Computer Village rejoiced over the judgment.

In the letter signed by its Chairman and Secretary-General, Timi Famoroti and Jerry Mba respectively, members were asked not to pay tax to Tinubu’s daughter or her representatives.

It read in part, “The implications of this landmark judgement is that the Iyaloja General, Chief Mrs. Folasade Tinubu-Ojo, Mrs. Bisola Azeez, And Mr. Olasoji Adeniyi or their representatives or agents cannot collect any form of dues, levies or fines from the members of Ikeja Computer Village Market. Any collection in this regard is illegal.

“We therefore urge you not to submit yourself to any form of payment, intimidation and extortion. It is your right to defend yourself and report to your leaders in case there is a violation of your fundamental human rights.

“Please ensure you document with concrete evidence and report any breach of your right to your leaders. This will help our legal action/s against any violators when necessary. We therefore urge every member to continue to pay your agreed dues to your various associations accordingly.”

Traders were also advised to pay their personal and company income, taxes, levies and others to the appropriate government agencies at the national, state and local governments when due.

PUNCH

Lagos Panorama

Lagos Lawmakers, Adejare, Ogundimu Reiterate Commitment To 2023 BAT Project | AgegePulse Magazine

...Sensitised Members On Importance of Registration / Revalidation

APC leaders in Agege, Hon. (Dr) Samuel Babatunde Adejare, Hon. Oluyinka Ogundinmu and other political leaders in Agege Federal Constituency, yesterday have reiterated their commitment to making the Bola Ahmed Tinubu's 2023 project a reality.

The lawmakers disclosed this at the sensitization programme held in Agege to sensitize the constituents on the need for everyone to register and revalidate their All Progressives Party (APC) memberships.

The lawmakers in a msaavie move joined other political leaders and traditional rulers in Agege in the widely attended programme which was used as an avenue to educate the constituents about their political rights and civic responsibilities, while also canvassing constituents for the APC membership registration commencing on Tuesday, 9th of February 2021.

In a separate remarks, Member of the House of Representatives representing Agege Federal Constituency, Hon. (Dr) Samuel Babatunde Adejare expressed his delight at the fact that the sensitization programme is not a caucus meeting, stating that unity and togetherness is vital for the progress of the constituency and the party alike. He also took the opportunity to declared himself a huge fan and protege of the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu popularly known as Jagaban Borgu. He said, _“I want you all to know that I am more of a Tinubu person than an APC person. He is the Jagaban of Nigeria and I strongly believe in his dreams, ideology and ambition. I will continue to advocate towards the BAT 2023 project". "A victory for BAT is a victory for all". _“However, what is important right now is that you take advantage of this period to update your membership status with our great party, APC”_, Adejare added. Also addressing what people described as mammoth crowd, member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Agege Constituency II, Hon. Oluyinka Ogundimu, urged all APC faithfuls and loyalists to take the registration serious, stating that it is part of their civic responsibilities and an opportunity to electronic their desired representatives into an elected offices. _“I want to urge everyone to take this membership registration serious. APC is our party and we must all place our stake on it. This is an opportunity for us to put our destinies in our hands and present ourselves the opportunity of placing the right people at the helm of our affairs_”. Hon. Ogundinmu asserted.. Ogundimu who is fondly called 'Striker', also took the opportunity to declare his 100% support to our APC National Leader, the Asiwaju of the Universe, Bola Ahmed Tinubu. In attendance were top movers and shakers in the political space, important religious leaders and as well as communities heads and monarchs among others.

Tinubu's Chief Security Officer, Lateef Raheem is Dead

AgegePulse Magazine

Nigeria’s All Progressives Congress national leader Bola Tinubu on Friday lost his chief security officer Lati Raheem at early hour of today.

The cause of his death is still unknown.

Lateef Raheem, fondly called Alhaji Lati had been on Tinubu’s team for over 20 years and was the only aide still left from his time as governor of Lagos state from 1999 to 2007.

He will be buried according to Muslim rites on Friday, the first day of Ramadan, which is the holiest month of the Islamic calendar.


Guardian

#COVID-19: Pay relief funds to households through BVN, Tinubu tells FG

AgegePulse Magazine

National Leader of All Progressives Congress , Bola Tinubu , has urged the Federal Government to make cash payments to households through Bank Verification Numbers to cushion the effects of COVID - 19 pandemic on Nigerians .

Tinubu, a former governor of Lagos State , gave the advice in a statement issued in Lagos on Wednesday .

He said payments could be made quickly by using the BVN of prospective recipients to make direct deposits into individual bank accounts.

The APC leader said the use of BVN would also be safer and not lead to violence and crime that might follow physical cash transfers .

Tinubu said this would encourage those without bank accounts to establish such accounts, adding that it would further bring millions of people into formal banking .

“The money-less family still needs food , water , shelter and, to a lesser degree , utilities . In a compassionate society, they should not be made to do without .

“Most families need relief . If relief is not forthcoming , these families risk hunger and its attendant suffering and woes,” Tinubu said .

He said the palliative measures would blunt hunger, maintain aggregate demand in the domestic economy and help sustain private -sector markets to the extent possible .

Tinubu explained that such payments could be done in either one or in a combination of three ways .

He said , “First , we can designate a stipend for every household . The amount should be enough to pay for the monthly needs of an ‘ average’ household for food and other basics .

“While this may somewhat penalise larger families , perfection cannot be had at this time .

“Second , the stipends could be given as a form of emergency unemployment insurance to those who can prove they were relieved of employment due to the crisis.

“This will be more targeted at the actual victims of the crisis but harder to administer . This stipend will also have to be extended to owners of small and medium - sized businesses.

“Third , the government can render some form of payroll support to companies and businesses that seek to retain workers albeit they may not be fully employed .

“The stipend can help companies stay in operation while maintaining workers on their payroll. By maintaining workers , the company can more swiftly return to full operation when normalcy returns. ”

Tinubu said payment of these stipends would require hiring additional government workers to augment the existing bureaucracies to implement that programme .

According to him, this administrative requirement will help boost employment and aggregate consumer demand .

He said that activating Trader - moni and other programmes would help many small -scale traders but not the average wage earner who just lost his job .

NAN

Tinubu finally speaks about 2023 presidential election

AgegePulse Magazine

National leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Tuesday cautioned against the haste in debating which zone of the country should produce the next president now.

Tinubu, who spoke with State House correspondents after a closed door meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, said such would affect the pace of governance by President Mohammadu Buhari’s government.

He cautioned that discussing 2023 the presidency would distract the government from providing people-oriented services such as roads, and other development agenda of the administration.

NewsNG.

Democracy Award: Scribe 57 Congratulates Tinubu, Ethopian PM

...As Gbenga Abiola Charges Youths To Involve in Politics

AgegePulse Magazine

Association of Secretaries to the Local Government of Lagos State, Scribe 57 has congratulated the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, who won the African Democracy Award recently in Ethiopia.


A statement on Tuesday said they were recognised for their efforts to grow democracy and good governance on the African continent.

According to the statement, the award was conferred on them at the 4th African Political Summit and Diamond Awards in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.



The award was said to be the highlight of a three-day conference on Campaign Financing and Elections in Africa, an initiative of the Association of Political Consultants, Africa.

According to the president of APC Africa, Kehinde Bamigbetan, “ the award serves to recognise and encourage icons of democracy and good governance in Africa. It has been our culture to celebrate those political figures who have done a lot to promote democracy in their respective countries.”

He described Ahmed as an outstanding leader who had done a lot to strengthen democracy, human rights, press freedom and peace in East Africa.


Bamigbetan said Tinubu was recognised for his commitment to democracy and human rights.

“Asiwaju is a political figure whose impacts have been felt not just in Nigeria, especially with the historic election of President Muhammadu Buhari on the platform of the opposition APC, but also across many countries in Africa,” he added.


Amongst the major participants and delegates from Nigeria, Chairman of Scribe 57, Mr. Lekan Bakare and Hon. Gbenga Abiola amongst others Secretaries to the Local Government of Lagos State.

In another development, the Secretary to Agege LGA, Hon. Gbenga Abiola has charged the youths to get involved in the politics of today and position themselves in the heart of the decision makers.

He added that, the nation building lies in the hands of capable, brilliant and intellectual youths that can write the glory of our dear nation in bold

Tinubu, Ethiopian Prime Minister win democracy award

 AgegePulse Magazine

Samson Folarin

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu and the Prime Minister of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed, have won the African Democracy Award.

A statement on Tuesday said they were recognised for their efforts to grow democracy and good governance on the African continent.

According to the statement, the award was conferred on them at the 4th African Political Summit and Diamond Awards in Addis Ababa, the Ethiopian capital.

The award was said to be the highlight of a three-day conference on Campaign Financing and Elections in Africa, an initiative of the Association of Political Consultants, Africa.

The body is made up of top political consultants from across the continent.

The award, according to the president of APC Africa, Kehinde Bamigbetan, “serves to recognise and encourage icons of democracy and good governance in Africa. It has been our culture to celebrate those political figures who have done a lot to promote democracy in their respective countries.”

He described Ahmed as an outstanding leader who had done a lot to strengthen democracy, human rights, press freedom and peace in East Africa.


Bamigbetan said Tinubu was recognised for his commitment to democracy and human rights.

“Asiwaju is a political figure whose impacts have been felt not just in Nigeria, especially with the historic election of President Muhammadu Buhari on the platform of the opposition APC, but also across many countries in Africa,” he added.

Punch

2019: Ambode Officially Endorses Sanwo-Olu, Hamzat Ticket

…Urges Aggrieved Aspirants To Unite For APC’s Victory In 2019

…As Tinubu Thanks Lagos Gov, Others For Respecting Party’s Decision


AgegePulse Magazine

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Monday officially endorsed the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu and his deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, saying that the duo were prepared for the campaign and ready to take on the task of moving the State to greater heights.

The Governor, who spoke at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the State secretariat of the party on Acme Road in Ogba, raised the hands of Sanwo-Olu and Hamzat before scores of party leaders and faithful and wished them well in the March 2, 2019 election.

“As we are looking forward to February 16, 2019, we know it is the Buhari/Osinbajo ticket that the whole of Lagos will vote for. As we proceed two weeks after on March 2, we also declare that it is the Sanwo-Olu/Hamzat ticket that will come to take over from me by the special grace of God.

“I pray for them and bless them that they will take over from me successfully in good health and in good spirit,” he said.

He urged those still aggrieved with the fallout of the primaries of the party to follow his example, and accept the party’s supremacy.

“The first thing I want to say is to appeal to all our party members who, in one way or the other, have been wronged or aggrieved that they should find a place in their hearts to let it just be the same way that I have accepted the greatness of the party.

“I want us to know that the party is supreme to all our individual interests because it has the common good for all of us and we must find a place in our hearts to let the party reign supreme,” he said.

The Governor also appealed to the leadership of the party to go a step further by looking for avenues to compensate aggrieved aspirants, saying such was necessary to spur them to work for the party and also move the party forward.

According to him, “I want to further appeal to all our leaders and our party leaders also that when there is a platform for reconciliation, we should proceed also to continue to reconcile and when there is a platform for compensation, we should also make those promissory notes so that all our aspirants who are not candidates must be ready to sacrifice for the overall collective of our party.

“This is very important so that we can move this campaign forward because it is only when we win that we can compensate, it is only when we win that we can reconcile and so let us have that collective decision to move APC forward.

“We are one party and we are one family and if we are one family and one party, then we should proceed and make APC the reigning party at the centre and the reigning party in Lagos. So, all our stakeholders, all our elders I seek for your cooperation, your solidarity and your support for our candidate at the gubernatorial level, senatorial level, House of Representatives and Assembly and also Presidency,” Governor Ambode said.

The Governor, also urged Lagosians to vote massively for the reelection of President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo come February 16, 2019 for continuation of the good works in the country.

National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on his part, commended the courage of Governor Ambode and others for accepting the outcome of the primaries of the party, saying their act of sportsmanship deserved to be appreciated.

Tinubu said Ambode, his deputy, Dr. Idiat Adebule, and all the leaders and members of the party had done commendably well in respecting the supremacy of the party.

Addressing the gathering which was attended by key leaders of the party in the State, Tinubu said: “I want to say thank you to all of you and God bless you. I thank all of you for respecting the party, particularly the present Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode and his deputy, Idiat Adebule. May God continue to bless you and guide you and you will live long with everlasting progress.

“Thank you to all our leaders, the Government Advisory Council (GAC) of Lagos State and the membership of the party who had embarked on reconciliation efforts to appeal to all our members who are initially aggrieved. The party supremacy has been demonstrated; the party discipline has been demonstrated. You are our leaders and we respect all of you,” he said.

While recalling that the direct primary option adopted for the shadow election of the party was taken after a GAC meeting, Tinubu said it was gratifying that all members of the party accepted and endorsed the decision, adding: “I want to thank you for maintaining peace, harmony, unity and love.”

He said having crossed the hurdle of the primaries, it was now time for all members of the party to unite and maintain a strong outing for APC during the 2019 general elections, saying APC remains committed to Nigeria’s progress, development and economic transformation.

Other leaders at the meeting are the State’s Deputy Governor, Idiat Adebule; Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa; State APC Chairman, Alhaji Tunde Balogun; GAC members led by Prince Tajudeen Olusi; Chief Lanre Razak, Senator Ganiyu Solomon, Chief Kemi Nelson, Cardinal James Odumbaku, former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, Jokotola Pelumi, among others.

WE TRIED OUR BEST TO RETAIN AKINWUNMI AMBODE, Says Sen. Adefuye

...We didn't just Follow Asiwaju Like Sheep

AgegePulse Magazine

A member of the Lagos State Governor’s Advisory Council, GAC, Senator Anthony Adefuye,disclosed how party leaders in Lagos East Senatorial District fought to secure the second term ticket for Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

Adefuye disclosed this at a reconciliation meeting held at CMD Shangisha in Lagos.
Ambode Adefuye, the APC Lagos East Senatorial District Leader, said: “People accused us of removing Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.

We saw this crack four months ago and we decided to meet with our Lagos Central Senatorial Leader, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi and we went to see Asiwaju Bola Tinubu. “We asked Tinubu if there was any problem, and he said that there was a problem and he narrated it. “We prostrated and asked him to call Ambode and speak with him.

“We left the place and started calling Gov Ambode to give him a hint of the meeting, but he did not pick our calls. Asiwaju Tinubu said that he was not picking his calls too. I actually tried my best.

 “We rose up to defend Ambode. We didn’t just follow Asiwaju like sheep, we fought and we tried. “Those of us in the East nearly burst into tears for the opportunity we lost in Lagos East. “I fought tooth and nail to make sure that the position was not taken away from us.

 It was a great opportunity that we lost. “Anyone that is not a party man should not be elected into positions. Take this advice and make sure you don’t make the same mistake.”

Ijoba Ibile

FG EXPANDS TRADERMONI SCHEME TO THREE ADDITIONAL MARKETS IN LAGOS

…As Osinbajo, Ambode, Sanwo-Olu Monitor Implementation



The Federal Government on Monday launched the special enterprise and empowerment programme otherwise known as TraderMoni in three additional markets in Lagos, with an assurance that the scheme would be extended to two million beneficiaries by December 2018 across the country.



The TraderMoni scheme, which is a collateral and interest-free loan for petty traders, had earlier been launched in some markets in Lagos, while three additional markets in the State – Ketu, Bariga and Oshodi were added to the scheme by Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), accompanied by Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode and the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship candidate in the State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.



The trio, while inspecting implementation of the scheme, took time to interact with petty traders in the markets, assuring that government would continue to come up with innovative initiatives to benefit the critical mass of the population.



Giving details, Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on Media and Publicity, Mr Laolu Akande, said close to 800,000 petty traders had so far benefited from the scheme, adding that the programme had been structured for traders to borrow up to N50,000 and repay back seamlessly.



“The TraderMoni scheme is part of the socio-investment programme of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration and the plan is to ensure that between September and December this year, two million petty traders receive the first payment of N10,000. Once they are able to return it within six months, they get additional N15,000 and when they return that, they get another N20,000 until they get as much as N50,000.



“The whole idea is that the President wants to ensure that traders that are at the bottom of the ladder; people whose wares and businesses are just about N3000, N5000 and so on; people who normally don’t get any kind of financial assistance; people that the banks do not give any kind of credit because they have no collateral are not left out in what they are doing in our micro credit scheme.



“This was what informed the TraderMoni Programme and today, it has gone to several states and the Vice President is in Lagos today to see what is happening in three additional markets. The VP is here to see what is happening and to interact with the traders, as well as to assure all Nigerians as a matter of fact that this is going to go round,” Akande said.



He added that at the end of the first batch, the government would take it further to ensure that more traders benefit from the scheme.



 “In the first batch of the scheme, we will be doing two million traders and after that, we will even take it further. Between now and December, we would have given to two million petty traders. Already, we have close to 800,000 petty traders out of the two million. We have enumerated all the two million traders and so we know who they are and so it is a question of time,” he said.

What Tinubu said about Atiku, Oshiomhole after Wednesday’s meeting with Buhari

Bola Tinubu, the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has dismissed the threat posed by Atiku Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

After meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday, Tinubu was asked if he is jittery about the strategy meeting convened by Atiku in Dubai, to unseat Buhari.

“We don’t fear. Whether it is in the jungle, or it is in Dubai or it is in Abu Dhabi, people are free to meet and strategise in anyway they want but we are not going back to the illusion of the PDP.


“It is not possible, Nigerians will not do that. They say slow and steady wins the race. We inherited that from our forefathers and knowledgeable people. We can’t go back to the pit that we inherited for 16 years. They can strategise from anywhere but a leopard cannot change it skin,” he told State House correspondents.

He said the meeting with Buhari was about “the nation, the country, our people, peace, stability and economic progress”.

Asked if he was in support of the call for Adams Oshiomhole’s removal as APC national chairman, Tinubu said: “No. We all have to respect party supremacy. You were all here when we had the congress, we elected the new executives, the convention we had it, the NEC was formed and we surrendered to avoid conflict, to avoid domination, to avoid abuses of power, we surrendered our rights, all rights to the national working committee headed by Adams Oshiomhole.


“That the national working committee should set up electoral bodies to supervise various state congresses and elections. We signed for it. So, if it is not in our individual favour, so be it. We gave three options: consensus, where there is no consensus because if you are more than two or three and you cannot agree to one candidate, you go to the next level.

“The next level is the stakeholders’ delegate election and you have to be supervised by the national working committee of the party, national election committee of the party. That shows party supremacy.

“We had the freest option, the less cumbersome is to open direct primary, line up and count the number, 1,2,3. If you win, you win and if you fail, go home. Then appeal committee was set up to listen to all appeals, internal mechanism for conflict resolution. It was there, you cannot turn round against that, you cannot turn against all of that.

“No. Party is supreme, party must be respected, abuses will not do it and anger will not do it. It is party politics, somebody will win and somebody will lose… too bad

Daily Trust

Osun must remain APC state, says Buhari

Femi Makinde, Osogbo

President Muhammadu Buhari has called on the electorate in Osun State to vote for the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in the state, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, in the election coming up on Saturday.

Buhari, who stormed the Osogbo City Stadium on Tuesday to solicit for votes for the APC candidate, urged the people of the state to support Oyetola. He also tasked the electorate to prevent corrupt politicians from coming to power in the state.

The President lauded the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola which has been in power for the past eight years, saying his performance had given the party the reason to celebrate and to be hopeful that the party’s candidate in the poll would emerge victorious.

Buhari described the governorship candidate of the party as the right man for the job while urging the electorate to vote Oyetola in order to continue with the development witnessed under the Aregbesola’s administration.

Buhari said, “Today, we are here to celebrate the past. On Saturday, your love and friendliness are clear for us to see. Some years ago, I was here with so many of you to get support for Governor Aregbesola for a second term. I was in Osun in 2015 for the presidential campaign.  I returned in October 2016 to commission Osogbo Government High School, one of the 11 mega schools constructed by Aregbesola.

“We are here to thank the Almighty God for the successful eight years of APC government in this state under the leadership of Rauf Aregbesola. We are also here to pray Almighty God to save us and consolidate on this through Gboyega Oyetola.

2019: Sanwo-Olu Adoption Mere Speculation - APC Chieftain

The Lagos State Chapter of All Progressives Congress on Wednesday said it had not adopted any governorship aspirant as its candidate for the 2019 elections.
The Chairman of the chapter’s Elders’ Forum, Alhaji Tajudeen Olusi, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos.
He was reacting to media reports that the chapter had adopted an aspirant, Mr Jide Sanwo-Olu, the incumbent Managing Director of Lagos State Property Development Corporation, as its governorship candidate.

NAN reports that Mr James Odumbaku, the immediate past Vice-Chairman of the party in the state and an ally of Chief Bola Tinubu, was reported to have claimed in a video on Tuesday that Sanwo-Olu had been adopted as the incoming governor.

Odumbaku, who was with Sanwo-Olu and other chieftains at a meeting in the video, said all the 57 council chairmen had endorsed the LSPDC boss as their candidate, claiming the adoption was at the instance of Asiwaju Tinubu.

NAN reports that Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, had on Monday, declared his intention to run for another term.
A former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, had also declared his aspiration for the number one seat in the state.

Olusi described the purported adoption of Sanwo-Olu to puncture the second term bid of Ambode as mere speculation.
He said the party could not have resolved to hold a primary when it had adopted an aspirant.

“All these things are speculations. They are not true, How can we plan to hold a primary to elect our candidates and then adopt somebody?

“If we are still going to hold our primary, why then should we adopt, or does the adoption cancel the primary? No.

“This is the political season, all interesting things happen, but I can tell you most of the things that have been reported on the matter are mere speculations and not facts. Nobody has directed any adoption,” he said.
Olusi, while referring to the video, said it was normal for individuals or groups to back or endorse aspirants ahead of any election.

He, however,  said such endorsements should not be taken to be the position of the party.

Olusi said the determination of who would become the governorship candidate of the party would only be done at the primary.
He described the APC as a democratic party, saying all aspirants would be allowed a level playing field.

On the feasibility of holding a direct primary at the chapter in view of the large numbers of party members, Olusi said there was no cause for alarm.

He said the right preparations were being done, expressing optimism that everything would go well during the exercise.

Olusi said he would not comment on the controversies emanating from adopting different modes of primary in some APC state chapters.
“Honestly, I do not want to comment on that. However, we are a growing democracy and we learn every day,’’ he said

(NAN)
Punch

APC To Adopt Direct, Indirect Primaries

The All Progressives Congress has approved the use of direct primaries at the national and indirect primaries at the state levels of party’s primaries.

This declaration was made on Thursday during the National Executive Council meeting of the party in Abuja.

The meeting had in attendance Vice President Yemi Osibanjo, Senate majority leader, Ahmed Lawan, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha, Governors on the platform of the ruling APC, chieftains of the party and new party members like Sen Godswill Akpabio were also at the meeting.

Today, before the NEC meeting, thirty four states of the federation, including Abuja, Nigeria's Federal Capital have adopted the option of indirect primaries for the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming primaries to field candidates for next year's general elections.

That development was on the heels of an emergency meeting held in Abuja on Wednesday by the caucus of the party.

Part of the reasons for adopting indirect primaries as reliably gathered, was because the party was yet to authenticate the actual number of its members, and that there was not enough time to do so with the primaries just few weeks away.

It was further gathered that the only two states that have maintained their stands on Direct Primaries were Lagos and Edo States.

According to sources within the party hierarchy, states that still want to opt for direct primaries can write to the national headquarters of the party for deliberations and subsequent consideration, depending on whether they have the capacity to do so but the final decision of the NEC is that indirect and direct primaries have been adopted for state and national levels of the party’s primaries respectively.

Lagos Panorama


Below is APC Schedule for primaries as released by the party

Presidency 24th September
Senate 26th of September
House of Representatives September 27th
Governorship September 29th
House of Assembly October 2nd.
Sale of forms commenced on 1st of September.

Senator Akpabio meets Buhari in London as former Governor moves to dump PDP

AgegePulse Magazine

A former Governor of Akwa Ibom state, Godswill Akpabio, has been pictured in London with President Muhammadu Buhari.

Akpabio, who won his seat in the Senate on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), is believed to be set to decamp to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The lawmaker’s meeting with Buhari, comes after an aide to the National Leader of the APC, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, claimed he would join the party in a few days.

More to follow..

LR