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  • Fostering Youth Leadership: Breaking the Pattern in Ondo State – By Ife Omoniyi

    Fostering Youth Leadership: Breaking the Pattern in Ondo State – By Ife Omoniyi
    As we navigate the political landscape of Ondo State, it’s essential to acknowledge a glaring trend: the absence of young deputy governors since the state’s inception. This pattern not only highlights a systemic issue but also presents an opportunity for transformative change and youth empowerment.
    Since the creation of Ondo State, the position of deputy governor has predominantly been filled by individuals from older age brackets, perpetuating a cycle of limited youth representation in executive leadership roles. Despite the vibrant and dynamic youth population in the state, their voices have been largely absent from the highest echelons of power.
    The lack of young deputy governors reflects broader challenges faced by youth in accessing political leadership positions, including limited opportunities, entrenched power structures, and generational stereotypes. However, it also underscores the immense potential for youth to disrupt these norms and drive meaningful change.
    It’s time to galvanize the youth of Ondo State to actively engage in reshaping their political landscape. By raising awareness about the historical absence of young deputy governors, we can ignite a sense of agency and mobilize young leaders to step forward and challenge the status quo.
    Aspiring young leaders, grassroots organizations, civil society, and political stakeholders must unite to demand greater youth representation in governance. This starts by advocating for political parties and Governorship aspirants to consider young individuals as their running mates in the upcoming election, thereby breaking the cycle of exclusion and paving the way for a more inclusive and dynamic leadership.
    The absence of young deputy governors in Ondo State’s history serves as a stark reminder of the need for proactive steps to empower youth and diversify political leadership. By harnessing the collective energy and passion of the state’s youth, we can forge a path towards a more equitable and representative democracy, where age is no longer a barrier to meaningful participation and influence.
  • Ondo-Born Legal Luminary, Otunba D.A. Awosika, Receives United Nations Doctoral Honour

    Ondo-Born Legal Luminary, Otunba D.A. Awosika, Receives United Nations Doctoral Honour

    In a remarkable event, the United Nations Polac Foundation has bestowed a prestigious honour upon Mr Dada Adekunle Awosika, SAN, during the celebration of this year’s International Day of Multilateralism & Diplomacy for Peace.

    The ceremony took place on Saturday, April 27th, 2024, at the esteemed Balmoral Hall in Lagos, Nigeria.

    Mr. Awosika was recognized for his exceptional contributions to the legal field and his unwavering commitment to promoting peace and sustainability on both local and international levels. The International body also highlighted his dedication to fostering diplomatic relations and advancing the principles of multilateralism as parts of attributes that have rightfully earned him the distinguished accolade.

    Upon receiving the honour, Dr. Dada Awosika expressed heartfelt gratitude and reaffirmed his commitment to promoting peace, unity, and sustainability in Nigeria and beyond.

    Mr. Awosika’s impact extends beyond legal services. His firm boasts a dedicated department providing pro-bono services to aid indigent citizens, particularly those unjustly detained and awaiting trial, individuals wrongfully terminated from employment, and communities affected by the negligent acts of companies, such as oil spillage.

    Additionally, Dr Awosika’s philanthropic endeavours are commendable, as he generously supports numerous individuals in Nigeria and overseas, facilitating their education and empowering them to reach their full potential. He is the founding partner of D.A. Awosika (SAN) & Partners, a commercial law practice law firm located in Lagos.

  • Court Orders Linda Ikeji To Pay NBM N30m Over Defamation

    Court Orders Linda Ikeji To Pay NBM N30m Over Defamation

    A high court in Effurun, Delta State, has ordered Linda Ikeji, a prominent Nigerian blogger, to pay N30,000,000 in general damages to the Neo Black Movement (NBM) of Africa for a defamatory article published on her blog in 2021.

    The court’s ruling, delivered by Judge Roli Daibo-Harriman, came after Ikeji published an article on October 19, 2021, that allegedly referred to the NBM of Africa as a “dreaded cult group, black axe, and criminal organisation.” The publication led the NBM and three others to file a N1 billion lawsuit against Ikeji for defamation and libel.

    The registered trustees of NBM of Africa, including Ese Kakor, Felix Kupa, and Mayor Onyebueke, were listed as claimants in the lawsuit. Along with the general damages, the court also ordered Ikeji to pay an additional N300,000 to cover the cost of litigation. Furthermore, she must publish a retraction of the libelous article on her blog and in national newspapers. The court also instructed Ikeji to refrain from any further damaging publications against the claimants and the NBM of Africa.

    Linda Ikeji was not present in court for the ruling, nor was she represented by counsel.

    Kelvin Agbroko, lead counsel to the claimants, praised the judgment, saying it was well-deserved and served as a warning to other bloggers about the importance of verifying information before publishing. He stated that the NBM of Africa is a legal organisation registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), and the defamatory article had caused considerable harm.

    Agbroko also noted that the claimants would take all necessary steps to enforce the terms of the judgment. “It was an erudite judgment that is all-encompassing and will be difficult to fault,” he said.

    The president of NBM of Africa, Ese Kakor, expressed satisfaction with the judgment, stating that the case had been ongoing for about two years. He advised other bloggers to avoid defamation, noting that they could face similar litigation. “NBM has nothing to do with cultism, black axe. It is not a criminal organisation but a registered organisation,” he emphasized.

  • Agbo Ajayi Felicitates Jegede On Birthday

    Agbo Ajayi Felicitates Jegede On Birthday

    The People’s Democratic Party’s candidate in the approaching November 2024 gubernatorial election in Ondo State, H E, Agboola Alfred Ajayi, has congratulated a Leader of the PDP, former Attorney General and former Gubernatorial Candidate of the party in the State, Eyitayo Jegede (SAN) as he marks his birthday today. 
    In a congratulatory message personally signed by the PDP Gubernatorial candidate for this year’s Nov 16th election in Akure on Friday, Ajayi described Jegede as a “man of honour and integrity, deserving of every accolade today’s occasion brings to you”
    He said Jegede’s kind , Godliness and selfless nature have overtime made him the darling of the people, adding that “this rare attributes of yours have in no small measure attracted goodwill to our great Party both in the state and across the country”
    The PDP candidate said it is a big honour to be associated” with a man of immense goodwill like you and I pray that today’s celebration will mark the beginning of many more joyous occasions in your life”. 
    Registering that his victory at the Thursday’s primary election of the PDP is victory also, for the legal luminary, Ajayi stated his belief, that Jegede’s birthday celebration, ” “coming the morning after yesterday’s victory, has set the tone for the victories that will be witnessed by the PDP family for the rest of the year and beyond, especially that of the November Gubernatorial election” 
    He thus pray that God grants Jegede the grace to ” celebrate more of today in the land of the living”
  • #Ondo2024: ‘Victory Is For All’ – Agboola Ajayi After Winning PDP Primary

    #Ondo2024: ‘Victory Is For All’ – Agboola Ajayi After Winning PDP Primary

    The candidate of the People’s Democratic Party’s  in the approaching gubernatorial election in Ondo State, His excellency, Agboola Alfred Ajayi a.k.a A3,  has thanked delegates and members of the party “for the opportunity given me to  fly the banner of our great party at the coming election “
    Ajayi said with ” today’s victory, a significant step has been taken in the bid to rescue our state from a vision less  voyage that it found itself”
    In a statement issued in Akure on Thursday, signed by the Spokesperson of the Agboola Ajayi Campaign Group, Samuel Ogunmusi, the PDP candidate said the decision of the delegates to give him the party’s ticket is confirmation to the readiness of the party to put a stop to the suffering of the people of the state.
    While thanking ” every one who made this victory possible” Ajayi said ” this is just the beginning of the journey. I am only a representative of the party, we are all contesting the election because a win for Agbo is a win for the PDP and the already strangulated  people of Ondo state.
    ”  I want to implore the delegates not to go to sleep yet because there are works to do”
    Thanking his co – contestants for   allowing a peaceful and rancor free exercise, Ajayi implored them “to join hands with me and other organs of the party being put in place to ensure a smooth and successful campaign that will, by the grace of God, berth a new PDP government in Ondo State.
    ” This ticket is for all of us. Let us ensure that we make judicious use of it to deliver the people of the state from their current plight, and chart a new rewarding course for our dear state.
    ” It’s our collective responsibilities  to ensure the hopes of the teeming Ondo people waiting for our party to come to their rescue are not dashed. Together we can do it, pls let us do it  “. the statement read in part.
  • 2027: I won’t Support Anybody Above 52–Makinde Tells PDP Governorship Aspirants

    2027: I won’t Support Anybody Above 52–Makinde Tells PDP Governorship Aspirants
    Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde has declared that his successor in 2027 from the Peoples Democratic Party must be between the age bracket of 50 and 52 years of age.
    Makinde disclosed this on Wednesday while delivering his keynote address at the Maiden Edward Adebo Ogundoyin Students Legislative Summit held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
    The event which centered preparing the ground for young students to be better prepared ahead for life after school had in attendance, the Minister of State for Youth Development, Ayodele Olawande, Speakers of the six states in the South West, the Soun of Ogbomoso, HIM, Oba Ghandi Afolabi, members of the Oyo state executive Council, Oyo state legislators, and other top government functionaries.
    Makinde, who recalled life after he graduated from the university of Lagos stated that the energy and determination with which he faced life made him what he is today in term of success in the organized corporate sector and public office.
    He explained that Nigerian youths in tertiary institutions across the South West should engage themselves with intellectual activities that would build their capacities to be better future leaders than focus on things that would not add value to them.
    He said he became the youngest governor in the history of Oyo state at the age of 51 and maintained that he would not support any governorship aspirant that fall outside the age bracket of 50 and 52.
    He however encouraged the students participants to emulate the Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, who became a lawmaker at the age of 31 and has consistently advance in his political career as well as other young individuals including the Minister of state for youth development and most of the speakers of the state assembly in the South West.
     
    Details later…
  • #Ondo2024: 627 Delegates To Elect PDP Candidate On Thursday

    #Ondo2024: 627 Delegates To Elect PDP Candidate On Thursday
    The Ondo State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governorship Primary Election, scheduled for Thursday, 25th April, 2024 will be conducted by a 7-man Primary Election Committee, headed by Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, His Excellency, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo.
    Seven aspirants were cleared by the Senator Sam Egwu Screening Committee to participate in the primary election.
    The International Culture and Events Centre (The Dome), Akure is the venue for the exercise. A total of 627 Delegates from the 18 Local Government Areas of the State are expected to elect the standard bearer of the party for the November 16, 2024 Governorship election.
    Accreditation of Delegates will commence at 10:00am.
    All those who are not Delegates or have no business at the venue are advised to keep a reasonable distance from the arena.
  • Bridging The Education Gap: Barr. Olujimi Oluseye’s Philanthropic Endeavor

    Bridging The Education Gap: Barr. Olujimi Oluseye’s Philanthropic Endeavor
    As schools resume on Monday, and in a proactive measure to support education and empower students in Ifedore Local Government Area of Ondo state, the Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, Barrister Olujimi Oluseye, popularly known as the “Digital Secretary,” generously donated THOUSANDS OF EXERCISE BOOKS across the 10 wards of Ifedore Local Government over the weekend. 
    The timing of Barrister Oluseye’s book distribution is aimed at providing essential educational materials during the upcoming academic session. This kind gesture has received widespread praise from various quaters, including the Muslim community, PDP Party Leaders, OBAs, and all the Communities in Ifedore Local government.
    Barrister Oluseye’s efforts extended far beyond party affiliations, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity. The distribution of books among the local communities demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that every child, regardless of religious background, has the opportunity to acquire knowledge and succeed academically.
    He also maintain the position that he is not only investing in their academic growth but also instilling in them a sense of readiness and motivation to tackle their studies with fervor.
    Unfortunately, not all students have equal access to educational resource materials, thereby resulting in an ever-widening education gap. 
     He ensured that parents and guardians, who are crucial in their children’s education, could readily access these valuable resources. This proactive approach serves to empower parents, providing them with the tools necessary to support their children as the new academic session commences.
    Barrister Olujimi philanthropic endeavor serves as an inspiration for other public figures, community leaders, and organizations to actively contribute to the improvement of education. By showcasing the impact one individual can make, his initiative raises awareness and encourages collective efforts to address the educational challenges faced by students.
    Barrister Olujimi has demonstrated that education should be free from party affiliations and accessible to all. As schools reopen, his philanthropic effort will undoubtedly contribute to enhancing the academic experience of students, empowering parents, and inspiring others to invest in education for a brighter future.
  • Ifeoluwa Oyedele Campaign Organisation Strongly Condemns Outcome of Ondo APC Guber Primary Election

    Ifeoluwa Oyedele Campaign Organisation Strongly Condemns Outcome of Ondo APC Guber Primary Election

    20th April 2024 marks a dark chapter in the history of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, as the party’s primary election descended into chaos, fraud, and violence. This was contained in a statement signed by Hon. Segun Olukoju, the Director General, Ife Oyedele Campaign Organisation, aftermath of the Ondo State All Progressives Congress APC gubernatorial primary. 
    “The blatant disregard for democracy, decency, and party unity displayed during this election is appalling and unacceptable.”
    “A primary election, which was meant to demonstrate the party’s commitment to free, fair, and credible elections, instead turned into a disgraceful spectacle of manipulation and thuggery. The reported attacks on APC members in Akure and the glaring sporadic shooting at members of the party in Idanre who did not support Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, alongside heavy-handed tactics of vote buying, marred the entire process.”
    “It is deeply troubling to witness such eerie and blatant display of lawlessness in broad daylight. The actions of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa and his supporters have not only shattered the integrity of the APC but also undermined the trust of the people of Ondo State in our ability to govern and conduct fair elections.”
    “When our principal received, a day before, the rumour of the plan to unleash terror during the elections he initiated a telephone conversation with the Governor. It is deeply regrettable that the Governor failed to rein in his goons even after our principals appeal and advice that a governorship ticket is not worth the blood of any human being.”
    “
    Governor Aiyedatiwa must realize that his personal ambition should never come at the expense of the unity and progress of our party. By allowing this election to be tainted by violence and irregularities, he has betrayed the trust of the APC members and endangering the party’s chances in the upcoming November elections.”
    “We, the Ife Oyedele Campaign Organization, unequivocally reject the outcome of this sham election. It is clear that the will of the people has been subverted, and justice must prevail. We call on the National Leadership of the APC to reject this election and take immediate steps to restore the integrity of our party.”
    “It is worrisome that the real opposition lies not outside but within our own ranks, where Governor Aiyedatiwa has sown seeds of discord and division. We urge all APC members to unite against this betrayal of our party’s values and work towards a future where integrity, transparency, and unity prevail.”
    “Additionally, we call on the leadership of the party to critically investigate and conceal this charade of an election, as the future of the party and the trust and loyalty of the people are at stake.”
  • #ONDO2024: APC Guber Aspirant, Odimayo Alleges Irregularities In The Ongoing APC Primaries

    #ONDO2024: APC Guber Aspirant, Odimayo Alleges Irregularities In The Ongoing APC Primaries

     

    • Calls for Cancellation 

     Prominent gubernatorial aspirant under the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, Omo’ba Jimi Odimayo has voiced grave concerns over alleged irregularities in the ongoing APC primaries.

    Odimayo has highlighted significant discrepancies between official communications from the State Working Committee and purported directives from Governor Aiyedatiwa to the National Working Committee. 

    During a stakeholders meeting held recently, Odimayo brought to light findings that indicate deviations from party guidelines, particularly concerning the deployment of returning and electoral officers in their wards of origin, in violation of party regulations. 

    He expressed dismay over reported assaults on his supporters who sought to exercise their franchise, noting that only supporters of the incumbent Governor Aiyedatiwa were permitted to participate in the voting process while other aspirant supporters were subjected to harassment and prevented from casting their votes.

    Odimayo alleged that elections did not take place in all of the two hundred and three wards, as voters were allegedly barred from voting by suspected thugs believed to be affiliated with the incumbent Governor Aiyedatiwa.

    These actions, according to Odimayo, not only undermine the principles of fair play but also contravene the core tenets of the APC.

    Consequently, he has called upon President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR and the leadership of the APC to intervene and ensure the cancellation of the ongoing primaries, with a fresh primary election scheduled and conducted with transparency, fairness, and justice.

    Odimayo emphasized the importance of upholding the integrity of the party’s internal processes and urged all stakeholders to prioritize the collective interests of the APC and the people of Ondo State.

    He reiterated his commitment to ensuring that every aspirant is afforded a fair chance, and democratic ideals are upheld without compromise.

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