The Federal Government spent N1.24 trillion servicing debt in the first quarter of this year, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO) report.
The figures show that between January and March, Nigeria spent N874.13billion servicing domestic debt, and $801.36m (N368.87billion) servicing external debt, bringing the total amount spent on debt serving in the period to N1.24trillion.
In the last quarter of 2022, Nigeria spent N406.77billion on domestic debt servicing obligations and $312.27million (N143.74billion) on external debt servicing, bringing the total to N550.51billion.
From the DMO figures it shows that the federal government’s debt obligations grew by 55.71 percent between the last quarter of 2022 and the first quarter of 2023.
The DMO used the CBN exchange rate of $1=N460.3 to convert the external debt servicing components to Naira.
For domestic debt servicing obligations in the first quarter of 2023, the federal government paid N56,466,385,798.05 as interest on Nigeria Treasury Bills (NTBs); N723,957,871,169.59 interest on FGN bonds; N8,167,315,068.49 as rentals on Sukuk; N622,808,510.21 as interest on FGN Savings Bond and N84,915,150,796.00 on Promissory notes.
According to the DMO, “FGN Bonds and NTBs that matured during the quarter were refinanced and the reported figures excluded Sinking Fund Charges of the sum of N180,446,143.00 in respect of (IRO) Treasury Bonds managed by the CBN.
Regarding external obligations: Multilateral bodies were paid $214,459,449.33; Bilateral entities $136,474,716.28 and for Commercial papers, $450,428,973.15.
The Federal Government is projected to spend 82 percent of its revenue on interest payments this year, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
The IMF’s projections showed a slight improvement in the percentage of government revenue used for interest payments, with interest payment expected to decline from 96.3 percent in 2022 to 82 percent in 2023.
The unveiling of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s ministerial list is unarguably one of the most keenly awaited developments in the country, not only by Nigerians at home, but in the diaspora.
There are indications that the ministerial list would be unveiled after the holiday on Thursday.
The ministerial list, which will contain the names of the individuals listed by the president to lead various ministries, is a critical component of the President’s vision for the country, and the expectations of Nigerians are indeed very high.
Nigerians say that they are expecting a new cabinet capable to tackle insecurity, corruption, and bring economic development. They say Nigeria needs competent individuals with a track record of success in their respective fields to drive progress and development.
Many of them that spoke to DAILY POST, say that they are hopeful that President Tinubu’s choices will reflect Nigeria’s diversity and inclusivity, and that the new ministers will be able to tackle the many challenges facing the country.
One of the respondents, Segun Awosanya, an institutional reforms advocate, popularly known as Segalinks, said that he’s been impressed by the decisiveness exhibited by the Tinubu administration.
According to Awosanya, a rights activist and founder of the Social Intervention Advocacy Foundation (SIAF), Nigeria’s next set of ministers must possess qualities like competence, experience, integrity, vision, teamwork, innovativeness and ability to communicate.
He said, “There are several qualities that one can consider as critical for the ministers in a developing economy like Nigeria and under the new administration of Ahmed Bola Tinubu, some of which include- competence. The ministers should be very competent in their areas of responsibility, possessing the skills, knowledge and experience required to perform their duties effectively, not about cronyism, or religion.
“Number two is experience. Ministers who have experience working in government or in the relevant sectors that will enable them to understand the challenges facing the country and develop appropriate policies to address them.
“The job of a minister is not as commanding as one would think. A minister is a visionary, somebody who carries the vision of the administration into a sector which he has been appointed to guide the bureaucrats. The permanent secretaries and other officials in the ministry will always be there, but they need a visionary in that sector, to guide them, and even create impactful reforms.
“So the experience to do that is very essential. Ministers are not people who share money, in fact, they don’t even touch money and they should be there to feather their own nests.
“Another important factor is Integrity. Our ministers must have high moral character and have a track record of honesty, transparency and accountability. If you bring somebody, simply because the person funded your election, you will ruin the beliefs, trusts, hearts and minds that have been won during the elections.
“Bringing in people with questionable characters dampens the morale of the people. If you want to destroy any country, you divide the country and Nigeria is already divided. So the job is half done. The situation is that any little thing can throw the country into chaos. So the government should be very wary in making certain decisions.
“The next is that the ministers must have a clear vision for the country and be able to articulate the roadmap for achieving development goals based on the vision of the commander in chief.
“They must have digested the policy, plans and programs of Mr. President enough to break it down into crucibles, that are swallow-able enough for the bureaucrats to create their tactics and roadmap through which they will deliver that promise to Nigerians.
“The president cannot be all over the place. It is the minister that would carry that vision to specific areas and ensure that the people are reached based on the promises created.
“Five, is team work. It is very essential because we would like to have a scenario where the ministers would see themselves as part of a whole and work with synergy towards achieving a common goal.
“The sixth is results-oriented. Nigerians need result oriented ministers, not people looking for where to resign. They should be focused on achieving results and be willing to be held accountable for their performance.
“Seven is innovation. President Tinubu must not recruit deadwoods, or people wearing agbada, bragging that they own the government. We want ministers that are open to new ideas and be willing to embrace innovative approaches to addressing challenges facing the country. Without innovation, we’re not going anywhere. So if there are no innovative people in the list of ministers, then they should better look at their list again.
“The last for me is communication. Our next ministers should be effective communicators. They must be able to articulate policies and engage with the public stakeholders and the media.
“Ministers must not keep malice with the people. Because every time there’s a gap, you will leave room for mischievous people to fill it with gossip and lies, and you will start reacting.
“Nobody wants a reactive government; we want a proactive government which will have the trust of the people, and which will make us see the essence of our coming together.”
Another respondent, Prince Saviour Iche, national president of the Association of Micro Entrepreneurs of Nigeria (AMEN), also urged President Tinubu to appoint experienced technocrats to sensitive positions.
“Government should appoint someone with a business background that would listen to manufacturers’ complaints as the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, and not bring in a lawyer or engineer to head the ministry,” he said.
Also, Alhaji Rasheed Awofeso, a social worker of the Child and Community Response Initiative (CCRI) said he expects a ministerial list that would be composed of capable personalities, brimming with ideas on how to tackle the myriad of challenges facing Nigerians.
“One of the major challenges facing Nigeria is insecurity,” he told DAILY POST.
“The country has been grappling with the Boko Haram insurgency in the northeast for over a decade, which has led to the displacement of millions of people and the loss of thousands of lives.
“In addition, banditry and communal clashes have been on the rise in other parts of the country, leading to further loss of lives and property.
“The expectations of Nigerians are that the new ministers will have the necessary expertise and experience to address these security challenges and bring lasting peace to the country. There is also a hope that the new cabinet will be able to tackle corruption, which has been a major issue in Nigeria for decades.
“Another major expectation is that the new ministers will be able to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and reduce poverty. Nigeria’s economy has been recovering from a recession, and there is a need for the government to take steps to ensure sustained economic growth and development.
“There is also a need to address issues of infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and agriculture. These are all areas that require urgent attention, and Nigerians are hoping that the new ministers will be able to make significant progress in these areas,” Awofeso added.
The removal of subsidy and the devaluation of the naira, are a few of the policies that have increased the cost of living.
And on that backdrop, Chamberlain Etukudoh, a director at the Youth Alive Foundation (YAF), lamented the harsh effect of some of these policies on the Nigerian youths.
He then stressed on the need for the government to give priority in appointing the best hands in youth-related portfolios like the ministries of human affairs and youths/sports to cushion the effect of the hard times on the youths.
“Nigerians are already at a boiling point. This is because unemployment and underemployment would continue to spike in a few months’ time if nothing is done. So I expect the government to prioritise key ministries like Humanitarian Affairs and Youths/Sport to harness and tackle some of the challenges the youths are facing”.
Oluwaseun Ogedengbe, an Akure based actor and activist had this to say: “I am not too happy with this government, because we all know that they are operating on a stolen mandate and I pray the judiciary doesn’t get compromised.
“I pray they rule in the fear of God and in the interest of the many masses and youths that came out to vote on February 25. However, since we have a country to run, I would want the President to consider competence in making his appointment.
“One of the problems of the Nigeria government system is putting round pegs in square holes; the last government made sensitive appointments that were strange to Nigerians. For example, what is the background of the people that served as youth and sports ministers, even the education minister knows little or nothing in the portfolio he got.
“We don’t want to see people holding three portfolios when he can’t do one job. Buhari gave a lawyer sensitive portfolios like power, works and housing. There are ministries that should be manned by technocrats. This government must not make that mistake,” he said.
[DailyPost]
An altercation between Osun State governor Ademola Adeleke and a former Senate spokesman Ajibola Basiru almost marred Eid prayers by Muslim faithful in Osogbo, the state capital.
The faceoff started when Basiru declined to vacate the front row of the mats arranged at the Prayer ground at Oke-Baale.
The former Senate spokesman claimed that the incident was orchestrated by an official of the government to embarrass him.
But Adeleke’s spokesman Olawale Rasheed explained that the presence of some people, who he said, were armed within the praying ground, when the governor arrived, is an attempt on the governor’s life.
The Nation gathered that when Basiru was informed that where he sat was meant for the governor, he moved to another mat in front.
The attempt to relocate Basiru led to an arguement which was ongoing at the time of the Governor Adeleke’s arrival.
On sighting the rowdy scene, Adeleke returned to his car. Some minutes after, he came back only to see Basiru still in the front row.
Ostensibly angered by that, Adeleke left without praying.
Some of the worshippers resisted them and forced the gate open.
The prayer were observed by Basiru and other prominent indigenes of Osogbo
After the prayers, Basiru explained that he neither saw Adeleke at the Eid nor his advance and protocol team. He added that there were no indications that any seat was reserved for the governor.
He said: “What happened was that by tradition, there is a way the sitting arrangement of the Muslim community leaders and the government are done at the Eid. The Muslim community leaders are under the auspices of Asiwaju of Musulumi of Yoruba Land. So, we had gone there for the arrangement of seats, but shockingly before our arrival, one Muniru Raji had already put someone in the place we arranged.
“Muniru Raji insulted me and in the process, worshippers surrounded me to prevent him from assaulting me. I don’t know whether the governor came to Eid at all because I was surrounded by people. I later stood up and did my prayers.
“After the prayer, some policemen said their Commissioner wanted to see me and I told him that I will see him together with the Muslim community leaders that I went with in the same vehicle. But they insisted that they must pull me out of the car which we all resisted. We queried if they have any warrant of arrest, and we explained the situation to them, that it was some overzealous supporters of the governor that caused the embarrassing situation.”
However, Adeleke who appealed for calm, directed immediate arrest of those involved in the incident.
He said: I am safe by the special grace of God. I have directed security agencies to arrest those behind the incident and get them to face the wrath of the law.
“The government particularly notes with shock and surprise, the role played by former Senator Ajibola Bashiru who took over the space reserved for the governor at the prayer ground. All efforts to get the former Senator to vacate the space proved abortive.”
He alleged that “PDP (Peoples Democratic Party) members who agitated for respect for the Office of the Governor were beaten up.”
At the Dodan Barracks Prayer round in Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his deputy, Dr Obafemi Hamzat, felicitated Muslims over the Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
He urged Nigerians to unite behind President Bola Tinubu in his determination to make the country better.
“It is our duty to pray for our leaders. We must pray for our President that God should help him to succeed in the task before him,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Ondo State Council of Obas yesterday gathered to pray for the quick recovery of Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu.
The first prayer session of the Christians was led by the Olujigba of Ijigba, Oba Luyi Rotimi.
Oba Rotimi asked God to grant the governor a quick recovery so that he can continue the good work he is doing. The royal father said God has proven he could heal the sick irrespective of the cause and kind of illness.
Prayer in the African traditional way was offered by Abodi of Ikale, Oba G.B Faduyile. He said Governor Akeredolu was a pride to the state and the country at large.
Deji Akure Kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi, described Governor Akeredolu as ‘a fearless leader’ who had done so much for the state in terms of security and infrastructure.
Oba Aladetoyinbo said what they could do, at critical times like this, is to pray for him to recover urgently. He also cautioned against ‘unnecessary uproars’ by persons who want to use the governor’s absence to settle political issues.
He warned political actors not to plunge the state into any unnecessary and avoidable upheaval. “Rather than cause unnecessary tension, the politicians should come together and pray for the governor and the state to seek the good of the land,” he added.
The Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) has promoted 7,000 men across various ranks and departments, as approved by its Board.
A statement by the Acting Public Relations Officer, Kenneth Kure, noted that the promotion was contained in a letter by the Secretary of the Immigration, Civil Defence, Correctional and Fire Service Board, Alhaji Jafaru Ahmed.
It reads: “The promoted officers and men include both senior officers who sat for the regular exams, and junior staff who were upgraded after acquiring additional qualifications.”
Acting-Comptroller General, Mrs. Wuraola Adepoju, also approved the appointment of former spokesman of the NIS, Tony Akuneme, as Comptroller of FCT Command. Comptroller Joseph Dada is now the Principal Staff Officer to the Comptroller-General. Dada was, until his recent appointment, the Comptroller in charge of Marine Border Corps in the Service Headquarters.
The statement added that 12 Comptrollers were recently redeployed.
The CG urged the officers and men to put the image of the Service above personal interests as it remained a foremost agency for international visitors. She promised to prioritise personnel welfare, asserting that henceforth, promotion would be based strictly on seniority, hard work and dedication to duty.
In a recent statement, Femi Gbajabiamila, the Chief of Staff (COS) to President Bola Tinubu, emphasised the immense challenges faced by Nigeria and the crucial role that divine intervention plays in addressing them. Gbajabiamila asserted that the burden of leading the nation is too great for any ordinary individual to bear without the assistance of a higher power.
Gbajabiamila, following the observance of the Eid al-Adha prayer in Lagos, urged Nigerians to consistently keep Tinubu in their prayers.
The former speaker of the House of Representatives addressed the current state of affairs in Nigeria, acknowledging the challenges that the nation is currently facing. However, amidst these difficulties, the former speaker expressed a sense of hope and confidence in Nigeria's ability to overcome these obstacles and emerge stronger.
In the midst of adversity, Nigeria remains steadfast in its determination to overcome the challenges that lie ahead. In a heartfelt plea, Gbajabiamila, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, emphasised the crucial role that prayer plays in supporting the President. "What the president requires from each and every one of us, both today and tomorrow, is our unwavering prayer," Gbajabiamila passionately expressed.
The burden of Nigeria is one that surpasses the capabilities of an average individual, requiring divine intervention from Almighty Allah.
In a remarkable display of divine support, it becomes abundantly clear that the presence of Almighty Allah is firmly aligned with our esteemed president. In a remarkable display of selflessness, he has taken it upon himself to bear the burden on behalf of another.
In a recent statement, prominent Nigerian politician, Tinubu, emphasised the imperative for Nigerians to make "sacrifices" in order to foster the prosperity of the nation.
In a recent statement, the president emphasised the belief that Allah, the divine entity, would not impose unbearable burdens on the nation. Furthermore, the president urged Nigerians to foster a harmonious coexistence, devoid of tribalism, and instead embrace a shared sense of joy.
President Bola Tinubu and state governors, on Wednesday, assured Nigerians that the economic pains and hardships they were facing would soon turn to prosperity.
They said the current pains were necessary, noting that the peoples’ sacrifices would pave the way for abundance and a better future for the country.
Tinubu and the governors spoke in separate statements on the Sallah celebrations across the country.
Speaking in Lagos shortly after observing the Eid prayers at the Obalende Muslim Prayer Ground located near Dodan Barracks, the former seat of power in Lagos, the President said, “We have to make the sacrifices and that is clear, we have to.”
His message was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication, and Strategy, Dele Alake.
The statement was titled: ‘Nigeria will experience peace, stability, and prosperity, President Tinubu declares at Lagos Eid Prayer Ground.’
Tinubu described the current economic hardships as a bearable burden, explaining that “Allah will not give you a burden that you cannot carry.”
Therefore, he urged Nigerians to have faith in God that the country would experience peace, stability, and prosperity.
“I thank Almighty Allah for keeping us in good health till today and pray to Him to grant us robust health and prosperity.
“May our sacrifices turn to prosperity. We have to make the sacrifices and that is clear, we have to.
“But Allah will not give you a burden that you cannot carry. He is there for us. We must have faith in the country. Have faith in ourselves, believing that as citizens of this country, we must join hands to build the nation,” the President said.
He called for unity in the country, urging Nigerians not to allow their religious and tribal identities to overshadow their national identity.
Tinubu also prayed for Nigerian troops on the frontline in the fight against insurgency, saying he desires to see them emerge victorious.
“Nigeria will see peace, stability and God will grant peace to those of us at the war front,” he added.
Imam seeks prayers
The Eid prayer, which started at 9 a.m., was led by the Chief Imam of Lagos State, Sheikh Sulaiman Abu-Nolah.
The Chief Imam later performed the obligatory slaughtering of the ram at the Eid prayer ground in celebration of the significance of the noble act of Prophet Ibrahim in total obedience to Allah’s command.
Speaking on behalf of the Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat felicitated Muslims nationwide for the joy of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration, urging them to unite behind the President in his ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
“We have to pray for our leaders. We must pray for our President that God should help him to succeed in the task before him,” Hamzat said.
The prayer was attended by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, a former governor of Lagos State and immediate-past Minister of Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola; Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mudashiru Obasa, among other top government officials and politicians.
Meanwhile, governors and clerics have sued for peace and economic prosperity as Muslims converge on prayer grounds.
In his Sallah message, the Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello charged the people of the state to be law-abiding and security-conscious at all times.
The governor gave the charge shortly after he observed the Eid prayer at Okene, his country home.
He charged the people of the state to respect constituted authority and promised to fulfil his promises of developing the state far better than he met it when he took over the leadership of the state in 2016.
“I thank God almighty who has brought us thus far. This is my last time praying on this ground as a governor. I thank God for his protection, guidance, and the good health we have enjoyed throughout my tenure till date.
“I thank God that I was able to turn around the fortune of the state far better than I met the state in 2016 when I took over the leadership of the state” he said.
Bello called on the citizens of the state to be patient with the current government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, assuring that with perseverance, there are better days ahead under the current administration.
The governor appealed to the chief imam of Ebiraland Sheik Salihu Abere to use his position as a religious leader to unite the people irrespective of belief, urging him not to allow anybody to derail him from performing his functions as chief imam.
Ohinoyi of Ebiraland His Royal Highness Ado Ibrahim commended Bello for the developmental projects scattered across the state.
Chief Imam, Sheik Salihu Abere, in his sermon reminded Muslims to go closer to God through intensive prayer to enable them to enjoy God’s favour.
New Taraba
Taraba state Governor Agbu Kefas called for prayers from the people of different faiths in the state to help in the actualisation of a new Taraba.
The governor in a goodwill message to the Muslim faithful in the state on the occasion of the Eid Mubarak celebration said a new Taraba is feasible if all people of all faith intensify prayers, exhibit affection, and embrace one another as taught by both Islam and Christianity.
In a press statement signed by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yusuf Sanda, Kefas urged Tarabans and all Nigerians to learn from the season’s teachings by being obedient, tolerant, exhibiting love, peace, and sacrifice in creating a new society, free from sentiment and division that all citizens would be proud of.
In Katsina, the Emir of Katsina, Dr.Abdulmumin Kabir joined other Muslims in the state to observe the Eid -el- Kabir prayers at the Kofar Cuga praying ground a few minutes after nine in the morning.
Governor Dikko Radda was, however, absent at the praying ground although sources said he was not in the country.
Security was beefed up at the praying ground as security operatives mounted a military Armoured Personnel Carrier and police anti-bomb vehicles at the entrance of the praying ground.
Security was also tightened at the emir’s palace where a Durbar was held later in the day.
The chief Imam urged the adherents to always remember the virtues and the circumstances surrounding the festival, which according to him, bordered on a strong faith in God, perseverance, and humility.
In the governor’s Sallah message signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Ibrahim Mohammed, he urged Muslims to be appreciative of God’s grace on them.
He stated, ‘’The Eid-il-Kabir festival should go beyond the slaughtering of rams to sharing love and material possessions not only with relatives or acquaintances but also with the displaced, the elderly, the orphans and other categories of people at the margin of the society, including those with special needs.’’
In a related development, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Mr Olusade Adesola, has urged residents to embrace the spirits of the Eid-el-Kabir celebrations by extending kindness and generosity to one another.
This was contained in his Eid-El-Kabir message addressed to residents.
Adesola urged the residents to use the opportunity to pray for the peace and prosperity of the country and leaders at all levels of government.
“As residents of the FCT, let us be reminded that we must keep alive the dreams of the founding fathers of the Territory as a symbol of Nigeria’s unity and strength. Let us play up those values that tend to unite us and shun those that encourage disunity and division”, he admonished.
PDP laments hardships
Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party has congratulated Nigerians on the celebration of this year’s Eid and urged Muslims to use the occasion to pray for the triumph of justice and the will of God in the affairs of the nation.
The party in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba on Wednesday, commended Nigerians for their resilience and urged them to reinforce their patience, hope, and trust in God despite the prevailing economic, social, and security challenges confronting the nation.
It lamented that Nigeria was undergoing a most harrowing economic hardship under the All Progressives Congress-led government
The opposition party said, “Our party charges Nigerians not to allow the hardship and sense of uncertainty they face at the moment to make them lose sight of the essence of the Eid-el-Kabir; the demand for selflessness, absolute trust, and submission to the will, authority, and command of Allah in all issues of life.
“Our party is deeply worried by the worsening economic crisis, the astronomical increase in the cost of essential goods and services, the collapse of the purchasing power of citizens and scorching economic distress on millions of families across the country.’’
“It is saddening that on an occasion like this, millions of Nigerians are observing the period in frustration as they cannot afford the necessities to celebrate with their loved ones. Many cannot express their affection by travelling to visit or even sharing with their family members and friends all because of hardship and insensitive policies imposed by the All Progressives Congress-led government,” the statement read in part.
The party further said that it is “heartrending that Nigerians are currently undergoing the most harrowing economic hardship under the APC-led Federal Government which continues to impose life discounting policies with attendant hardship on the people without verifiable plans for relief.’’
‘PDP envious’
But the Presidency on Wednesday took a swipe at the PD, saying the opposition party was envious of the APC government led by Tinubu.
It said the PDP was envious of the ruling party’s achievements within three weeks.
The Presidency through the Special Adviser to the President on Special Duties, Communications, and Strategy, Mr. Dele Alake, also said that it was expected that the PDP, which allegedly lacked the mental capacity and managerial acumen while in charge of government for 16 years would say worse things in days to come.
Reacting to the alleged anti-people policies by Tinubu’s government, Alake said, “But they (PDP) will say that, they will even say worse. That is very mild coming from them.
“We expect them to say worse because all the time they were in government they lacked the gut, the mental capacity, the physical resourcefulness, and the vision to do what the government has done or accomplished within short weeks.
“What they could not do in 16 years of holding the presidency of this country Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration has done it within three short weeks. So what do you expect them to say?
“They lacked that mental capacity, the physical wherewithal, the managerial acumen to achieve those bold goals, so they have to be envious. So it is normal,
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara also felicitated with the Muslim faithful in the state and across the country.
Fubara in a statement signed by his media aide, Boniface Onyedi, said, “In the spirit of this special day, I urge all Muslims and indeed all Nigerians to reflect on the rare virtues of obedience, sacrifice, and faith as exemplified by the Holy Prophet. “
He further urged all Nigerians to imbibe the character of sacrifice for the growth and development of the country, saying the nation is passing through a phase of recovery that would result in the well-being and prosperity of all.
Fubara expressed the hope that the prayers and sacrifices that come from this year’s Eid-el-Kabir would enhance peace, unity, and the advancement of the nation.
Similarly, his Bayelsa State counterpart, Douye Diri, congratulated the Muslim Ummah in Nigeria and particularly in the state on this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.
The governor, in a statement by his spokesperson, Mr Daniel Alabrah, on Wednesday, urged Muslim adherents to use the opportunity of the festival to renew their faith in their creator and the unity of the country.
Diri noted that Eid-el-Kabir is a feast of love, selflessness, and sacrificial giving, calling on Muslims and other citizens in Bayelsa to continue to live in peace and brotherliness.
He said his administration has guaranteed peaceful co-existence in the state and ensured that the right environment was created for business and work “no matter your religion or where you are from.”
Diri said, “Love is the highest form of virtue. The Eid-el-Kabir celebration is a time to reflect on and manifest it.
“I urge our Muslim brothers to renew their faith in God Almighty and in the unity of our country as I congratulate them on the auspicious celebration of Eid-el-Kabir.”
The Kano State Deputy Governor, Aminu Gwarzo has congratulated Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, the national leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, and other Muslim faithful in the state on the celebration of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
Gwarzo in a statement by his Press Secretary, Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu, on Wednesday, noted that as Muslims all over the world celebrate the festival, it is time to be cheerful and share with their loved ones.
The deputy governor urged the people of the state to support the administration of Governor Abba Kabir, saying “This government is for all the people in the state. We must support it to attain the desired goal of restoring the lost glory of the state.”
The Jama’atu Nasril Islam under the leadership of the Sultan of Sokoto, Alh Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar III, also commended the Muslims for their steadfast commitment to the principles of Islam in the face of challenges while noting that the festival provided them the opportunity to strengthen their bonds of brotherhood and sisterhood and reinforced the message of love and unity that Islam embodies.
This was just like the TY Buratai Foundation founded by former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Yusuf Buratai(retd.) congratulated the Muslim community, calling for sustained prayers for the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration.
This was contained in a statement by the Foundation’s National Chairman, Ibrahim Danfulani in Kaduna.
Meanwhile, the JNI in a statement by its Secretary General, Prof. Khalid Aliyu in Kaduna on Wednesday, urged Nigeria Muslims to reflect on the importance of selflessness and generousity as the festival encouraged them to “share our blessings with those less fortunate, fostering a sense of compassion and social harmony within our communities.”
The organization also expressed concern over the continued deteriorating condition of the average Nigerian as a result of extreme poverty and high-level inflation in the country.
Against this background, the JNI called on Nigerian leaders to cut down their extravagant lifestyles, make adjustments and come up with policies that would make life comfortable for ordinary citizens.
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Meanwhile, the leadership of the APC has hailed Tinubu for taking bold steps since his inauguration on May 29 to reposition Nigeria for economic growth in line with the administration’s ‘Renewed Hope’ agenda.
This was even as the ruling party congratulated Nigerians, especially the Muslim faithful, on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir, the Islamic festival of sacrifice, with a passionate appeal for them to have compassion on the needy and less-privileged in society.
The felicitation was contained in a statement issued by APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, in Abuja on Wednesday.
“This year’s celebration remarkably coincides with a period in our nation’s history when our dear President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking some courageous and decisive steps to reposition our beloved country for rapid economic growth and wholesome greatness in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda,” the statement noted.
Also on Wednesday, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State and former Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar joined thousands of Muslims at the Central Eid ground in Yola to observe the two raka’at prayers in commemoration of the 2023 Eid-El-Kabir celebration.
In his sermon after leading the prayers, the Chief Imam Modibbo Adamawa Central Mosque, Yola, Khadi Ahmadu Bobboi spoke extensively on the history and significance of the Eid-El-Kabir to Muslim Ummah.
Speaking after the Eid prayers in an interview with newsmen, Fintiri congratulated Muslims on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir and expressed the hope that the occasion will usher in peace and development in Nigeria.
The ruling All Progressives Congress has debunked speculation that President Bola Tinubu’s private visit to the United Kingdom from the Paris summit on Saturday was to attend to his ailing health.
The development comes in the wake of the president’s return to the country on Tuesday ahead of the Eid-el-Kabir festival.
Tinubu, who was initially scheduled to return to Abuja, proceeded to London for a short private visit, according to a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Special Duties, Communication and Strategy, Dele Alake.
Aside from his participation at the event, the President held high-profile sideline meetings with fellow heads of state and government, global business leaders, and chief executives of leading multilateral and development finance institutions from around the world.
His last-minute private visit, however, set tongues wagging all over social media, with trolls and critics insinuating that the former Lagos governor probably used the trip as a smokescreen to visit his doctors.
Reacting in an exclusive phone chat with our correspondent, Director of Publicity for the APC, Bala Ibrahim, refuted the claim.
While stating that such unfounded fear was uncalled for, Ibrahim disclosed that Tinubu has proven throughout his rigorous electioneering campaign and post-inauguration activities that he was fully prepared for the task.
“Why is it that every time the president travels, people will speculate that he went for treatment? Yet, not once did any of these speculations come to pass. Everything they speculated against the president didn’t materialise. For God’s sake, why can’t they jettison this mentality of ‘the man is sick?’ When you investigate, you will discover those making these silly statements are not doctors. Some are even mechanics. Who is healthy? They should even look at what nature is doing. About three of the speculators have died while the man is moving.
“People should, therefore, stop challenging God. Nobody is 100 per cent healthy and the man himself has said he is contesting to be president, not the kick-boxer of Nigeria. He is doing his job as the Constitution requires. We all saw how he stood on the podium for hours during his inauguration. He took the salute, oath of office and allegiance, and even inspected the guard of honour. I think we should cut the man some slack,” he said.
A former coordinator in the dissolved All Progressives Congress Campaign Council, Dr Ene Ogbole, also expressed the same concern in a separate interview.
While dismissing the speculated ill-health of the president, Ogbole reiterated she wasn’t surprised Tinubu was the target of his critics and rumour-mongers.
“That rumour is not new. In fact, if we were to go by speculations and fabrications, I don’t think the President should be alive today. Because there were countless insinuations, rumours and lies here and there. He went strictly on official duty, which was expected of him. It is his constitutional responsibility to liaise with other countries of the world. After all, the world is a global village. Things are interwoven. People relate for economic, political, climate and several other reasons. So he has gone for his assignment as we have seen so far and he will be back.
“By the way, any man can fall ill. As I speak to you, I have arthritis in my legs. I can’t walk well. I’m 40 years plus, not to talk about a man like that. Younger people are falling ill, developing arthritis, dislocation or fracture. In fact, anything can happen. We are humans and not machines. Even machines develop faults. So what is wrong with him going to the hospital? But that is not the case. He has only gone for a meeting and will come back to move Nigeria forward in a positive direction,” she stated.
Her defence came at a time many of the president’s campaign foot soldiers and former spokespersons are evading media attention to avoid blowing their chances of making it into his cabinet, ministerial list, boards of ministries, departments and agencies.
But the former campaign director added that since assuming office, Tinubu has left no one in doubt about his sincerity on the need to right the wrongs of the past.
The German parliament passed an immigration law on Friday designed to encourage more people from outside the European Union, including Nigeria, to come to Germany for work.
According to Interior Minister of Social Democrats (SPD), Nancy Faeser, the draft law secures prosperity in Germany.
“It would only work if the bureaucratic hurdles were dismantled during its implementation,” she said.
Like many countries in Europe, Germany is facing a shortage of skilled workers.
In 2022, the country’s labour shortage rose to an all-time high: the Institute for Employment Research (IAB) found 1.74 million vacant positions throughout Germany.
Together with Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, she emphasised removing bureaucracy and improving the digitisation and efficiency of the system, according to Euro News.
“We know that we can only guarantee our future, the efficiency of our economy and the efficiency of our social security systems if we have enough skilled workers at our disposal,” said Scholz.
“From within the European Union, that’s not so difficult, because there is freedom of movement. With regard to the rest of the world, it is a greater challenge,” he added.
Here are key things to know about how the law opens job opportunities for Nigerians and other nationals.
1. According to Euro News, the reforms are to modernise the country’s immigration legislation expected to make it easier for third-country nationals to work in Germany. It could increase the number of non-EU workers in Germany by 60,000 per year.
2. The reforms to the Skilled Immigration Act particularly focus on workers with vocational, non-academic training. Existing rules for qualified professionals with university degrees will also be relaxed.
3. Germany is hoping to combat its shortage of skilled workers with a new ‘opportunity card’ called chancenkarte. The ‘chancenkarte’ will use a points system to enable workers with required skills to come to Germany more easily.
4. The points-based system will take into account qualifications, professional experience, age, German language skills and ties to Germany.
5. Every year, quotas will be set depending on which industries need workers. Three out of four of the following criteria must also be met to apply for the scheme: a degree or vocational training, three years’ professional experience, language skills or a previous stay in Germany and 35 years old or younger.
6. Currently, most non-EU citizens need to have a job offer before they can relocate to Germany. A visa for job seekers already exists, but the ‘chancenkarte’ is expected to make it easier and faster for people looking to find work in Germany.
7. Citizens of certain countries with visa agreements can already enter Germany for 90 days visa-free but are only permitted to take up short-term employment.
8. The opportunity card will allow people to come and look for a job or apprenticeship while in the country rather than applying from abroad. Applicants must be able to prove they can afford to pay their living expenses in the meantime.
9. The exact details of the scheme are yet to be formalised. The chancenkarte is not expected to be available until at least the end of 2023.
10. The new system will make it easier for people with professional experience – rather than a university degree – to come and work in Germany.
11. Germany will become more open to job experience and professional qualifications that are recognised in workers’ native countries. Currently, the country is strict about which qualifications it recognises.
12. It will also be easier for those without a job offer to seek work in Germany via the opportunity card.
13. Qualified job seekers with degrees or vocational certificates will be allowed to stay in the country for one year as they search for employment. While looking for full-time employment, they will be permitted to work up to 20 hours per week.
14. Rules will also be eased for those with a job offer and a recognised diploma. Salary thresholds will be lowered, it will be easier for workers to bring their families to Germany, and it will be easier to gain permanent residency.
15. Job opportunities are open in Germany for immigrants that are craftspeople, electrical engineers, IT specialists, careers, nurses, catering and hospitality professionals.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) on Wednesday said President Bola Tinubu is taking some courageous and decisive steps to reposition Nigeria.
The party stated this in its 2023 Eid-el-Kabir message to the people of the country which was signed by the APC National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka.
According to the APC, the steps being taken by President Buhari are targeted at repositioning the country for rapid economic growth and wholesome greatness in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
The ruling party urged Nigerians to embrace the virtues of sacrifice and patience.
The statement read, “This year’s celebration remarkably coincides with a period in our nation’s history when our dear President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, is taking some courageous and decisive steps to reposition our beloved country for rapid economic growth and wholesome greatness in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope agenda.
“We urge Nigerians to subscribe to the virtues of sacrifice and patience as we soldier on in our quest for a better Nigeria. We also enjoin our Muslim compatriots to continue to show compassion towards the needy and less-privileged among us as they celebrate.”
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Elder statesman and chieftain of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Buba Galadima has submitted that the presidential election tribunal can’t change the outcome of the 2023 presidential election in which President Bola Tinubu was declared winner.
Though according to him, the election was not free and fair, historically since 1979, the outcome of any presidential election has never been changed by the court.
He added that the NNPP has little confidence in the credibility of the judiciary based on recent happenings in the country.
Naija News reports Galadima stated these on Tuesday during an interview appearance on Channels TV Political Paradigm.
According to him, rather that spend about 10 or 15 billion naira on a wild goose chase at the tribunal, the NNPP would rather use such money to prepare for the 2027 polls.
He said, “Which politician has succeeded in court since 1979 in Nigeria in a presidential petition case?
“Why waste our N10bn or 15bn because we heard some people are spending such billions now on social at the tribunal; if we have such money we would use it to prepare for the 2027 general election.
“The NNPP is strong, we did not do well because the registration of the party came late, if not for INEC targeting us and our candidates names and logo was omitted in some states we could have performed better”.
The Federal Government met with officials of Deposit Money Banks and other related institutions in Abuja, on Tuesday, to plan for the production of functional three-in-one identity cards for older citizens across the country.
Speaking at the Roundtable Meeting with Banks on the Production of Senior Citizens Identity Cards, the Director-General, National Senior Citizens Centre, Emem Omokaro, said the initiative would improve the quality of life of older persons across the country in various ways.
Omokaro called for public-private partnerships in the production of the ID cards.
“This roundtable meeting, we hope, being a joint novel and maiden meeting on funding possibilities for the production of functional and seamless (three-in-one) identity cards for senior citizens, would provide equal opportunity for all present to contribute your perspectives and ideas to the national project.
“The National Senior Citizens Centre’s vision is a multi-purpose card that would serve as a vehicle for financial inclusion, conducive economic and social enterprise empowerment instrument and access to age-friendly physical environment outcomes for Nigeria’s senior citizens – a population most left behind,” she stated.
The Director, Active Ageing and Support Services, NSCC, Kayode Fagbemi, outlined the benefits of the multipurpose ID cards for the senior citizens.
“The ID card is expected to provide unique benefits to the senior citizens in the following ways: The cards will be multipurpose cards as they will serve as both national identity cards, bank cards, and senior citizens cards.
“It contains vital information about the senior citizen. For travel benefits, senior citizens should be able to enjoy concessions on railway tickets. Separate counters or queues should be available for booking tickets.
“Airlines should be able to offer discounts on domestic flights. Separate counters or queues should be available for booking tickets. Public transport in the states should be able to offer discounts for senior citizens,” he stated.
Fagbmi said the objectives of the roundtable include to work out modalities for the printing of identity cards for senior citizens of Nigeria above the age of 60.
“To deliberate and determine the designs of the cards, create awareness, as well as address older persons keying into acquiring the cards and taking part in the benefits that come with the card.
“These benefits include discounts that will be placed for older persons from pharmacies, restaurants and other services such as transport, hospitals and many more,” he stated.
Some Nigerian pastors have expressed mixed reactions on whether the use of ‘Aboru Aboye’ in the viral song by popular gospel singer, Tope Alabi, is proper in a gospel song.
While some of the pastors who spoke with our correspondent saw nothing wrong with Alabi’s choice of lyrics in the viral song, others disagreed, arguing that the singer should not incorporate traditional terminologies into gospel music.
Alabi made headlines last Friday following the release of a song where she was heard singing the words ‘Aboru Aboye,’ terms mostly used by Ifa worshippers when greeting initiates, sometimes referred to as ‘Babalawo’.
Alabi, in the viral video, could be heard singing the lyrics; ‘Emi ni aboru, aboye… abiye ni mi, Oruko mi ni yen. Mo de bo, mo ru, mo ye,” (I am a sacrifice, that’s my name. I am a sacrifice accepted by God, that’s my name).
Her lyrical choices have since gotten many tongues wagging on and off social media.
However, reacting to the viral video, Pastor Lanre Kayode, Senior Pastor of the Christ Apostolic Church, Shibiri branch, Lagos, said the controversy trailing the video could be blamed on the poor understanding of the Yoruba language by some of her critics.
Pastor Kayode said, “It’s a language thing. I see nothing wrong with what she said. She was simply praising God.”
He argued that another gospel act, Dunsin Oyekan, has a song where he used similar words only sung in the English Language and no one raised an eyebrow.
Oyekan, in the song titled ‘More than a Song, sang the words: ”I am more than a song today, I am a sacrifice…” similar words to Alabi’s but conveyed in a different language.
”Why are people not complaining about that? Is it because he sang in English?
“Why do people not have issues with this? Is it because Tope sang in Yoruba?” Pastor Kayode asked.
He stressed that there is nothing wrong with Tope Alabi’s choice of words. “It’s simply a language thing. Not many people understand Yoruba that well and that’s why they are criticising the song,” he said.
Also speaking with our correspondent, Pastor Tunde Afolabi of the Christ Redemption Church, Ogba, Lagos, kicked against the criticism of Tope Alabi over the Aboru Aboye song saying people probably misinterpreted Alabi’s stance on the use of the ‘Aboru Aboye’ and believed it is and can only be used by traditionists.
He said, ”People believe she is referring to Ifa but I feel she is worshipping her God the best way she knows how. We all have the best ways to worship God.”
Prophet Akinyele Timothy of Celestial Church Of Christ, El morijah Olubukun parish, Ikorodu, also backed Alabi’s use of ‘Aboru Aboye’ words in the viral video.
Prophet Timothy said, ”Tope Alabi was simply praising God. Even the Muslims say ‘Oba Ajoke aye, Asake Orun’. They are also simply praising God. Tope was simply acknowledging God’s might, she was not in any way affirming that she is an Ifa worshipper. I do not see anything wrong in the phrases she used.”
However, Pastor (Mrs.) P.S. Otitolaiye of the Mount of Fire Ministries, Ijanikin, was against Alabi’s use of ‘Aboru Aboye’ in a gospel song.
She said Alabi should have refrained from using traditional phrases in her songs, noting that there is no relationship between light and darkness.
In her words, ”Tope Alabi should endeavour not to bring in any traditional phrase into her song because there is no relationship between light and darkness.”
Pastor Otitolaiye, however, added that “the conversation about the intersection of religion and culture in Nigeria is far from over.”
Speaking in the same vein, Pastor Ifeoluwa Fatoki of Divine Grace Baptist Church Ogbomosho, a graduate of African Traditional Religion and World Religion from the Nigerian Baptist Theological Seminary Ogbomoso, argued against the use of ‘Aboru Aboye’.
He said, ”I do not think those words are appropriate in the worship of God because they are not original to Christianity and they already have roots in the worship of Ifa.
”I think there are better words that can be used. To refer to the believer as a sacrifice is okay. But those three words have different connotations. It’s like saying, Eriwo ya… No matter how we paint it, it is not acceptable.
”More so, hallelujah, which is the Jewish word for ‘praise Yahweh’ as a word is known in Christianity. It’s like saying, Ifa worshippers now also say hallelujah in their worship.”
General Superintendent, Apostle Adeboye Ajakaiye (JP) of Ile Adura Mose Orimolade Tunolase Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Festac Town, said Tope Alabi was only performing to please her fans as a singer.
Apostle Ajakaiye said, ”Romans 12:2 shows that we live out God’s will when we change our thoughts to God’s thoughts, rather than living as the world dictates. The world will always pressure us to live sinfully and selfishly, but to live the good life God wants from us requires changing how we behave—by changing our thoughts.
”Tope Alabi is an entertainer. From my observations over the years, her performances have always been to please her audience, whether intentionally or not I can’t say. She’s also human that can also make mistakes. From the video that I watched, she was trying to use the word, ‘Aboru, Aboye, Abiye’ positively in her way.
”I know the devil twists the things of God for his own use, but should or can we as children of God, in the light of Romans 12:2 do the same? I think you know the answer. Such thinking has made the Church conform to the world. These days, you can’t distinguish a Christian from the world in all ways, from dressing, talking, use of worldly vibes in Christian songs, dancing, etc. I remember in times past, a word of commitment from a Christian was seen as a bond; now, when you call yourself a Pastor, that’s when people become extra careful in dealing with you.
”Why? It is because we have refused to conform to the instructions of the Lord by allowing such little compromises in the body of Christ. It’s sad, but it’s the current reality. The Church needs to wake up. Luke 18:8 says, however, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth? The choice is yours.”
The Chairman/Founder of The Address Homes Limited, Dr Bisi Onasanya, has donated a completed multi-million naira block of classrooms to Ilara community in Epe, Lagos State in furtherance of his vision to support education through his philanthropic works.
The donation of a block of six classrooms with a fully-equipped library at Ilara Model Primary School, Ilara, Epe, was made by Onasanya in collaboration with the Rotary Club of Lagos, Bowen College and Bank of Industry and was commissioned by His Royal Majesty Oba Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, the Alara of Ilara-Epe Kingdom on Monday.
Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Onasanya, a former Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of First Bank Plc, said the gesture formed part of his efforts to support the underprivileged and contribute his quota in bridging the infrastructural deficit in Nigeria's education sector.
Onasanya, whose company, The Address Homes Limited, leads the luxury homes market of the property industry, reckoned that the figure of children without access to education in Nigeria is still alarmingly high, a development that should trigger an alignment between the government, private sector and well-meaning Nigerians to address the gap.
"I have always believed that as individuals we should always remember where we are coming from. Society has been kind to some of us and we should give thanks to God; in addition to that, we must give back to that society.
"There is an event that I never shared but remains indelible in my memory. I attended St. Paul Primary School in Idi Oro, Mushin, Lagos, a public school, I remember that on my very first day in school, there was a very rowdy session because people were struggling to get enlisted. I am not sure my mum will remember this incident, the head of the school then, because of the rowdiness and the first come, first serve arrangement, actually slapped my mother. I was six years old, that was in 1967, I can never forget and it made me resolute that no child should be made to go through a situation like that to access education and no child should be disadvantaged as a result of the status of his parents.
"The UNICEF standardization report showed that only 61 percent of children between ages 6 and 11 are in school; this is a dangerous situation and I just thought that no child should be denied basic and quality education, no child should be made to walk up to a mile before he or she could access quality education and I think this is a big opportunity to achieve what I have always wanted to do which is making education easy and accessible to every child," said Onasanya who recently bagged an honourary doctorate degree in finance from the Federal University, Oye-Ekiti.
Meanwhile, the outgoing President of the Rotary Club of Lagos, Joseph Aikhigbe, recalled how Onasanya promptly acceded to their request for the construction of the classrooms which underlined the property mogul's commitment to the upliftment of education in Nigeria.
"Education is a powerful agent of change, it stabilises lives and livelihood and drives long-term economic growth. It is every child's right to have access to quality and basic education. We thank Dr Bisi Onasanya; we approached him on this laudable project and he showed his commitment and kept his word. It is difficult to find people like him, he only told us it is done, and today we are commissioning the project. We laid the foundation on September 29, 2022, and today the edifice is standing before us," he said.
An elated Oba Ogunsanwo said he immediately approved the land for the construction of the project because it aligned with his vision for the kingdom. He said Dr Onasanya's kind gestures would go a long way in solidifying education in his domain.
"When I ascended the throne, I said attention to education will be one of the bedrock of what we do and my three years of ascension have been dedicated to educating our children because they are not only our tomorrow, they are our today, if you train a child, you are educating a nation. We thank God to have bestowed this edifice on the people of Ilara Kingdom through Dr Bisi Onasanya. We also thank Bowen College for providing the furniture and the Bank of Industry for the e-library as well as the physical library. We can't thank you enough and may God reward you," said Oba Ogunsanwo, who is the Vice Chairman of Lagos State Council of Obas.
One of the major highlights of the event was the bestowment of the chieftaincy title of Akinrogun and Yeye Akinrogun of Ilara Kingdom on Dr Onasanya and his wife, Helen, by Oba Ogunsanwo.
Many royal fathers within Lagos and beyond graced the well-attended event. Other dignitaries at the ceremony include the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Abayomi Abolaji; the Chairman of Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board, Wahab Olawale Alawiye-King and property merchant, Otunba Yemi Lawal, among others.
L-R: Olori Yetunde Ogunsanwo, HRM Oba (Dr) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, (Telade IV) The Alara of llora Kingdom, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, Chairman/Founder, The Address Homes Ltd, Rrn. Omorunde Lawson, District Governor, 2022-2023 and Rtn. Joseph O. Akhigbe, President, Rotary Club of Lagos and students of Dowen College during the commissioning of block of 6 classrooms with fully equipped library donated by Dr. Onasanya for Ilara Model Primary School, Along Igbonla Road, Igboku-Kekere llara, Eredo LCDA, Epe Division, Lagos State, on Monday June 26, 2023
L-R: Olori Yetunde Ogunsanwo, HRM Oba (Dr) Olufolarin Olukayode Ogunsanwo, (Telade IV) The Alara of llora Kingdom, Dr. Bisi Onasanya, Chairman/Founder, The Address Homes Ltd and Otunba Yemi Lawal during the commissioning of block of 6 classrooms with fully equipped library donated by Dr. Onasanya for Ilara Model Primary School, Along Igbonla Road, Igboku-Kekere llara, Eredo LCDA, Epe Division, Lagos State, on Monday June 26, 2023