NEWS
Adeleke Hosts Ife Dev’t Board, Moots Better Infrastructure For Ile Ife
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has decried the low physical and infrastructural development of Ile Ife, the cradle of Yoruba people.
Gov Adeleke, on Monday, in Osogbo, declared that the source of Yoruba race should be given a total infrastructural upgrade including flyovers, dualised roads and upgraded facilities.
ALSO READ: Osun State Denies Borrowing N10bn
He bared his mind while hosting a delegation of Ife Development Board at the Government House, where he noted the low developmental outlook of the ancient city, which he described as not acceptable to him and his team.
According to Gov Adeleke, this informed the decision to commence massive upgrade starting with the Lagere flyover and the dualisation of the road leading to the palace.
He justified his administration’s decision to change the face of Ile Ife on the ground that the ancient city cannot continue to look like a village when global visitor comes calling, affirming that Ile Ife is too important to remain low rated in infra outlook.
Gov Adeleke, accompanied by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi told the visiting dignitaries that Ile Ife is not only the cultural capital and source of all Yoruba people but also the global tourism and religious base of Yorubas in North America, South America and other parts of the world.
Thanking the Ooni of Ife and other Ife leaders for supporting him on the ongoing flyover and dualisation projects at Ile Ife, the Governor said aside the cultural and tourism factors, the economic case for the Lagere flyover has been well canvassed as the junction is the meeting point for business interaction from Osun West, from Ilesa and from Ondo through Garage Olode.
He said, “Our administration is committed to completing the flyover as well as the dualisation of the road leading to the Ooni palace. I want to be recorded in history as the Governor who transformed Ile Ife into a modern cultural and tourism city.”
On the requests for rehabilitation of some other roads at Ile Ife, the Governor assured that the list would be forwarded to the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure for addition to the list of roads scheduled for reconstruction and rehabilitation.
He promised that the request for expansion of the dualisation to Ilesa Garage will be evaluated for further action by the technical team.
On security, he assured the Ife Development Board that his administration is already reforming the state’s Amotekun security service as a bridge between local communities and the federal security services.
Gov Adeleke explained that local vigilante and forest hunters would henceforth be working with Amotekun service and other formal security agencies to secure Osun cities and rural areas.
On the need for further action on the agricultural sector, the Governor informed the delegation that the state government will soon unveil an AFDB supported agricultural processing zone to be located at Ile Ife.
On his part, the President of Ife Development Board, Gbenga Adefaye, commended Gov Adeleke for his development strides in Osun State and particularly at Ile Ife, listing requests touching on road expansion, security and agriculture.
He reiterated that “Ile-Ife is our collective heritage. It deserves more than passing attention. As the ancestral home of all Yoruba both here in Nigeria and in the Diaspora, we all owe ourselves the duty to transform it and make it more amiable, more welcoming as the poster place for all proud Yoruba.”
Gov Adeleke subsequently directed the Deputy Governor to ensure follow up on the meeting to ensure sustainable partnership between the state government and the Ile Ife Development Board.
NEWS
Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.
This was detailed in a Christmas message on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja under the signature of the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the Vice President, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.
“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.
Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”
He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.
“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.
“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
NEWS
Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated Christians in Osun State and beyond on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration, urging them to follow Jesus Christ’s example of compassion and tolerance.
Biztellers reports that Gov Adeleke described the birth of Jesus Christ as a defining moment for mankind, in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday.
He described the festive season as a solemn reminder of the power of love and how it can save humanity.
ALSO READ: Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
While recognising unity and togetherness as an important message that Jesus Christ’s life resonates, Gov Adeleke charged Osun people, particularly Christians, to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities.
In his words, “I extend my warm wishes to Christian faithful in Osun state and beyond as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the power of love and remind us of the essence of compassion,” the Governor noted in his message.
“In the mood of celebration, I urge us to take a moment to reflect on the message of renewal that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies, promoting activities that will unite not divide, build not destroy, and bring peace not conflict.
“It is also my sincere appeal that we extend hands of kindness to the needy and the weak in the society, spreading love and generosity beyond borders. That is the essence of Christmas and it is most essential that at a time like this, no one is left to their fate.”
NEWS
Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, has enjoined all Nigerian leaders to be more sensitive to the yearnings of the people for a better life.
This was contained in a 2024 Christmas Message to Nigerians issued in Lagos under the signature of the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
According to the Archbishop there is an urgent need for a better enabling environment to allow businesses thrive in a bid to reduce the high rate of unemployment and the grinding poverty in the land.
He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal needs in addressing the widespread hunger, poverty, joblessness, and insecurity ravaging the nation.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
In his words, “Even in the face of policies that are deemed to have positive results in the long-term, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira and the new tax reforms initiative, governments must ensure that the immediate welfare of people is not neglected but factored into the planning and execution of such policies. This is necessary, if the people for whom the policies are being made are not to die before the positive results begin to manifest.
“At the same time, government spending must be prudent and compassionate. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the agricultural sector so that food security can be ensured for overall benefit.”
The Prelate described as very sad and depressing the recent loss of several lives of innocent Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra in their quest to access food palliatives owing to pervading hunger across the country.
He considered it worrisome that many Nigerians now find it difficult to purchase necessities of life, especially during this festive season that should be a period of merriment, sharing of love, food, and other essentials, which are the hallmarks of the Christmas season.
To forestall a reoccurrence of such ugly incidents, the prelate urged governments, at both federal and state levels, as well as the legislative assemblies, to identify and quickly fix the loopholes in the polity that are responsible for the massive poverty and hardship which Nigerians are facing.
He advocated the appraisal of the nation’s existing laws and enactment and enforcement of only proactive policies that would open the business environment, attract investors, and create more jobs so that the citizens can afford their basic needs; rather than depend on palliatives that offer only temporary relief.
The prelate urged substantial investments in the agricultural sector of the economy to ensure the availability of basic foodstuffs; thereby reducing the high cost of essential food items like rice, beans, onions and grains.
“If citizens have food in their homes, people will not endanger their lives while scrambling for palliatives in the way it happened,” he noted with sadness.
While praying for the souls of those who died in the recent stampedes in parts of the country, he also commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, praying that Jesus, the Prince of Peace would bring solace to the afflicted, comfort to the grieving, and hope to the despairing.
“This special season reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son to redeem humanity. May the light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness, and fill our hearts with love, compassion, and kindness. As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, the vulnerable and the marginalised. May our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity,” he stated.