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Behold! The Akinrogun of Gbonganland

Published

1 year ago

November 26, 2023

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

The atmosphere was surreal, the turnout fantastic, the ambience splendid and the environment cozy with flamboyant touches of royalty, magnificent and deep rooted culture. It was the Chieftaincy title conferment of the Akinrogun and Yeye Akinrogun of Gbonganland on prolific journalist, Aare Dele Momodu, and his wife, Mobolaji Momodu, by the paramount ruler of the land, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi, Odugbemi I, the Olufi of Gbonganland.

A known and prominent son of the land, the Momodus were chosen for the title for their unwavering support of the community, and unrivaled performance in the society at large at an event that coincided with the 25th anniversary of the Olufi’s coronation.

According to a letter to the effect, the Olufi stated that the honour is in “recognition of your various land mark achievements as a world renowned journalist author, publisher, business man, public affairs commentator, frontline politician to the level of being chosen as a presidential candidate of a strong political party in our presidential elections.

“Another compelling reason is the fact that your own biological mother was a native of Gbongan from the famous Oluoje family. Some of your achievements include but not limited to:

i. Chief Executive Officer and publisher of Ovation International, a magazine that has given publicity to people from all over the world.

ii. Launched Ovation TV in 2015

iii. Launched an online newspaper called the Boss newspapers.

iv. You have received hundreds of awards and honours for your work in the world of business, politics, literature, the music and fashion industry.

v. You write a weekly column called “Pendulum” published every Saturday on the back page of Thisday newspaper.
Aside from the above. you are a cultural man per excellence and a worthy ambassador of the legendary Oduduwa Dynasty and a philanthropist, committed husband and father. WE ARE VERY PROUD OF YOU!!!”

Beautifully decked in expensive blue aso oke attire, the couple were accompanied by a retinue of well wishers, family members, friends and associates, who made the trip from every corner of the world, as they stepped before his royal Majesty for the all important conferment.

Literally interpreted as an accomplished warrior, the Akinrogun title comes in handy and ready-made for the like of Dele Momodu, who has tranversed the universe, courted the high and mighty even without ever holding public office. It is believed that that there’s no influential personality in the world today that Momodu has not made his acquaintance. He is a man of many parts.

Held at the Community playing field, the conferment of chieftaincy title on the Momodus was the cynosure of all eyes in as much as there were other awardees on the day. His larger than life status was proved with the calibre of personalities that turned up for the all important event.

In his appreciation message, Momodu, who spoke in Yoruba, appreciated the Olufi and the people of Gbongan for considering him for the honours. He also extended his appreciation to a former Chancellor of the University of Lagos and son of Gbongan, Professor Wale Babalakin, who paved the way for him to have a smooth celebration.

Earlier, Momodu had visited the graveside of his mother, Mrs Gladys Momodu, where a prayer session was held, and thanksgiving to God for her life. Another stopover was the family house of the Fatoyes, where the patriarch of the family, Osuola Isaac Fatoye, received the entourage, and proclaim blessings on Dele Momodu.

Shortly after the conferment, the party moved in a convoy to the reception ground at Bola Babalakin Estate, decorated in elegant colours and lights by @psquareevents, where other high profile individuals were already waiting in anticipation of the grand celebration.

It was not just one party; it was a gathering of the who is who is Gbonganland, the southwest and Nigeria in general.

Among personalities present were the Deputy governor of Osun, Prince Kola Adewusi, Chairman, Biscon Communications, Prince Bisi Olatilo, Prince Damola Aderemi, Senior Special Assistant to the Akwa Ibom State Governor on Lagos Liaison, Mr. Michael Effiong, Mr. Dupe Ashama, Hon. Remi Ojo, Otunba Gbenga Peters, Mr. Adebanjo Adebanjo, Erelu Fadeyi, Mr. Rufai Ladipo, Mr. Wale Babalakin, Mr. Gbenga Olunloyo, Editor, Ovation Magazine, Mr. Eric Elezuo, Publisher, Yes Magazine, Azuh Arinze and a host of others.

The first class event was punctuated at regular intervals by rhythmic sounds from a live band, and sumptuous meals and drinks from @depotterscocktail, @kammisplaceevents, @tripple O finger foods.

Also in place for a well rounded ceremony, which was organised by @Subtleleganceeventbackup, was @fortuneguard, which provided adequate security in conjunction with @bandbushers, that served as ushering crew.

Headline

Tinubu Presents N47.9trn 2025 Appropriation Bill to NASS

Published

4 days ago

December 18, 2024

Eric

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday, presented the proposed 2025 federal budget to a joint session of the National Assembly.

The N47.9 trillion budget saw a whopping N3.5 trillion allocated to the education sector.

Other sectors that got higher allocations include defence and security – N4.91tn, infrastructure – N4.06tn and health – N2.4tn.

“It is with great pleasure that I lay before this distinguished joint session of the National Assembly, the 2025 Budget of the National Assembly of Nigeria titled, ‘The Restoration Budget’ security peace, building prosperity,” Tinubu said as he concluded his 30-minute presentation at 1:10pm.

This budget highlights the government’s focus on improving education, healthcare, and infrastructure, in line with its ‘Renewed Hope Agenda’ aimed at boosting the economy and addressing key national priorities.

The live broadcast of the budget presentation today revealed the government’s plans for the next fiscal year. With a strong emphasis on human capital development, the president highlighted the budget’s commitment to improving the nation’s economic foundation.

Education sector receives major funding

A significant portion of the 2025 budget is dedicated to education, with N3.5 trillion allocated to the sector. President Tinubu stated that part of this funding would be directed toward infrastructure development, including support for Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and the establishment of nine new higher educational institutions.

“We have made provision for N826.90 billion for infrastructural development in the education sector,” Tinubu said.

This allocation aims to improve educational facilities and support ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s educational system.

Focus on human capital development

During the presentation, the president emphasized the importance of investing in Nigeria’s human capital. “Human capital development, our people are our greatest resource. That is why we are breaking record investment in education, healthcare, our social services,” he remarked.

Tinubu also pointed to the N34 billion already disbursed through the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) to assist over 300,000 students.

The budget includes continued investments in healthcare and social services as part of the broader goal of enhancing the quality of life for Nigerians.

Strengthening the economy and national security

Tinubu highlighted that the 2025 budget is designed to build a robust economy while addressing critical sectors necessary for growth and security.

“This budget reflects the huge commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy, while addressing the critical sectors essential for the growth and development we envision; and secure our nation,” he said.

The budget aims to tackle key challenges and foster long-term economic stability by prioritizing infrastructure and development in key sectors.

Healthcare and social services allocations

In addition to education, Tinubu focused on the allocation for healthcare and social services. The government plans to increase investments in healthcare infrastructure and services to ensure broader access to essential healthcare for Nigerians.

These investments are part of the administration’s strategy to improve overall living conditions and enhance public health across the country.

President Tinubu’s proposed 2025 budget is said to reflect the administration’s commitment to achieving its development objectives, with a focus on economic growth, human capital development, and infrastructure improvement.

As the National Assembly reviews the budget, the president reiterated his administration’s resolve to address the nation’s most pressing needs.

Source: Nairametrics

Headline

Ghana’s President-elect Mahama Visits Tinubu in Abuja

Published

5 days ago

December 17, 2024

Eric

Ghana’s President-Elect, Dr. John Dramani Mahama, a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu at his residence, Presidential Villa, State House on Monday.

Mahama won 56 percent of the votes in this month’s presidential election, compared to the ruling party candidate and Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, who secured 41 percent.

The landslide comeback for former president Mahama ended eight years in power for the New Patriotic Party (NPP) under President Nana Akufo-Addo, whose last term was marked by Ghana’s worst economic turmoil in years, an IMF bailout and a debt default.

Headline

I Stand by What I Said, Kemi Badenoch Replies VP Shettima

Published

1 week ago

December 12, 2024

Eric

The leader of the United Kingdom’s Conservative Party, Kemi Badenoch, has lashed back at Vice President Kashim Shettima over the latter’s reaction to her comments about Nigeria.

Badenoch was born in the UK in 1980 to Nigerian Yoruba parents.

Badenoch, who attained age 16 in Nigeria before departing the country for the UK where she was elected Conservative Party’s leader, described Nigeria as a nation brimming with thieving politicians and insecurity.

However, Shettima, while speaking at the 10th Annual Migration Dialogue at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Monday, December 9, 2024, accused Badenoch of “denigrating her country of origin” with her remarks.

The vice-president listed influential people whose families had migrated to other countries, commending former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak as a “brilliant young man who never denigrated his nation of ancestry.”

Reacting on Wednesday, Badenoch lashed back at Shettima, saying she doesn’t do “PR for Nigeria”.

Her spokesperson, as the Tory leader, according to UK Express, said: “Kemi is not interested in doing Nigeria’s PR; she is the Leader of the Opposition in the UK.

“She tells the truth; she tells it like it is; she isn’t going to couch her words. She stands by what she said.”