Opinion/Feature
Osun APC Sensitization Programme Records Monumental Success In Ede-North, Ede-South LGs
By KOLA OLABISI
The Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed readiness to occupy the forefront in the political administration of the state through future elections.
The state chairman of the party, Sooko Tajudeen Lawal, who expressed this during the ongoing sensitization tour of the party’s state executive officers to Ede-South and Ede-North Local Government Council Areas of the state yesterday enjoined all the members of the party to close their ranks and operate in unison in the interest of the party.
Lawal who was welcomed by the cheerful members of the party in the two LGs was surprised at the huge turnout of the party members who were singing and dancing in hundreds to register their formidable and unshakable existence in the hometown of the current governor of the state, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
The state APC chairman commended the doggedness and high spirit of the members of the party in the two local government councils in Ede and assured them that the leadership of the party would do everything constitutionally and legally possible to protect their political interest.
He tasked the members and the leadership of the party in the two LGs to increase their membership drive and also engage in the reintegration of any disenchanted members of the party who is genuinely seeking for forgiveness over their past malfeasance against the party.
On his part, Hon Johnson Ojo, former House of Assembly member and a leader of the APC in Ede-South Local Government Council Area who was among the leaders of the party who spoke on the occasion stated that the APC is solid and impenetrable by any negative force in his domain.
The leader of the APC in Ede, Dr Muftau Oyewole who is the proprietor of Royal Hospital in the ancient town recalled how he treated eight members of the party who were attacked by the militia arm of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during the build-up to the last series of elections in the state.
Dr Oyewole stated that N9 million worth of items were destroyed by the PDP thugs during their invasion of the APC secretariat in the Ede-North Local Government Council with the intention to scare and oppress the members of the party.
One of the highlights of the occasion in Ede-North was the instantaneous empowerment of 10 women members of the party in each of the 11 wards making up the council with N10,000 each by Aare (Hon) Debo Akanbi Oshunagbeni, who was a former member of the state House of Assembly.
Hon Oshunagbeni stated that the reason for his sudden empowerment of the women in the local government was because of their dedication to the party, come rain or shine.
Alhaji Suleiman Quadri Ar-Raman, a chieftain of the APC in Ede-North, also expressed the readiness of the party to stage a come-back in the administration of the state in 2026.
The venues of the sensitization exercise in the two LG councils were filled beyond capacity as they became carnival-like.
The state Secretary of the party, Alhaji Alao Olabisi Kamoru and the state Treasurer, Hon Femi Kujembola, were also in attendance.
OLABISI is the Osun State APC Director of Media and Information
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