Opinion/Feature
For Aketi, I’m Pained
A tribute by Yemi Adeoye
Leaders are known in times of distress and unease, and this is one gentleman who distinguished himself excellently at such times.
I recall vividly the days of herdsmen attack accros the forests and villages of the southwest, Gen. Buhari was in charge, and as usual, unbothered.
So while many leaders in the APC refrained from commenting publicly on the very disturbing development for fear of the Presidency due to the President’s “Body language” Aketi rose to the occasion and spoke his mind freely as if he weren’t a member of the ruling party, and he was invisible.
He was a key figure in the formation of Amotekun to protect the southwest from.the marauding herdsmen, and when some naysayers argued that the regional vigilante force is not backed by law, Aketi as he’s fondly called rallied his state lawmakers to swiftly give the force a legal backing.
His experience as a legal practitioner also helped shaped the laws at the time. He spoke his mind freely at all times like an activist and not as a governor.
I came to know of him mainly when he became the NBA president, and got to meet him when i visited Akure to have a session with him for the Energie Platform show, as the leader of an oil producing state. The state was hosting the then VP, Prof Osinbajo and my dear brother Dapo Olumurphy Aruwajoye had extended an invite to my team and I for the session with Aketi.
We ended up not being able to have that session with him, so I decided to study whatever i could of the man Aketi, largely because of his positive demeanor and very playful nature. He sang, danced, hailed people freely and dressed casually to a formal event. I liked that almost Oshiomole dress-feel, but Aketi gat swag, plus a good smile.
There was no way I was gonn miss those. I got close enough to say hello, and he responded so warmly my interest in him grew. The Vice President was warm too, and kindly apologized for his inability to sit with us. It was sad, but their kindness was encouraging. Honestly ehn, this one pain me like he’s my relative walai.
Aketi was full of life, and a very bubbly guy, and you can’t but just love the guy. He is a people person, and you can easily notice that about him. He is not a regimented or scripted kinda guy, and easily relates, not as a governor, but as the boy next door. I think it’s his nature.
Due to his outspoken and fearless nature, he was unanimously picked as the Chairman Southern Governors Forum at a time when that body was beyond necessary, and that seat reserved only for the bold!
During the Presidential campaign when Asiwaju Tinubu visited ondo state at a time when his campaign wasn’t firmly consolidated, and even the Vice President was in the race, Aketi fearlessly described Tinubu as “Our own Capo di Tuti”
So it wasn’t a surprise when President Tinubu in his condolence message to the people and state of Ondo, described the late Governor as “My Fearless Brother” because no other word describes the late Governor Akeredolu better.
His last days and the controversies that ensued while he was incapacitated was painful to watch. But that wasn’t the man I saw and listened to for years. I strongly believe the controversies wouldn’t have been, if Aketi was in charge and control of himself.
I pray the state heal, and the new Governor focuses on uniting the state.and building on Aketi’s legacy. He picked him to be his Deputy. No matter what, that alone is telling.
Finally, find rest your excellency.
Adeoye wrote from the USA.
Opinion/Feature
Downstream Deregulation: Between Obasanjo’s Half-measures And Tinubu’s Bold Leadership
Opinion/Feature
UNCOMMON SCHOLAR, EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR: MY TRIBUTE TO PROF. OLOYEDE AT 70
By President Bola Tinubu
As Professor Ishaq Oloyede turns 70 tomorrow, October 10, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.
As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.
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His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.
Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.
Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.
I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.
The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.
I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to honour the distinguished professor with health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation for many more years.
Opinion/Feature
Clarification On NNPCL Refinery Operations
By Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD
My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos. I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false. This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.
It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.
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The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.
I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wrote from Abuja, Nigeria