Headline

Iwo Stands Still As Dele Momodu, Wife Become Aare, Yeye Aare

Published

3 years ago

October 2, 2021

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

As the ancient of Iwo in Osun State comes alive today as a result of the magnificent conferment of chieftaincy titles on a great son of Nigeria, Chief Dele Momodu, and his amiable wife, Mobolaji Momodu, with Aare and Yeye Aare by the Paramount Ruler of the kingdom, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, a cross section of Nigerians from various walks of life have responded in solidarity.

Below are aggregated opinions of goodwill messages sent in by loved ones among others:

CONGRATULATIONS CHIEF DELE MOMODU: A MAN OF HIS WORDS – Dolapo Aina

With great joy, I felicitate with the family of Chief Ayòbámidélé Àbáyòmí Ojútelégàn Àjàní Momodu on his installation as The Aare of Iwo Kingdom by His Royal Highness, the Paramount Ruler of Iwoland, (Dr.) Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi.

Chief Dele Momodu, fondly called Bob Dee by his close friends, colleagues and contemporaries, is one of the most straightforward and honest global figures I have come to respect and regard with high esteem. A very busy individual whose every word is his bond. There are several personal experiences stretching from my first encounter with Chief Dele Momodu at the departure hall of Kigali International Airport to his penthouse in Ikoyi and back to Kigali in Rwanda.

Chief Dele Momodu’s giant strides which span several countries and several continents speak for themselves. Congratulations to a very honest gentleman on this significant milestone as the Aare of Iwo Kingdom. More milestones in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Congratulations My dearest mentor and leader – Elisha Attai

I congratulate you on your well-deserved honour. A mere Congratulations is just a token appreciation for all your tireless efforts in making this world a better place. You have by every standard, reached the pinnacle of heights, and I pray you continue to amass success and honours in all your endeavours.

Congratulations! Your hard work is speaking.

Dr. Elisha Attai
CEO – Studio 115 integrated services
Founder – African Women in Leadership Organisation (AWLO)
Global Board Member/Chairman Nigeria – International Hospitality Institute (IHI),USA.

You Have Played Active Role in the Development of Our Society – Isaac Oyedokun

Sir,
On behalf of TREKK SCOOTERS AFRICA, I wish to extend my heartfelt congratulations you on your conferment Chieftaincy Title as the Aare Tayese and Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland.

It is my utmost prayer that the Almighty God will continue to grant you good health and strengthen you in the many more years of fulfilling service ahead of you.

It is a day to celebrate your stupendous and unrivalled contributions to the growth of your homeland and country. My Chairman, you deserve the title because of your sterling leadership and active role you have played in the development of our society.

I humbly and sincerely congratulate you and your beautiful wife on this wonderful milestone as the Aare Tayese and Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland.

I thank the entire people of Iwoland and His Royal Majesty OBA(DR)ABDUL RASHEED ADEWALE AKANBI ILUFEMILOYE TELU 1, THE OLUWO OF IWOLAND for the honour

Congratulations Aare & Yeye Aare Tayese Momodu.

Isaac OYEDOKUN
CEO, TREKK

This is a Well Differentiated Achievement – Aminu Owo

Felicitations Bashorun (Dr.) Dele Momodu on your well-differentiated achievement bestowed on you by his Royal highness Oluwo of Iwo: Oba Abdul Rasheed Akanbi. It is well deserved Sir! I am a beneficiary of your kindness and generosity. You gave me an excellent pedestal through BOSS Newspaper to express my innovative thoughts and published my research articles. This opportunity has exposed me and my company (African Manufacturing Group – AMG) to the world. Many thanks Sir! I am indebted to you and your BOSS Newspaper’s team.

May this unique Chieftaincy be an added blessings to you, your family and your businesses.

Congratulations again Sir!

Aminu Owonikoko MPhil (UK), MSc (UK), B. Tech- Hons (Nigeria) ( Founder of African Manufacturing Group – AMG)

The Oluwo Has Made a Good Choice – Yemi Edun

My Dearest Brother, Chief Dele & wifeChief Mobolaji Momodu

Hearty congratulations on your conferment as the AARE, and Madam, the YEYE AARE of IWO, by His Royal Highness Oluwo of IWO, OBA ABDULRASHEED ADEWALE AKANBI.

This is an honor that is well deserved, and you would undoubtedly enhance and illuminate the ideals of the title with your usual forthrightness and energy. His highness has indeed made a good choice with the conferment.

Wishing you and Madam the best of luck and warm regards,

Bashorun Dele Momodu is a Custodian of Traditional Ethos – Jamil Eniola

I write to rejoice with Chief (Dr.) Dele Momodu and his better half Chief (Mrs.) Mobolaji Momodu as they becomes Aare and Yeye Aare of Iwoland.

Chief Momodu is a man of many enviable attributes and a wizard of strategic deals, with worldwide acclaim for his performances.

I have known Chief Dele Momodu for many years as millions of others probably do: as a professional, entrepreneur, philanthropist and community change maker. But since coming closer to him in the United Kingdom almost ten years ago, I have enjoyed his continued support and encouragement of my foundation for humanitarian initiatives in the United Kingdom and Nigeria with free access to him at any time.

I have been further privileged to know at a more brotherly level as well as interacting more intimately with the man we love to call Bob Dee.

Perhaps one striking quality in the Chief Momodu’s persona is his ability to maintain a strategic balance between two fascinating worlds – a successful media entrepreneur and a passionate philanthropist without barrier.

Chief Dele Momodu is a custodian of traditional ethos. His avuncular but affable disposition has earned him the patronage of many organisations. The Yorubaland will benefit positively from this great cultural ambassador as Aare of Iwoland in access to better education, good healthcare, youths, girls and vulnerable empowerment and basic social activities.

He is always very calm even when under a stressful situation. Above all, he is a devoted father and a caring husband to his brainy and beautiful wife.

Once again, I salute a worthy big brother and a distinguished Nigerian. We rejoice with you and your wife, may your shadow never grow less. May your reign as Aare and Yeye Aare of Iwoland be fulfilled and your future, bright and beautiful with good health and much more happiness. Oye Amori ooo.

Jamil ‘Mobolaji Eniola
President UI Alumni Global Network
President/Founder Hen & Associates/ Hen Foundation

An Honour well deserved – Princess Adebowale Odutola

My darling brother (Bashorun Dele Momodu) and his adorable jewel of inestimable value (Chief (Mrs) Bolaji Momodu), I felicitate with you both on your Chieftaincy as the Aare Tayese & Yeye Aare Tayese by Oba (Dr) Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi Telu 1, Oluwo of Iwo.

I pray that God’s blessings and protection will be upon you and your family.
Congratulations!

Best Wishes,
Princess Adebowale Odutola.
COO/ Creative Designer.
TPS LUXURY LTD.

THE BASHORUN AND AARE OF THE WORLD – Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

Hearty congratulations to you my dear brother, Bashorun Dele Momodu, and your darling wife, my dear sister, Chief (Mrs) Mobolaji Momodu, on the conferment of the high chieftaincy titles of Aare and Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwo land.

This is a well deserved honour. It reminds me of the song Evangelist Ebenezer Obey sang for your Mentor (late Chief MKO Abiola), “ki a to fi enia je oye larin ilu oni lati je eni rere”.

Once congratulations to you and your beautiful wife on this great occasion.

My family and I rejoice with you.
“Oye a mori o” Amin.
Otunba Bimbo Ashiru

Congratulations Chief Momodu – Abdullahi Sa’i’du Baba

I wish to felicitate with you on your conferment as the Aare Tayese of Iwoland and your wife, Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland.

I received the news with great joy and happiness. It is my most noble desire that the Almighty God will continue to grant you good health, even as he guides and prospers you in fulfilling many more years of profitable service to humanity.

I humbly and sincerely congratulate you on this great milestone and pray Almighty God in his infinite mercy guide and protect you throughout your stay on earth.

I thank also the Oluwo of Iwo Kingdom, Oluwo Abdulrasheed Akanbi for such a worthy decision.

Congratulations Chief (Dr.) Dele Momodu.

Abdullahi Saidu Baba (Hafizi)

Bob Dee, a quintessential media Guru – Princess Aderemi Adebowale

Congratulations to the quintessential media Guru, Dele ‘Bob Dee” Momodu on your conferment as the Aare of Iwo kingdom.

Your entire life has been one big, exciting and inspiring tutorial on success garnered on the back of great vision, purpose, integrity and fervent patriotic fervour.

The dynamism of the Nigerian media and freedom of the press were achieved on the back of great sacrifices made by you and other seasoned and committed professionals with undying love for the sector, just of course as the entertainment terrain has enjoyed tremendous leaps owing to the salient contributions by gurus like you.

The political and investment climates in the country are not left out of your Midas touch as these sectors have also witnessed remarkable strides owing to the creative and invaluable input of men and women like you, whose dedications to people-oriented causes and love for humanity have brought immense value to the socio- economic, political and cultural landscape of the country.

The entertainment sector is one that has over the years witnessed exponential growth, being also a terrain you hold sway in, and which has a strong affinity with you. Today the prime places of Ovation International magazine, Ovation Carol, The Boss Newspaper, Ovation TV as well as other weights you pull in several other areas of investment and humanitarian inclination all butress your unbridled commitment and desire to meaningfully contribute to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

As a person with a kind heart, unassuming nature, friendly mien and integrity, you remain a role model and a shining light in the country, for which you are admired and respected for.

It is no surprise then that you have been chosen to be coronated with the crown, the Aare of Iwo Kingdom for which I heartily congratulate you and join others in felicitating with you on the remarkable milestone.

Princess Aderemi Adebowale

Tribute to a Quintessential Statesman – Raymond Nkannebe

Chief Dele Momodu represents the best of us in many ways. As a man he has proven by the sheer force of example that hard work and diligence are indispensable tools to life’s success and accomplishment.

As a Journalist par excellence of Ovation Magazine fame, he has told the Nigerian story from various perspectives; deploying the famous Ovation Magazine in particular to tell the story of the nouveau rich in the Nigerian society since its inception over two decades ago. I had caught on with his writings in the ThisDay Newspapers as a young undergraduate and suffice to state that I instantly fell in love with the man behind the pen whose eclectic writings helped to shape my understanding of the Nigerian polity before I ever attempted to be a contributor to the national question. I have always looked up to his famous Pendulum Column every Saturday on the back page of the ThisDay Newspapers where he wrote in his characteristic elegance on various issues including but limited to governance, politics, education, philosophy, culture, and entertainment.

He proved to be a mentor, and one with an uncanny interest in seeing others rise to their full potentials when on the 19th of June, 2018 he graciously afforded me the privilege to be published in The Boss Newspapers which he publishes. I had simply tweeted at him on that day, asking for a follow back, as I’d like to discuss something with him. Lo and behold, he did follow back, and much to my surprise. Conscious of his rather busy schedule, I knew I had to be brief and succinct in making my case. I needed a platform at the time, to take my writings to a larger readership and I found in the Boss Newspapers, one. This much, I articulated in that short message to him. “Please send your number”, he replied, and went further to introduce me to the Editor of the publication—Mr. Eric Elezuo. “Please tell him you’re from me”. He concluded. That was how what has been a Mentor-Mentee relationship began even though I am yet to personally meet him, on account of his frequent travels and tight schedules. That chance event bears eloquent testimony of Bob Dee’s distinctive persona and which has made him a source of inspiration to many young Nigerians.

Indeed, his well deserved conferment of the prestigious title of Aare Tayese of Iwo Land, by His Royal Majesty, Abdulrasheed Akanbi, the Oluwo of Iwo; and his beloved wife, Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu, as the Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwo Land, all together answers to his dynamic ability to influence and drive positive change through his numerous undertakings.

As an embodiment of Yoruba history, culture and civilization, I have no doubt that the traditional and spiritual essence of this title would not be lost on him, and we can all expect that he would, in his typical manner, deploy it in the best interest of the people of Iwo Land, the Yoruba Nation, and Nigeria at large.

Raymond Nkannebe, Lawyer and Public Interest Commentator.

FOR DELE MOMODU, HONOUR WELL DESERVED – Ichie Azuh Arinze (KSM)

And I will tell you why – Bashorun Dele Momodu is certainly not the most privileged Nigerian, but he’s undoubtedly one of the biggest promoters of our country, our people, our possibilities and our rich culture.

Rarely seen in foreign attires these days, Bob Dee, like close friends affectionately call him and his Ovation brand have done for Nigeria, especially our image, what some government officials who pocket millions of taxpayers’ money for that job can never, never do.

An unusual patriot and one of the most hardworking souls I’m privileged to know, doing good flows naturally in his blood.

As a prodigiously creative mind, he’s constantly reinventing himself and breaking new grounds. Unafraid to speak his mind, his ability to access and penetrate all those that matter and at the same time, continue to sit pretty on top of his industry, inspire proteges like us a great deal. However, it will be a disservice not to remember that this uncommon and extraordinary journalist is always working for a better and egalitarian society.

Loud and unapologetic, his brilliance is both unmistakable and unparalleled, especially in the high society where he is a Don.

A very, very emotional person, once you upset him and he pours it out, that would automatically be the end. No time for him to bottle things up, and remember old issues and wounds. Bob Dee is equally too large-hearted and cosmopolitan to unsettle his mind by looking back. For all these and more, I love and admire him and will continue to do so.

Today, as the Oluwo of Iwo, HRM Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi adds another feather to his big cap as the Aare Tayese and his wife, Chief (Mrs) Bolaji Momodu, as Yeye Aare Tayese, my prayer for him and his family is that the OVATION will continue to be louder and louder. And as our BOSS, may his FAME also continue to spread throughout the world.

Congratulations, Bob Dee and thanks immensely and immeasurably too for showing us love, hope and the way.

The recognitions, by the way, have only just begun!

Ichie Azuh Arinze (KSM)
Odenigbo 1 of Azia and Publisher/Editor-in-Chief, YES INTERNATIONAL! Magazine

The Most Detribalized Nigerian I know – Sani Sa’idu Baba

Many may wonder how Chief Dele Momodu was severally spotted and conferred many chieftaincy titles by many high profiled traditional rulers from far and near, but not me owing to the magnitude of goodwill and contacts at his disposal with which he has piloted uncountable programmes that led to human development in the country.

We are aware that all these goodwill emanated from his stupendous and unrivalled generosity that can only be compared to that of his late boss, His Excellency, Chief Moshood Kashimowo Abiola (MKO), a man that Nigeria love, admire and missed so much.

Chief Dele Momodu is a man of capacity, I know that this traditional chieftaincy title will spur him to do more for the growth and development of Iwoland. In fact, it has started already. Just two weeks ago, he solicited the repairs of the dilapidated Iwo-Ibadan road, and results immediately derived

Consequently, the conferment on Chief Dele Momodu as the Aare Tayese of Iwoland, and his wife chief (Mrs) Mobolaji Abiodun Momodu as the Yeye Aare Tayese of Iwoland, Osun State is a welcome development.

I congratulate him on behalf of myself, family and my friends, and pray that GOD will give him wisdom and the needed strength to continue contributing his quota for the advancement of Iwoland and other deserving places in general.

It would be recalled that Chief Dele Momodu has been conferred with such valuable chieftaincy titles from both Nigeria and International communities, notably Ghana and Liberia. Now about to be conferred with the seventh title.

I am very much confident that if all traditional rulers will confer chieftaincy titles to people of Momodu’s pedigree across the country, Nigeria will soon become truly united. He’s the most detribalized Nigerian I know.

We will continue to place him on a very high premium and pedestal and pray that GOD will continue to strengthen him as he moves from glory to Glory!

Congratulations Chief Dele Momodu

I celebrate with you and wish you even greater heights and acheivements.
Queendalyn Yurglee

To a Rare Mentor, Congratulations sir!

In everyone’s life, there is that special being who makes a definite impression on us. I have a companion who is just like that, my mentor. He’s just like a soaring kite. We were led by the path he took. In scorching sun, he is like a patch of shade In the endless desert, like an oasis On a bruised heart, like soothing balm he is You’ve shaped our intellect, interest and life in general We’ve learned from your views and perspectives and wealth of knowledge . You carve your name on hearts. You’ve been an inspiration to us all.

Once again, congratulations sir! It’s a well deserved title. Your selfless service and contribution to humanity has earn you this distinguished honour.

WALE BOB-OSENI

You Are Appreciated for Your Contributions

Dear Uncle and Aunty,
Congratulations on your Chieftancy titles as the Aare and Yeye Aare of Iwoland. l rejoice with you as you add another feathers to your cap, this shows that you are appreciated for your contributions to the development of this great nation and to mankind.
Ewe oye a mori ooo.
With love from Adesoji Adeyanju
Atlanta Georgia.

You are an icon of integrity and hard work – Kayode Emola

I congratulate you for the honour being bestowed on you today by the Oluwo of Iwo which epitomises the good work you are doing in the society. May you be gifted with life’s biggest joys and never-ending bliss. As you yourself are a gift to earth, so shall the best things in life continually be your lot. Thank you for the smiles you put in the faces of millions of people around the world who are inspired by your good works of your hand. You have been an exemplary and visionary mentor to me, a great leader who has dedicated his life to the service of humanity. You are an icon of integrity and hard work, as well as a great philanthropist. Your achievements and outstanding leadership qualities are worthy of emulation. Thanks once again for all your encouragement and support.

Kayode Emola

You are a man of the people – Comrade Ayodele Adewale

I congratulate you Chief Dele Momodu and your wife, Bolaji, on this historic occasion. Long may you live with all members of your family, team and loved ones to serve GOD and humanity better.

You are a very good man no doubt, fearless and productive. Your giving and loving nature is unmatched He risk all to get nothing.

You are a man of the people, and I respect you so much. The fact that you are a leader that leaves no one behind makes me look up to for that much desired inspiration. Congratulations!

A Big Congratulations to Chief Dele Momodu – Henry Ukazu

According to John Quincy Adams, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.” Chief Dele Momodu, you have truly been a patriot to Nigeria and a great ambassador of Nigeria and Africa to the world. As you add a new title and feather today to your numerous caps, I pray our gracious God will continue to use you as a vessel to serve humanity.

Henry Ukazu – Lawyer, Author, & Public Speaker- New York

Headline

Gov Eno’s Verification Exercise Uncovers 2000 Ghost Workers in Civil Service – NLC

Published

4 hours ago

January 15, 2025

Admin

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC , Akwa Ibom State chapter has applauded Gov Umo Eno over the physical verification exercise of Civil Servants, adding that over 2,000 ghost workers have so far been discovered in the process.

Secretary of the NLC in the State, Comrade Alpha Marshall made the disclosure on Tuesday, during a telephone interview on XL106.9FM’s Super Breakfast Show, “The Talk” in Uyo.

According to Comrade Marshall, a little over 51, 700 Civil servants have so far been verified against the 55,120 workers that were available on record before the verification exercise.

Speaking further, the NLC Secretary who reiterated that the verification process was seamless and transparent, said the report of the exercise is ready for submission to the Governor.

On Civil servants yet to be verified, the NLC Secretary who disclosed that plans are underway to reschedule a verification exercise for workers whose issues bothered on mismatched details on National Identification Number, NIN, maintained that the rescheduled exercise will not stop the committee from submitting the report to the Governor.

While describing the Governor Eno as a promise keeper, Comrade Marshall expressed optimism that once the report is reviewed by the Governor, civil servants will be paid the new minimum wage.

It would be recalled that Governor Eno in his avowed commitment to the welfare of civil servants in the State, had promised to pay the N80,000 minimum wage to all public workers immediately after completion of physical verification exercise, with effect from November last year.

Headline

The Return of Mr 24Hour Economy – Juicy Details of John Mahama’s Presidential Inauguration

Published

2 days ago

January 13, 2025

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

It was a carnival of some sort as the proverbial “the whole world” on Tuesday, January 7, 2025, trooped out in their numbers to the Black Star Square, to witness the inauguration of Dr. John Dramani Mahama, as he made a glorious comeback to the presidency of the Republic of Ghana.

Mahama was inaugurated to begin another four years journey of revitalization of the economy after an eight-year hiatus. His return was made possible after a resounding defeat of former (then incumbent) vice president Mahamudu Bawumia in the December 7, 2024 elections. His target is basically to reset the nation’s economy, and so earned him the sobriquet, Mr. 24hour economy.

The colourful ceremony proved to be a convergence of notable world and African leaders, who recognised the quality and mettle of Mahama’s administrative priwess. Among those present were Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Senegal’s Bassirou Diomaye Faye, Burkina Faso’s leader Ibrahim Traore, Kenyan President William Ruto, President Felix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Gabon’s Brice Oligui Nguema.

Others were Presidents Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone and Mamadi Doumbouya of Guinea as well as former leaders and officials including former Nigerian presidents, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

There was also the presence of Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, international citizen and Chairman, Ovation Media Group, Chief Dele Momodu and many other traditional rulers, present and former high profile government officials across the West African sub-region.

The carnival-like inauguration witnessed a mammoth crowd of thousands of jubilant citizens dressed in the red, white, green, and black colours of the victorious National Democratic Congress (NDC) and official colours of the Republic of Ghana, who thronged Ghana‘s capital, Accra, to catch a glimpse of President John Mahama, who they believe is a 21st century messiah, in the guise of former president, late Jerry Rawlings. They waved flags, blew vuvuzelas, danced to loud sounding traditional drumbeats and expressed their optimism in the most graceful manner.

The colourful ceremony, which was also attended by outgoing president, Nana Akufo-Addo and vice president, Muhammadu Bawumia, who lost to Mahama in the election, was a celebration of democracy and hope for a nation battered by years of economic hardship.

Speaking for the first time as the president after eight years, and before an impressive crowd of cheering supporters, 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, 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.

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.

CITIZENS’ RESPONSES

“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.”

THE DECEMBER 7 ELECTION

Mahama polled a tital of 6.3 million votes to beat Bawumia with a 1.7 million vote margin, in the election that generated a lot of tension many months before it was held. Both candidates had expressed optimism at coming out victorious as a result of certain advantages exclusive to them.

While Bawumia was banking on the power of incumbency and a few private achievements, Mahama banked on his antecedents, and belief that Ghanaians were desirous of change, considering the generally touted bastardization of the economy.

Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) had immediately conceded defeat in the election, making the transition to the next administration a smooth affair.

He noted during a press conference: “The people of Ghana have spoken, the people have voted for change at this time and we respect it with all humility.”

On his X account also, Mahama confirmed he had received Bawumia’s congratulatory call.

Mahama had ruled Ghana between 2012 and early 2017. He had previously failed twice to win back the presidency but in December’s election managed to tap into expectations of change among Ghanaians.

THE MAN, JOHN DRAMANI MAHAMA

Mahama, a politician of great repute, was born on November 29 1958, and has been privileged to serve in various civil and political capacities, culminating in holding the highest office in the land from July 24, 2012 to January 7, 2017.

Mahama, who has a very affiliation with Offa, Kwara State in Nigeria, started his primary education at the Accra Newtown Experimental School (ANT1) and completed his O’levels education at Achimota School and his A’levels education at Ghana Secondary School (Tamale, Northern region). He proceeded to the University of Ghana, Legon, receiving a Bachelor’s degree in History in 1981 and a Postgraduate Diploma in Communication Studies in 1986. As a student, he was a member of Commonwealth Hall (Legon). He also studied at the Institute of Social Sciences in Moscow in the Soviet Union, specializing in Social Psychology; he obtained a postgraduate degree in 1988.

His catalogue of enviable services include serving as Vice President of Ghana from 2009 to 2012, and took office as President on July 24, 2012 following the death of his predecessor, John Atta Mills. He was also a Member of Parliament from 1997 to 2009 and Minister of Communications from 1998 to 2001. A communication expert, historian, and writer, Mahama is a member of the National Democratic Congress.

Though he was born in Damongo in the Damango-Daboya constituency of Northern region, he is a member of the Gonja ethnic group, and hails from Bole in the Northern region. His father, Emmanuel Adama Mahama, a wealthy rice farmer and teacher, was the first Member of Parliament for the West Gonja constituency and the first Regional Commissioner of the Northern Region during the First Republic under Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.

After completing his undergraduate education, Mahama taught History at the secondary school level for a few years. Upon his return to Ghana after studying in Moscow, he worked as the Information, Culture and Research Officer at the Embassy of Japan in Accra between 1991 and 1995.

From there he moved to the anti-poverty non-governmental organisation (NGO) Plan International’s Ghana Country Office, where he worked as International Relations, Sponsorship Communications and Grants Manager between 1995 and 1996.

In 1993, he participated in a professional training course for Overseas Public Relations Staff, organized by the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo. He also participated in a management development course organized by Plan International (RESA) in Nairobi, Kenya.

Mahama’s first triumph in politics came in 1996 when he was elected to the Parliament of Ghana to represent the Bole/Bamboi Constituency for a four-year term. In April 1997, he was appointed Deputy Minister of Communications, and barely a year later, was promoted to the post of Minister of Communications, and served until January 2001. During the period under review, he also served as the Chairman of the National Communications Authority, in which capacity he played a key role in stabilising Ghana’s telecommunications sector after it was deregulated in 1997.

As a minister, he was a founding member of the Ghana AIDS Commission, a member of the implementation committee of the 2000 National Population Census and a deputy chairman of the Publicity Committee for the re-introduction of the Value Added Tax (VAT).

In 2000, Mahama was re-elected for another four-year term as the Member of Parliament for the Bole/Bamboi Constituency. He was again re-elected in 2004 for a third term. From 2001 to 2004, Mahama served as the Minority Parliamentary Spokesman for Communications.

In 2002, he was appointed the Director of Communications for the NDC. That same year, he served as a member of the team of International Observers selected to monitor Zimbabwe’s Parliamentary Elections.

As an MP, he was a member of Standing Orders Committee as well as the Transport, Industry, Energy, Communications, Science and Technology Committee of Parliament.

In his continued efforts to expand his interest and involvement in international affairs, in 2003 Mahama became a member of the Pan-African Parliament, serving as the Chairperson of the West African Caucus until 2011. He was also a member of European and Pan African Parliaments’ Ad-hoc Committee on Cooperation.

In 2005, he was, additionally, appointed the Minority Spokesman for Foreign Affairs. He is also a member of the UNDP Advisory Committee on Conflict Resolution in Ghana.

As Vice-President, he served as the Chairman of the National Economic Management Team, the Armed Forces Council of Ghana, the Decentralisation and Implementation Committee and the Police Council of Ghana in this capacity.

Mahama is full of experience, having served at all levels of poltical office, and he brought them all to bear as President, giving out a sterling performance that could only compare with the very best. He was the first, and remains the only Ghana president to have been born after independence.

On March 30, 2014, he was elected to preside over ECOWAS. On June 26, 2014, he was elected Chairperson of the African Union’s (AU’s) High-Level African Trade Committee (HATC).

On January 21, 2016 on the occasion of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Mahama became co-chair of the Sustainable Development Goals Advocates group which consists of 17 eminent persons assisting the UN Secretary-General in the campaign to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) that world leaders unanimously adopted in September 2015.

In December 2016, he was part of the ECOWAS mediation team to resolve the post-election political impasse in The Gambia between the defeated incumbent, Yahya Jammeh and declared winner, Adam Barrow.

Mahama, now a member of the Assemblies of God, is married to Lordina Mahama, and they are blessed with five children named Shafik, Shahid, Sharaf, Jesse and Farida.

Over the course of his career, Mahama has written for several newspapers and other publications both locally and internationally. Additionally, he is also a devotee of Afrobeat music, especially that of Fela Kuti.

Mahama is not new to awards and honours as his good works have paved a broad way for recognitions. He received an honorary doctorate in the field of Public Administration, from the Ekiti State University of Nigeria, formerly affiliated to the Obafemi Awolowo University in “recognition of his politico-socio economic development of Ghana and Africa at various stages of his political career. Later the same university passed a resolution to name its Faculty of Management Science after him.

He was also honoured by the Cuban government with the Friendship Medal for his relentless advocacy for the Cuban cause.

Also, The General Council of Assemblies of God, Ghana has honoured him with its Daniel Award.

The Graduate School of Governance and Leadership also awarded him the African Servant Leadership Award while the Institute of Public Relations recognized Mahama with a prize for his leadership acumen and technocratic flair.

In 2013, the Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA) conferred on Mahama the Africa Award for Excellence in Food Security and Poverty Reduction.

In March 2016, University of Aberdeen held a special convocation to confer him an honorary degree of Doctors of Laws (LLD).

In December 2016, he was honoured with a Life time award by Ovation Media Group during its yearly Ovation Carol.

A Bill Gates Fellow, Mahama was awarded the Great Cross of the National Order of Benin, the highest award in Benin, by President Yayi Boni.

In February 2017, Mahama received the 2016 African Political Leader of the Year Award from the African Leadership Magazine in South Africa.

He honourably left office on January 7, 2017 after losing to main opposition candidate, Nana Akufo-Addo, in the general election held a month earlier.

“I will allow history to be the judge of my time,” Mahama said as he address his crowd of supporters as he concede defeat.

He repeated the same lines as he variously defended his administration in a bid to make a comeback during his campaigns.

Mahama has touted the achievements of his government in the areas of power, roads, the economy, water and sanitation. While delivering his final State of the Nation Address to Parliament, he said the government had extended electricity coverage, increased water supply and improved roads.

As president, he deployed emergency plants and sped up the completion of ongoing plants resulting in the addition of more than 800 megawatts (MW) of power over an 18-month period. That, and many more had helped to stabilise the power situation in Ghana.

Working on the standard mantra of achieving “water for all by the year 2025”, Mahama put in extra effort to achieve the target well in advance of the set date by increasing investment in the provision of clean drinking water, citing of boreholes, small town water systems and major urban water treatment. Consequently, by the end of 2015, excess of 76 per cent of both rural and urban residents have access to potable water.

Mahama contended that his tenure of office had seen some of the most massive investments in the road sector in the history of the country.

While he completed road projects he inherited, such as the Achimota-Ofankor, Awoshie-Pokuase, Sofoline and Tetteh Quarshie-Adenta, he also commenced and completed the Kwame Nkrumah Interchange, fast-tracked the construction and opening of the Kasoa overhead bridge, completed the Airport Hills/Burma Camp network of roads, as well as the 37-El Wak-Trade Fair road and a host of others.

His trail of achievements are endless. Mahama is just another name for administrative excellence, and Ghanaians are blessed to have him return to complete his second tenure as the landlord of Jubilee House.

Headline

Atiku Slams APC over Inflammatory Remarks Against Peter Obi

Published

1 week 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.