Headline

Rtn Bola Oyebade Installed As Governor, Rotary District 9110, Nigeria

Published

4 years ago

December 3, 2020

Editor

Rotarian Bola Oyebade, Charter President of the Rotary Club of Maryland has been installed as the 40th District Governor of Rotary International, District 9110 Nigeria.

Mrs Linda Oyebade & Children, Past District Governor Kehinde George-Taylor, District Governor Bola Oyebade, Past District Governor, Michael Olawale-Cole & Immediate Past District Governor, Jide Akeredolu

Rotary International is an organization of professional and business men and women who have come together to render selfless service to members of their communities and District 9110 covers all Rotary clubs in Lagos and Ogun states.

Talking Drummers heralding the arrival of DG Bola Oyebade

The colourful installation ceremony was held with strict adherence to the COVID-19 prevention guidelines on Saturday, November 28 at The Haven Event Centre in Ikeja GRA, Lagos.

DG Bola Oyebade & wife, Linda

The fun-filled ceremony which had many side-attractions including pulsating performances by an Indian dance troupe reached its highest point when Immediate Past District Governor, Rtn Jide Akeredolu, assisted by Past District Governor Kehinde George-Taylor formally performed the installation ceremony of Oyebade.

District Governor Bola Oyebade

Immediate Past President Michael Effiong James & Immediate Past President Sunit Deroy

The District Governor, while delivering his inaugural address, revealed that what the administration has been able to achieve since July 1, 2020 when he took over the mantle of leadership has been unprecedented. “My team and I couldn’t have done it alone if we do not have Rotarians and friends who believed so much in us”, he said.

DGE Remi Bello & Spouse arriving the event

District Secretary Mufutau Adelotan, AG Sanjeev Tandon, Chairman, Installation Planning Committee & Rtn Bilamin, Secretary, Installation Planning Committee

PDG Bola Onabadejo & spouse with AG Sanjeev Tandon

AG Tandon with MCs: Rtn Segun Adebowale & Past President Azuh Arinze

Winner of grand prize of Raffle Draw, Rtn Joy Agbo, President Rotary Club of Ikeja South receiving her prize

Winner of Dana Air ticket receiving prize

The District Governor stated his goals for the Rotary year while calling for support from Rotarians, Rotary clubs, as well as non-Rotarian individuals and corporate organizations “The prostate cancer is the major project we have decided to look at this year, and we have divided it into two- the screening part and the building part”, he said.

Winner of cartons of Indomie Noodles receiving prize

For the Prostate Cancer Centre building, he thanked the government of Ogun State for providing four plots of land at the Olabisi Onabanjo University Teaching Hospital in Sagamu for its construction adding that the building, due for completion in April 2021 will cost about N100million.

Speaking on what inspired the prostate cancer projects, he said “In the past, many men have died of prostate cancer and many did not even know what killed them. Early detection and treatment can stem the tide of this scourge”

Indian Cultural troupe performing

He further stated that the initial goal of the screening was 1000 people but because of the success achieved in a short period of time, the goal has been increased to 2000.

PP Abiodun Oshinibosi with IPP Sunit Deroy

According to him, “To screen one man costs only N4, 200. We are believing and trusting that we will be able to get sponsorships from members of our Rotary clubs and from our friends. This support, I know, will not stop until we screen the 2000th person.

AG Tandon & Spouse cutting their special 35th wedding anniversary cake

“We also ask you to support our micro credit scheme. Our goal for the micro credit scheme is to give 100 people N50, 000 each for the period of one year. So far, we have given 26 people and today, we are going award N50, 000 each to 34 people”, DG Oyebade stated.

DG’s Special Assistant, Rtn Ezinne Obioha & PP Sola Benson

The Guest Speaker, Mr Abhay Thakur, who is the India High Commissioner to Nigeria noted the many similarities between diplomacy and Rotary work “Both of us are working towards the common objective of providing an international service, of bringing together businesses, political and social leaders and professionals with the aim of growth and development for our societies, and for advancing goodwill and peace around the world, in a non-political, and non-religious manner.”

Rtn Bolatito Olaboye with Rtn Ezinne Obioha

PP Oladapo Ogunlola, Vice Chairman, Installation Planning Committee with AG Sanjeev Tandon, Chairman

PP Ehi Braimah, Vice Chairman, Installation Planning Committee with AG Sanjeev Tandon, Chairman

“I am happy to learn that District Governor Oyebade’s vision for 2020-21 which include increase in Rotary membership by 50%, empowerment of 100 micro credit facilities, free screening of 2000 men for prostate cancer, construction of a Prostate Cancer Centre, and raising a minimum of USD1million for The Rotary Foundation. I wish him success in achieving these objectives”, the respected diplomat stated while acknowledging the close ties between Nigeria and India.

Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Rtn Mohan Vaswani, Chairman of Tolaram Group thanked everyone who had come to support the evening and the causes that District Governor has decided to embark upon.

In his speech, Assistant Governor Sanjeev Tandon, Chairman, Installation Planning Committee thanked God who made it possible for the installation ceremony to hold despite the current challenges facing the whole world.

Tandon, who was also making his 35^th Wedding Anniversary on the day, revealed that the major reasons for the installation ceremony was to celebrate the District Governor and also raise funds for projects close to DG Oyebade’s heart.

He also thanked members of his committee, his spouse, the sponsors, advertisers, well-wishers and corporate organisations who supported the event such as Revolution Plus Properties, Dana Air, Olam Nigeria, Revolution Plus Properties, Tolaram Group, Adna HoteScanfrost, Aptech, 03 Spa Beauty Lounge, Ingrained Skills, Standard Chartered, Kewalram Chanrai Group, Tripberry, Indomie Noodles, Kapital Hotel & Suite, Bamboo Lounge and Vcare Facilities.

Rtn Bayo Adesakin, IPP Michael Effiong, Rtn Omolara Omotosho, President Joy Agbo & Rtn Bernice Eriemeghe

The event which had Rotarians Azuh Arinze, Segun Adebowale, Charles Okonkwo and MC Crystal Dave as Masters of Comperes was attended by many Past District Governors, Rotarians as well as family and friends.

Rotarians savouring the occasion

Guests also won many prizes in the raffle draw including a Revolution Plus-donated plot of land which was won by Rtn Joy Agbo of Rotary Club of Ikeja South.

Headline

Atiku Slams APC over Inflammatory Remarks Against Peter Obi

Published

5 days ago

January 7, 2025

Eric

For Vice President Atiku Abubakar has criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, over what he described as inflammatory remarks directed at Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the 2023 election.

Atiku described Morka’s comments as a “disturbing emblem” of the current administration’s strategy to stifle opposition voices.

He also expressed concern over the prolonged detention of Mahdi Shehu, a prominent government critic, and others, suggesting these actions indicate a shift toward authoritarian governance.

“The choice of words used by the APC spokesperson, particularly the ominous suggestion that Obi has ‘crossed the line,’ reveals an alarming disdain for democratic principles,” Atiku said.

“Such language, rooted in hostility, has no place in a free society where civil discourse and engagement should reign supreme.”

Atiku emphasized the vital role of opposition leaders in fostering accountability and improving governance, arguing that a true democracy thrives on a healthy exchange of ideas.

He expressed alarm over Morka’s statement that Obi should “be ready for whatever comes his way,” calling on the APC to clarify this “chilling threat.”

The former Vice President also condemned the APC spokesperson’s framing of Obi’s calls for constructive engagement, likening them to a lawless “Wild West” scenario.

Atiku described this language as crude and unbecoming of a ruling party, urging the APC to issue a formal apology to Obi and the Nigerian public.

In addition to the remarks against Obi, Atiku highlighted the case of Mahdi Shehu, who remains in detention without clear justification.

He argued that the Tinubu administration’s actions are eroding fundamental freedoms and setting a dangerous precedent.

“If there is anyone who has truly ‘crossed the line,’ it is the Tinubu administration, whose continuous vilification of opposition figures as mere irritants to be crushed is a dangerous precedent,” Atiku said.

The PDP candidate called on Nigerians and the international community to demand an end to what he described as “the stifling of dissenting voices”, warning that the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depends on the protection of free speech and opposition rights.

Atiku concluded by urging President Tinubu’s administration to recalibrate its approach to dissent, emphasizing the need for dialogue, engagement, and respect for democratic principles.

Headline

Mahama Takes Oath of Office As Ghana‘s President, Promises Economic Renewal

Published

5 days ago

January 7, 2025

Eric

We need a reset of faith — in our country, in our institutions, and in ourselves. You are Ghana, I am Ghana – President John Mahama

John Mahama was inaugurated on Tuesday as president of Ghana after defeating vice president Mahamudu Bawumia in the December elections, vowing to reset the nation’s economy.

Thousands of jubilant citizens dressed in the red, white, green, and black colours of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) thronged Ghana‘s capital Accra to welcome President John Mahama. They waved flags, blew vuvuzelas, and danced to traditional drumbeats.

The colourful ceremony, attended by several African leaders, including Nigerian President Bola Tinubu and Kenyan President William Ruto, was a celebration of democracy and hope for a nation battered by years of economic hardship.

In his inaugural address at the iconic Black Star Square in Accra, Mahama struck an optimistic tone, declaring the day a turning point for Ghana, as it marked the start of his unprecedented second term in office.

“We have endured severe economic hardships, moving from one crisis to another in recent years. But there is hope on the horizon,” he said. “Today marks the beginning of a new opportunity – an opportunity to redefine our governance and economic strategies. Together, we shall reset our beloved nation, Ghana.”

Mahama attributed his 7 December electoral victory, where he decisively defeated Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, to the youth’s demand for change. He pledged to prioritise inclusivity, accountability, and innovation while focusing on critical areas such as economic restoration, governance reforms, and the fight against corruption.

“Your courage to bring change will not go in vain,” Mahama said. “We will focus our initial efforts on four critical areas: economic restoration and stabilisation of the macroeconomic environment; improvement of the business and investment environment; governance and constitutional reforms; and accountability and the fight against corruption.”

Mahama’s vision includes transforming Ghana into a 24-hour economy, leveraging agriculture and agribusiness to stimulate local industries and create jobs.

“This is a patriotic call to action for all of us to participate in building a nation that lives up to its promise, where hope thrives, and dreams become a reality,” he said.

Economic promises

As the crowd at Black Star Square erupted in cheers, Ghanaians looked forward to a new chapter under Mahama’s leadership. His promises of economic restoration and governance reforms have set high expectations, with the coming months expected to test his ability to deliver on his ambitious agenda.

“I am here because I believe President Mahama will bring real change,” says Priscilla Oforiwaa, 32, a trader from Kumasi who attended the inauguration. “We have suffered for too long, and now is the time for a leader who truly understands our struggles.”

For his part, Andrews Brown, a 25-year-old university graduate who has been unemployed for two years, tells The Africa Report he feels positive about this new era.

“The 24-hour economy he promised gives me hope. We need jobs, innovation, and a leader who listens to the youth. I believe President Mahama can deliver.”

Source: The Africa Report

Headline

Height of Disrespect: Obasanjo Berates NNPCL over Invitation to Tour PH Refinery

Published

1 week ago

January 4, 2025

Eric

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo has slammed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) over the recent invitation extended to him, to tour both Port Harcourt and Warri refineries.

Obasanjo reacted to the invitation via a statement issued by his media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi, in which he described the invitation as disrespectful to his office and person.

He argued that the oil company had not sent any formal invitation to him as of Thursday, January 2, 2024.

The NNPCL invitation was sequel to the former president’s doubt on the repairs of the refineries. Obasanjo had in a recent interview on Channels television revealed that although the NNPCL was aware of its inability to effectively manage the national refineries, it rejected a $750 million offer from Aliko Dangote to manage the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries in 2007, during his administration.

He questioned why NNPC is now working with Dangote, saying,: “Not only will he make it (his refinery) work, he (Dangote) will make it deliver. And whether we announce our own government refineries working or not working, it is like a man who plants 100 heaps of yam and says he planted 200 heaps. After he harvests 100 heaps of yam, he will also harvest 100 heaps of lies.”

Responding to the former president, the corporate communications officer of NNPCL, Olufemi Soneye, said the company recently achieved the complete rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refining Company (PhRC) and Warri Refinery, stressing that the exercise was not the typical Turnaround Maintenance (TAM) of the past but a comprehensive overhaul designed to meet world-class standards.

Soneye went ahead to extend an invitation to Obasanjo to have a tour of the refineries.

In return, Obasanjo’s media aide said: “Is that the right way to invite a former president of the country? Who says Baba has even seen the statement or read the news? It is a total disrespect for the office of the former president.

“Ask the NNPCL that as of January 2, have they written to him? Is there any official letter addressed to him, inviting him to the refinery? It is an absolute insult, and the former president cannot dignify such with a response.”