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National development: Ilaje nation holds inaugural summit
Yemie ADEOYE
AKURE– IN an effort to bring about national development in Nigeria through strategic regional economic development, the Ilaje Development Summit Group, IDSG, has concluded and announced plans to hold the first ever Ilaje Development Summit, in Akure, the Ondo state capital, southwest Nigeria on the 23rd of November 2019.
The summit, which promises to address critical regional economic development issues of Ilaje land, a major oil producing community in Nigeria, will have as its keynote speaker, the executive governor of Ondo state, Arakurin Rotimi Akeredolu, SAN, and the theme of this inaugural summit is “Driving sustainable development through participatory partnership.
Speaking on preparations towards the summit via a signed statement, Executive Administrator of the Group, The Rev. Sola Adebawo stated that the summit promises to have in attendance every sons and daughters of Ilaje nation both at home and in diaspora, especially those who have made their mark in their chosen field of endeavor and have the capacity to effectively participate in a regional development agenda that will be a booster for Nigeria’s national development in no small measure, especially when other regions take a cue from this citizens participatory effort and replicate it in their domains across the country.
Rev. Adebawo, stated further that the summit is a “citizen-led initiative to address the various development challenges confronting Ilaje as a people, and to recommend well articulated strategic solutions and properly structured roadmap for the sustainable development of Ilaje land, in support of the efforts of government and in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders”.
Also speaking, the chairman of the IDSG Board of Trustee, Asiwaju Yemi Ogunyomi, a former Clerk of the National Assembly, stated “it’s time for Ilaje as a people to take the lead in driving our own development as we cannot use another man’s hands to scratch our backs”. He therefore calls on all well-meaning Ilaje sons and daughters from all spheres of life to bring their knowledge and resources into developing Ilaje land.
The high point of the summit is the presentation of the Ilaje Regional Development Plan, which will spell our a roadmap for developing the Ilaje communities in a strategic way.
The IDSG concept is a novel approach to community development based on participation and partnership.
Explaining the concept, Deputy Executive Administrator of IDSG, Rev. Ola Judah Akinyomi says “the most effective way for any community to develop is to ensure its citizens participate and take ownership of the process of development, while collaborating with every key stakeholder in the development process”.
The activities culminating in this global Ilaje Development Summit began twelve months ago, with the formation of 8 Strategic Committees (StratComs) focused on key development sectors, such as: planing and infrastructure, education, health, economy and investment, leadership and governance, women/youth and gender mainstreaming, religion/culture and social renaissance and stakeholder engagement.
The StratComs; made up of professionals, academics, development experts, industrialists, politicians, business men/women etc; had a terms of reference to determine current state in each sector, determine desired state and evolve roadmaps for moving from current to desired states in short, medium and long terms. The works were largely based on research using both primary and secondary data.
Rev. Adebawo says “at IDSG, we want to be part of the solution rather than sit back to criticize. We want to work with government at every level, development agencies and every other relevant stakeholders to help change the fortune of our people in the long term”. He added “This is generational thinking… we are thinking and planing for generations yet unborn. And we believe that as opposed to piecemeal interventions and knee-jerk reactions, this approach will ensure Ilaje becomes great again!
The event will also feature a gala/award dinner, where deserving persons will receive recognition for various contributions to the development of Ilaje land.
The summit is organized by Ilaje Development Summit Group (IDSG), made up of the intelligentsia of Ilaje race with membership spread across different countries of the world and from different walks of life.
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Obi Calls for Tinubu’s Resignation Over ‘Failure in Governance’ After UK PM Exit
Former presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to resign over what he described as “failure in governance,” drawing comparisons with political accountability in other democracies following the resignation announcement of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
In a statement posted on his official X account on Monday, Obi said he had followed Starmer’s resignation speech and reflected on what he described as the importance of leadership responsibility in democratic governance.
ALSO READ: UK PM Keir Starmer Resigns
“As a keen observer of global politics, my primary interest lies in examining what successful nations do right and the structural factors that cause others to lag or struggle with governance and development,” Obi said.
He noted that Starmer’s decision followed growing public dissatisfaction over economic challenges, rising cost of living, and unmet campaign promises in the United Kingdom.
Obi then drew parallels with Nigeria, recalling that before the 2015 general elections, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had repeatedly called on then-President Goodluck Jonathan to resign over insecurity.
“During the Chibok school kidnapping incident, he demanded the immediate resignation of President Jonathan, arguing that the government had failed in its most fundamental duty of protecting lives,” Obi stated.
He also referenced campaign promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 elections, including commitments to improve electricity supply, tackle corruption, and enhance the welfare of Nigerians.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu made several promises, including improved electricity supply. He also challenged the electorate not to vote for him for a second term if he failed to deliver on those commitments,” Obi said.
According to him, conditions in the country have since deteriorated, with persistent power shortages, worsening insecurity, and deepening economic hardship.
“At present, however, these conditions have worsened. Electricity supply remains unreliable, insecurity has intensified in many areas, including kidnappings, and economic hardship has deepened rather than eased,” he added.
Obi further argued that other sectors, including infrastructure, transportation, and anti-corruption efforts, had also suffered setbacks, insisting that Nigeria is currently in “the worst possible condition.”
The opposition figure therefore called on President Tinubu to step down, saying such a move would promote accountability in public office.
“I, therefore, join Nigerians of goodwill in calling for the resignation of the President over monumental failure in governance,” Obi said.
He added that resignation would help foster “a political culture rooted in accountability and responsibility” and reinforce the idea that “public office is a sacred trust, not an entitlement,” stressing the need for what he called “a New Nigeria that is possible.”
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Ex-IGP Usman Alkali Baba Joins Yobe Governorship Race, Vows to End Insurgency
Former Inspector General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has formally declared his intention to contest the 2027 governorship election in Yobe State, promising to tackle insecurity and rebuild the state’s economy.
In a statement released Tuesday following a consultation meeting in the state, the retired police chief said his ambition is driven by a desire to restore peace, strengthen institutions, and accelerate development across all sectors.
Alkali pledged to “wipe out insurgency” and revive economic activities disrupted by years of insecurity, noting that his administration would prioritise intelligence-driven security and community partnerships.
“My vision for Yobe State is clear. I want a state where security is strengthened through intelligence and community partnership. I want a state where farmers can return to their farms with confidence, traders can move freely, and children can go to school without fear,” he said.
The former police boss emphasised his experience in national security management, stating that his years in public service have equipped him with the discipline and strategic thinking needed to govern effectively.
According to him, Yobe State requires leadership that understands security, institutional coordination, and human development, adding that insecurity has significantly hindered growth and deepened poverty in the region.
He also outlined plans to boost agriculture, expand infrastructure, and invest in education and youth empowerment. Alkali promised to provide microcredit support for women and equip young people with technical skills and startup kits to drive commerce and industry.
On healthcare, he pledged to combat child-killer diseases, including polio, and introduce free maternal healthcare services, as well as free medical care for children aged zero to five.
“Mothers will not die during childbirth, and children will live and thrive. They will go to school and graduate in a safe and secure environment,” he assured.
Alkali further stated that his administration would focus on inclusive governance, ensuring development reaches all local government areas without discrimination.
While expressing readiness to build on the achievements of the current administration, he maintained that governance must go beyond rhetoric and propaganda, stressing that it requires “vision, action, and the courage to make tough decisions.”
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Bayern Won’t Sell Olise Even for €200m — Rummenigge Drops Bombshell
Bayern Munich have made a strong statement over the future of winger Michael Olise, with Vice-President Karl-Heinz Rummenigge insisting the club would reject even a €200 million offer for the player.
The comments, reported by transfer expert Fabrizio Romano on Monday, highlight Bayern’s long-standing policy of prioritising sporting stability over financial gain.
SEE ALSO: BREAKING: Chelsea Hit With £10.75m Fine, Transfer Ban
Rummenigge explained that the club’s position is rooted in a historic decision made in 2009, when Bayern received a massive bid from Chelsea for Franck Ribéry.
After internal discussions involving then CFO Karl Hopfner and former president Uli Hoeneß, the club chose to reject the offer — a decision that shaped its modern transfer philosophy.
According to him, that principle remains unchanged today.
He stressed that Bayern do not consider selling players who are essential to the team, adding that even a record-breaking €200 million bid would not change their stance on Olise.
The statement is expected to fuel further transfer speculation across Europe, but Bayern officials maintain that Olise is a key part of their long-term sporting project and not for sale.
Bayern Munich continue to uphold their “untouchable players” policy, while Michael Olise remains central to their squad plans.







