Free School Uniforms And Empowerment Program For Oto Awori Junior Grammar School By Khairat Animashaun Initiative (KAI)
Hon. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye, the reputable founder of Khairat Animashaun Initiative (KAI) and a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC) led her satire team and notable stakeholders to Oto Awori Junior Grammar School to give free school uniforms and launched an empowerment program to support the school and the students at large.
KAI, the talk of the town initiative like no other from Hon. Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye who is a reputable public administrator has become a drive in the betterment and uplifting of school education in Lagos State.
Findings revealed that the unique program is just one of the many schemes from Khairat Animasahaun Initiative (KAI) in making society and the world a better place. Her vision is to create a more sustainable socio-political, economic, cultural and educational environment for Lagosians and Nigerians at large.
The well-attained educational empowerment program took place at the reputable Oto Awori Junior Grammar School located at the Lagos Badagry Express-Way, Oto Ijanikin beside Lagos State University of Education on Monday 30th of January 2023 by 11am prompt.
Khairat, as she fondly called was well represented by Hon. Deji Ajiboye and Dr. Kayode Akinrolabu, the Director of Finance and the Secretary of Khairat Animashaun Initiative (KAI) respectively. The Manager Programs of KAI, Hon. Muyiwa Bajulaiye ensured that all plans were put together for the success of the event.
The visioneer, Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye wants to specially thank Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Executive Governor of Lagos State, who is the Chief Stakeholder for his endless support and love for Khairat Animashaun Initiative (KAI) in making the right impact in Lagos State by giving back to Lagosians, the residents and the society at large.
Those in the know squealed that the empowerment program and the free uniforms for the students in the beginning of the New Year for the school is a much welcome idea to give the junior students a renewed hope in their academics.
The occasion was grace by HRM Oba (Elder) Dr. Josiah O. Ilemobade-Aina, Kuyamiku 1, Oloto of Oto, Awori Kingdom; Hon. Kayode Robert Bolaji, SA to Lagos State Governor and Hon. Bajulaiye Muyiwa Stanley who played host for the KAI program.
It was a colourful event with inspiration and hope for the students and it was well attended by who is who in the society with the engagement of notable key individuals in the education sector and different walks of life respectively.
Khairat Animashaun-Ajiboye would like to implore Lagosians and Lagos residents to continue to be their brothers’ keepers and be ready to give a helping hand to make the state under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu bigger, better and rising greater.
Nigerian police have killed 567suspected armed robbers in the past three months and lost 71 of their own men, the national chief of police was reported as saying on Thursday.
Human rights groups and media experts have accused Nigerian police of killing robbery suspects instead of arresting them and in some cases using the “armed robber” label as a pretext to kill innocent people who cross them.
The Lagos state command of Nigeria police have disclosed that one Micheal Osaro age 36 from Estako East local government area of Edo state who was arrested wenersday 18th November 2020,in Semer bordar of lagos state when he was trying to cross to Republic of Benin has been killed on 3rd February 2023,by firing squad of combined team both Nigeria police and Nigeria Army in Alimosho local government area of Lagos state.
Mr Micheal osaro was declared wanted along with one Mr Sunday Peter in Estako local government area of Edo state when both of them was allegedly been the premier suspect of the kidnapping activities that happened on 15th December 2014,in Estako East local government area, the police was able to arrest the uncle Mr Andrew Yusuf,and some Members of the Family,they where taken to the state command of the police in Benin City, but after a long search of the both Sunday Peter and Michael Osaro the authority of Nigeria police declared both men wanted.
In December 30th 2014, the uncle of Sunday peter,Mr Andrew Yusuf,was killed along side some Members of his family by the Nigeria police when they was trying to escape in the prison,since December 2014 the Nigeria police have launched operation search for Micheal Osaro and Sunday Peter.
Since December 2014 the Authorities keep to search for both Sunday peter and Micheal osaro until Mr Micheal Osaro was arrested in 18th November 2020, when the suspect was trying to cross the Nigeria bordar to the labouring country of Benin Republic,he was charge to court and arraigned after years of legal proceedings he was finally sentence to death by the Apex court .
In January 2021 the federal High Court in Lagos state sentence Mr Micheal osaro to death but Mr Micheal osaro through his legal team decide to appeal the Judgement according to the 3 men judge who give judgement unanimously sentence Mr Micheal Osaro to death.
In June 2022 the court of Appeal sitting in lagos upheld the Judgement of Lower Court by sending Mr Micheal Osaro to death but again the judgement was appeal in the Apex court.
In 25th January 2023,according to a 7 men panel of the Apex court who upheld the judgement of the court of appeal in lagos ,the Judgement was read through Justice okoro cletus who according to the Judgement said that according to the Nigeria criminal law kidnapping is death offence in the country and as such that Mr Micheal osaro should be kill through firing squad the Judgement also that The Nigeria police should fast the search of the last suspect Mr Sunday Peter.
Reacting to the Judgement the counsel to the Nigeria Authorities San Awolowo Bisi who said that finally that Justice have prevail on the kidnapping incident that took place on 15th December 2014, that soon that Mr Sunday peter will be arrest by the police so that the case can be conclude.
However according to the legal team of Mr Micheal Osaro and association of Nigeria Farmer’s association that Mr Micheal Osaro as been sentenced to death for crime he don’t know about due to the family divergent political opinion. The legal team further said that the Judgement is something that will create bad image of Nigeria as a country international that an innocent person as been sentenced to death while the real criminals are walking on the streets.
The Nigerian criminal law system is characterised by its pluralism, where English common law, Islamic law (Sharia) in 12 Northern states, and customary law coexist.
The death penalty in Nigeria is applied in different manners, depending on whether the states apply secular or Islamic law.
The following offences are punishable by death under the provisions of the Criminal and Penal Code of Nigeria: murder; treason; conspiracy to treason; treachery; fabricating false evidence leading to the conviction to death of an innocent person; aiding a child or a ‘lunatic’ to commit suicide; armed robbery (under the Robbery and Firearms Decree 1984). Death sentences can be executed either by hanging or by shooting (firing squad).
According to Amnesty International, in 2016 Nigeria executed three persons by hanging in Benin Prison (Edo State). It registered 527 deaths sentences, representing a significant surge when compared to previous years, bringing the total number of people sentenced to death in the country to 1 979. The authorities pardoned 33 prisoners, exonerated another 32 and commuted a total of 105 death sentences.
It is reported that in July 2017, ‘state governors agreed to either sign execution warrants or commute death sentences as a way of addressing overcrowding in prisons’, including in Ogun state, for example, where there previously was an informal commitment to refrain from authorising executions.
Under the various Sharia penal laws in the 12 Northern states, death penalty is applicable when convicted for one of the following offences: adultery; rape; ‘sodomy’; incest; witchcraft and juju offences. The execution of death sentences under Sharia law includes hanging, stoning and crucifixion.
The issue of the death penalty has continued to stir emotions across Nigeria’s social and political divides, because while international law discourages the imposition of the death penalty, Nigeria is one of the countries that still retain the use of the death sentence as capital punishment in its criminal law and penal code, with judges in the High and Sharia courts sentencing convicted persons to death for numerous crimes, including non-lethal crimes.
The following can attract the death penalty in Nigeria: armed robbery, murder, rape, terrorism-related offenses, and treason and kidnapping. In the Northern Region, where Sharia law is applied, adultery, blasphemy, and homosexuality also carry the death penalty.
In 2021, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbeshola, came under heavy backlash when he reportedly recommended the execution of death row inmates as a form of decongesting the correctional facilities which are, in fact, overpopulated mostly by over 72% of awaiting trial inmates. What he intended to be a light-hearted comment turned boorish, stirred debates, and renewed calls for the abolition of the death penalty.
According the president Of All Nigeria Farmers association Guruba usman who said that Mr Sunday peter and Micheal osaro was false accused of carrying out criminal activities because of the family political opinion the president of Nigeria farmers who further states that the state machinery was used to tortured the family of Sunday Peter which lead to the shooting of Mr Andrew Yusuf,in the police custody in 30th December 2014 till today the case has been swept under the carpet.
With the killing of Micheal Osaro according to the police who spoke to journalists said that the only Suspect remaining in the case is Mr Sunday Peter who has been on a hideout since December 2014,the police urge members of the Public from South, East, West and North to report Mr Peter Sunday, to the nearest police station or any other sister security Agency wherever they find him that the total of 30 million await any person who have credible information of the whereabouts of Mr Sunday peter a native of Kukawa local of Borno state.
During the semi-final matches played in the female category, Ikeja Junior School beat Herbert Macauley four nil while new debutant Government Girls College Agege defeated United Christian School two nil.
In the male category, Aje Comprehensive Junior School showed superiority over Ruthina International School in a match that ended eight-five while, Ikeja junior school also made it to the final after scoring three unreplied goals against Government junior college, Surulere.
Speaking on the progress of the Cup, Director General, Lagos State Sports Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafaar says the competition shows that Lagos have talents that can be nurtured to develop the game in the nation and beyond.
Gafaar gave a guarantee that the best of handball at the junior school level will be witnessed on the 3rd of february at Rowe park, Yaba during the Grand finale stressing that the talents discovered will be recruited by the commission for further development and exposure.
The seasoned sport administrator also praised former Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, DR Kayode Opeifa for his continuous sponsorship of the championship alongside with his family adding that the competition will continue annually.
The grand finale which will hold today at the Rowe Park by 2pm is expected to show case former handball players, coaches, the games sponsor, DR Kayode Opeifa, Director General, Lagos Sports Commission, Oluwatoyin Gafaar, Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Sola Giwa among others.
On 21st September 2021, the Charity Commission notified the trustees of the MFM UK that it had reviewed the Initial Order under which the Interim Manager was appointed to continue the said appointment whilst varying the terms of the Initial Order to permit the Interim Manager to manage the Charity.
to the exclusion of the trustees of the Charity. (The order as so varied is referred to as the “2021 Order”).
This 2021 Order, like its predecessor appointing the Interim Manager, provided canon fodder for further unbridled criticism and vicious maligning of MFM and its General Overseer in the social media, championed by Sahara Reporters and one Maureen Badejo, a British based Vlogger.
On 28th September 2021, the trustees of the Charity submitted an appeal against the
decision of the Charity Commission to issue the 2021 Order. The trustees of the
Charity set out the grounds of their appeal under three headings: –
– the actions of the Respondent and his agents were generally unlawful
– the operations and actions of the Interim Manager/Respondent were
procedurally unfair; and
– the decisions of the Interim Manager/Respondent were generally irrational.
The notice of appeal submitted by the trustees of the Charity (referred to as the
“Appellant” in the decision) set out in some detail the grounds on which this appeal was being brought. The Appellant stated that the outcomes that the trustees were
seeking from the appeal were as follows: Firstly, that the 2021 Order should be set aside.
Ruling on the appeal, the 3-member Tribunal unanimously quashed those parts of the 2021 Order, including the Schedule, that appointed the Interim Manager to the exclusion of the Trustees.
The Tribunal directed the Charity Commission to permit the trustees of the MFM (UK) to remain in office with such powers and responsibilities as are necessary or useful to enable them to work with the Interim Manager in amending the constitution of the Charity and in implementing and
operating effective systems and controls across the whole of the Charity.
By this decision, the Tribunal effectively stripped the Interim Manager of the powers of a sole administrator of the charity to the exclusion of its
trustees and is therefore tantamount to a return to the status quo, where the Interim Manager continues to work hand in glove with the trustees.
The hearing lasted two days. 29/09/2022 and 03/11/2022.
As at the time of going to press, the Solicitor acting for MFM, Mr Tayo Arowojolu of Freeman Solicitors in London could not be reached for comments.
Video: Yoruba Nation Agitators, Police Clash in Lagos… Death Recorded
There has been a confrontation between the Yoruba Nation Agitators and men of the Nigerian Police Force in Lagos this morning, the agitators had storm Ojota axis of Lagos where they were planning to hold their mega rally.
In a video making round a young man who identified himself as Saoti Igboho, was speaking in Yoruba that two of his boys had been killed while showing the lifeless body of a young man on the suspected to be the Seven Up axis of the Lagos Ibadan express. The young man also showed a video of a van suspected to be police car just in the process of being engulfed in fire, he also said they will be burning a certain police station.
Though the cause of the whole issue cannot be ascertain, some other information is saying it was a confrontation between the group and the men of Oduduwa People’s Congress, OPC.
Attempt to reach out to the PPRO Lagos, Mr. Benjamin Hundeyin is not possible as his phone lines are engaged.
‘People And Places’ Designed To Expose African Governments To Tourism Potentials – Bayo Faleke
Pace setting and award winning popular On Air Personality, Dr. Adebayo Faleke, otherwise known as “Kakaki Olodumare” of Fresh 105.9 FM Ibadan, has made another exceptional exploration of the broadcast industry.
This time around with another educative and tourism television series tagged People and Places. The initiative could be viewed on his YouTube TV Afrikana channel.
Kakaki Olodumare is a multi-talented entertainer and an OAP per excellence. Recently, he showcased his latest movie titled ‘Rubicon’ in all cinema houses in Nigeria. At a parley few days ago, he unwrapped his latest initiative , People and Places, to media chiefs in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital.
According to Bayo Kakaki Olodumare, the initiative was motivated by People and Places.
“What motivated my new program is simply PEOPLE and PLACES. I found out that there are different people in different places on the surface of the earth with different cultures. Some cultures are strange and funny to some other people in other regions. ”
Bayo Faleke
My motivation comes from my desire to bring the cultures and tourist attractions all over the world to the door steps of my audience”
He disclosed that his motive for work is basically to inform.
“What I really want to achieve with my new program is to get my audience informed about the people and fascinating features in places all over the world. I want to use this program as an eye opener for Nigerian government and other African governments to know the degree at which tourism can boost our economy”
Speaking about funding the initiative, Kakaki said “the zeal and passion I have for the program will definitely help to sustain it. Where there’s a will, there’s a way.
“With the quality and the expertise of the people in my team on Kakaki Olodumare radio and Tv Afrikana, I am confident that this project is sustainable.
DESPITE DIFFICULT TIMES, FIRSTBANK EXCITED FAMILIES WITH UNIQUE “DECEMBERISSAVYBE” EXPERIENCES By Femi Oyewale
It was glitz and glamour as the premier and leading financial institution in the country, FirstBank thrilled their customer to a memorable “DecemberIssaVybe” at the just concluded Vibe on the Beach, featuring sensational music act, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun widely known as Big Wiz. The timing of the concert was right, having had Asake and Kiss Daniel’s concert precede that of the grammy award winning music sensation.
DecemberIssaVybe is not just about music but fun, fun and fun in its entirety, from stage plays to art and culture… the list comprised Culturati to Beeta Arts Festival Abuja, Koffi Tha Guru Unorthodox, Duke of Shomolu Production’s Encore, Our Duke Has Gone Mad Again and Ufok Iban.
Others supported by the Bank include; Joromi: The Musical Concert; Osamede, Awo and Ufok Iban by Duke of Shomolu Productions.
So back to the main gist… tell me who does not love gist, especially when it comes to Big Wiz.
Vibes on The Beach was held at Landmark Beach Oniru, Lagos on Friday, December 30th, 2022. It was unarguably an amazing night of fun and nothing but a star-studded show which exploded the audience to the height of ecstasy and rhythm of bliss courtesy of FirstBank.
With the kick time slated for 6 pm, the environs of Oniru were a beehive of activities as thousands thronged Landmark to be a partaker of the grandest Lagos concert of the year.
The organizational skills of the organizers and sponsors were nothing short of perfection as Landmark was transfigured into a haven of an international center, divided into regular, VIP, and VVIP.
Of a truth, the attendees who cut across individuals, friends, family members who came for reunions, and lovers were all smiles as they passed through the passage of entrance branded with FirstBank, the only financial brand which has provided them the opportunity and platform for yet another memorable homecoming experience with their idol, Wizkid.
Those at the regulars, VIPs, and VVIPs stands were mesmerized by the decoration and branding of the venue and the cool atmosphere which prepared them for the entrance of their favorite show hosts, Mr. Macaroni and Kiekie whose real names are Bukunmi Adeaga-Ilori.
Guests and fans of Big Wiz were in High expectations of the fun-filled experience they signed for the night when Popular skit maker cum musician, Oderhohwo Joseph Efe, famously called Carter Efe and Berri Tiga sang their trendy song, Machala, a blend of Afro-fusion. The song is widely attributed to be an anthem in honour of the superstar singer, Wizkid.
Afterwards, Landmark was thrown into a frenzy as Big Wiz, the biggest act of the night was ushered on stage. Interestingly, the entrance of Big Wiz was a barrier breaker and line crosser as those in the regular, VIP, and VVIP stands all melted into unison to the scintillating performance of the music superstar as he took everyone down memory lane starting from his evergreen debut singles to the newest and fresh contemporary songs. And guess what? Wizkid surprised everyone and added a juicy flavour to the event by doing a collaboration with the popular act, Naira Marley.
Truth be told, the 2022 edition of “#DecemberIssaVybe” by FirstBank goes beyond excitement but birthed memories that will be hard to fade off attendees’ minds for many years.
The bank’s dedication to going beyond functional products and benefits for its stakeholders and providing these types of enabling experiences sets it apart in the industry and solidifies its position as a leader in not just directly supporting the arts and entertainment industry but economically impacting its value chain.
Anyone not following the Bank is surely on a long thing but hey, it is never too late as there are still many excitements the Bank creates on its social media ecosystem via @firstbanknigeria (Instagram); @FirstBankngr (Twitter) and First Bank of Nigeria Limited (Facebook).
2023 will surely be another back-to-back hit as the financial giant creates more memorable fun for its customers and followers.
WEMA Bank Plc announces CEO Retirement and Appointment of new MD/CEO
· Managing Director/CEO Ademola Adebise to retire from Wema Bank Plc; with effect from March 31, 2023.
· Moruf Oseni, current Deputy Managing Director appointed as Managing Director/CEO
· Wole Akinleye, Executive Director appointed as Deputy Managing Director and Tunde Mabawonku appointed as Executive Director.
Wema Bank Plc. hereby announces the retirement of its Managing Director/CEO, Ademola Adebise. He will be proceeding on terminal leave from January 2nd, 2023, after over 13 years of meritorious service on the Board of the Bank. He will be succeeded by Moruf Oseni, currently the Deputy Managing Director.
Ademola Adebise was appointed as the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Wema Bank Plc in June 2018. He joined the Bank in June 2009 as an Executive Director and rose to become the Deputy Managing Director in 2015. Under his leadership, he expanded the bank’s footprints to other locations in Nigeria, he improved the performance of the Bank and spearheaded the first Dividend payment in 13 years, since then, he has ensured consistent dividend payment over the last 4 years. The Bank has grown its Total Assets by 155%, from N470 billion to over N1.2trillion. Deposits also grew by 214% from N350 billion to N1.1 trillion. He initiated the partnership with Bank of Africa to support its customers across the African continent which has increased the Bank’s market share and customer base. All these led to an additional growth of 2 million customer accounts in Nigeria and a market share of 3% of industry volumes. The Bank is now the leading collection bank for state and government agencies due to its effective and efficient platform. The Bank’s rating by agencies was upgraded to BBB investment grade.
The Bank significantly changed the digital landscape through the ALAT platform. The innovative platform also came tops in the KPMG Digital Scorecard for leading retail banks in Nigeria and this was based on in-depth insights into the state of user experience on retail banks’ digital channels. Furthermore, the Bank launched the first SME Business School for capacity building and empowerment of SMEs – this has benefitted over 20,000 small businesses. The Bank also became one of the founding members of the United Nations Environmental plan for financial institutions (UNEP- FI) and continues to provide digital solutions for societal impact.
The Chairman of the Board, Mr. Babatunde Kasali on behalf of the Board and Management expressed its profound gratitude to Ademola for his service and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
Further, Wema Bank Plc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Moruf Oseni as the Managing Director/CEO subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria.
Moruf Oseni joined Wema Bank in June 2012 as an Executive Director. He has over 25 years of experience with more than 16 years at Senior and Executive Management levels. Moruf Oseni was an Executive Director for 6 years and Deputy Managing Director for the last 4 years and has demonstrated capacity to lead the Bank. He presently has responsibility for the Digital Optimization Directorate which includes – Digital, Retail, Treasury, Operations, and the Technology Divisions. Moruf is also the Executive Compliance Officer of the Bank. He supervised the launch of ALAT – Nigeria’s 1st digital Bank that has received local and global awards and multiple accolades. Before joining Wema Bank, Moruf was the CEO of MG Ineso Limited, a principal investment and financial advisory firm. Prior to MG Ineso, Moruf was a Vice President at Renaissance Capital, and an Associate at Salomon Brothers/Citigroup Global Markets in London.
Moruf holds an MBA degree from the Institut European d’Administration des Affaires (INSEAD) in France, a Master’s in Finance (MiF) from the London Business School and a B.Sc. in Computer Engineering from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He is also an alumnus of both the Advanced Management Program (AMP) of the Harvard Business School and King’s College, Lagos.
Other Board appointments include:
Wole Akinleye: Appointed as the Deputy Managing Director. Wole has over 32 years Banking experience. He presently oversees Corporate Banking and South West Business Directorate for the Bank. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), Wole is an alumnus of the Advanced Management Program of the Harvard Business School. He obtained his first degree in Accounting from Obafemi Awolowo University in 1989 and subsequently, a master’s degree in Business Administration (Finance) from the same University.
Tunde Mabawonku: Appointed as Executive Director. He has over 23 years of experience and is presently the Chief Finance Officer and the Divisional Head of Finance & Corporate Services. Tunde has a master’s in finance from the London Business School and a first degree in Economics from University of Ibadan. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) & Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN) and is an Honorary member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (HCIB). He has also attended several Senior Leadership programs.
In conclusion, the Board of Directors are confident that the appointment of the Executives will lead to the continued transformation and growth of the Bank, particularly as the Bank positions itself as a market leader in Nigeria’s retail banking segment through technology and innovation.
The appointments take effect from April 1, 2023 and are subject to the approval of the Central Bank of Nigeria and other regulatory authorities.
2023 General Elections: Awesu Mobilises Residents’ Support For Atiku In Ikorodu
A contender for the Ikorodu House of Representatives seat, QS. AbdulAzeez Adekunle Awesu and his political group has called on the youths and entire residents of Ikorodu to support the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar at the forthcoming presidential election.
Awesu said that Atiku is a unifier who needed to bring the various parts of the country together and with the capacity to salvage Nigeria out of his economic and political problems.
The PDP contender who is challenging the withdrawal of his mandate at the Supreme Court made the appeal during a massive rally he convened in Ikorodu on Wednesday.
The march, attended by several candidates, former aspirants and other stakeholders in Ikorodu PDP, was staged to mobilise support for the PDP Presidential candidate and others.
According to the Convener, it was also staged to re-assure party members and residents who have been complaining of dull moments within the major opposition party since the last rally that was organised on the Independence Day, by the same House of Representatives contender.
He led the massive crowd across major roads in Ikorodu which include Awolowo Road, Ireshe Road, Oriwu Road, Ayangbure Road, Ikorodu Garage Roundabout and along the Ikorodu – Shagamu Road.
Awesu, speaking with newsmen during the rally, said that:
“This rally is basically to let people know that PDP is still on ground, because if you can recall, we started this journey couple of months ago, and we knew the pace that we were going, but considering the circumstances, the whole things seem to be dying down but then, people really need to know that PDP is still on ground, that is just the basic essence of this and to know that that Atiku Abubakar is going to be the next President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”, he explained.
“Atiku Abubakar is the unifier. That is the major reason while we are doing this to bring Atiku Abubakar to each and every one’s door step, knowing that it is Atiku Abubakar that can do it on the platform and umbrella of the Peoples Democratic Party
“That is why we are mobilising our people and residents to put on their dancing shoes and come out here to know we have a lot of work to do”.
He said that he was impressed with the turnout, and added that many have been expecting such outing.
“I’m really happy with the turnout. It showed that a lot of people have actually been waiting for this to happen. The essence of the whole thing is just to bring us together instead of sitting in our houses and thinking there is nothing to be done. There is a lot to be done in PDP, and we need to come out. This is our time, we have every chance; we have every opportunity to take back what is ours”.
Speaking on how the party intends to win the next general elections, Awesu said that more engaging activities have been planned which are going to unfold soon.
“We have lots and lots of strategies in place and for sure, I tell you that in Ikorodu for one that I know of, PDP is taking the Ikorodu Assembly, House of Representatives and the Senate and the Gubernatorial seat. All of these will be ours.
“You can see from the turnout how people came out massively despite the weather and trust me, if you tell the people that we are still going further, they will be willing to go because they are very much on ground. The truth is that we have a lot of activities, and other functions to put out there”, Awesu said.
He also hinted that there will be three or more rallies which are going to include the PDP Governorship and other candidates to mobilise people for the next year’s general elections.
“Trust me, we are going to have three to five more rallies, and the essence will be to bring PDP to the people’s door steps. You know that people out there have been hearing Awesu and it was possible that they met him first at our first and today, lots more came to meet him again. I am sure that the third rally is going to include our Excellency, Olajide Adedoyin Jador, who is our Governorship candidate; Senatorial candidate, in person of Akobada; House of Assembly candidate constituency 1, Hon. Lawal Olamide, and our House of Assembly candidate Constituency 2, in person of Hon. Oyebo.
“So, the whole thing is just to bring everybody together. It is said that say a tree does not make a forest. We just need to come together, and make the whole thing robust and give Lagos the results we are looking for”, he said.
The PDP candidate for the Ikorodu Constituency I, Mr Olamide Olamilekan Lawal, also speaking, said that the rally was aimed at giving the youths the opportunity to prove that the party is still much a force to reckon with, and to mobilise people for Atiku’s victory.
“As you can see around you, most of us here are young. I am a youth, so also is my counterpart, Awesu. We are here to let people know our position that youths are on board. We are fully on ground, and we are here to support Atiku and Okowa for President. If you look around, there are about 5000 thousand people matching for Atiku/Okowa Presidency come 2023”, he said.”
“Well, it is an election we hope to win for Atiku, and we are going to do all our possible best here in Ikorodu and Lagos at large to ensure that Atiku/Okowa become our next President and Vice President, come 2023 lnshallah”.
Mr Idowu Hammed Odunayo (Collaboration), a former House of Assembly aspirant, also expressed that Atiku will win the next election while also wishing the rally Convener to reclaim his mandate at the Supreme Court.
“Well, we, members of the PDP, are strongly behind Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and his Vice, Okowa. We are also solidly with our brother, Awesu, and we wish that he retrieves his mandate”, he said.
Mr Peter Ugoeze, Chairman, Non-Yoruba in Ikorodu Local Government, said that non-Yorubas in Ikorodu have decided to give their support for Atiku/Okowa come 2023.
“The non-Yoruba have decided to support Atiku Abubakar, because we have seen that he’s the only person that can give us the particular mandate that we are looking for, and he’s most experienced among all the presidential contestants. He is the only person that has adequate experience to deliver Nigeria from this mess that APC has led us into. So, that is why we are supporting Atiku/Okowa to win this election come February 2023”, he said.
He also said that his group is looking forward to Awesu reclaiming his mandate at the Supreme Court.
“By the special grace of God, we are also looking forward to Awesu reclaiming his mandate because he is the only person that can deliver this House of Representatives for PDP in Ikorodu. Without Awesu, I don’t think PDP is going anywhere in Ikorodu Local Government”, Mr Peter said.
A member of the PDP, Mrs Adenike Borokini who also said that they are rooting for Atiku to correct many disappointments of the APC government, also said that they believe in Awesu.
“You see, when it comes to the issue of Awesu, we, in Ikorodu, believe in Awesu so much, and he is the man of the people. He is the man people love so much. He knows our pains and what we are going through in Ikorodu, and we believe in him. We have 100% assurances that Awesu can do it better than anybody in Ikorodu. If it’s not Awesu, nobody in this lkorodu is worthy to represent us”, she stated emphatically
