Billionaire ‘Jite Okoloko, Ex-wife Fight Dirty over Multimillion Dollar Debt
Billionaire Oil Mogul, Onajite Okoloko, and his estranged wife, Salma Okoloko, are currently at war over outstanding contract debt his company, Eroton Exploration and Production Company is owing his wife’s company, Tectonic Oil Tools Limited (TOTL) for job executed for Eroton’s OML 18.
Court papers and documents detailing correspondence between both companies on one hand and between Tectonic and NNPC Limited (new owners of OML 18 oil field) showing that the original debt owed Tectonic by Eroton was $37million and N5.3 billion respectively has emerged
A letter from Tectonic dated April 6, 2023 and addressed to the Group Managing Director of NNPCL, said the money was for contract awarded Tectonic by Eroton dated May 1, 2016 for the provision of Coiled Tubings, Pumping, and Nitrogen Lift Services with contract No. EEP 16-0125.
The letter stated that TOTL has since executed the contract but is yet to be fully paid by Onajite’s Eroton.
It will be recalled that NNPCL took over operatorship of the OML 18 Asset from Eroton Exploration and Production Company. It was gathered that while NNPCL has duly paid Eroton all its dues, Eroton was yet to pay off TOTL the balance of $14 million and N2.9 billion for the said contract executed.
It was also gathered that following a court order, Eroton had in a letter dated 2nd July 2021, addressed to The Vice President Operations, Tectonic Oil Tools Limited, No 4, Okunola Martins Close, Off Awolowo Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria, admitted to owing TOTL a balance “sums (net of taxes) of NGN 2,969,754,531.07 (Two Billion, Nine Hundred and Sixty Nine Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty Four Thousand, Five Hundred and Thirty One Naira, Seven Kobo Only) and USD 14,030,212.87 (Fourteen Million, Thirty Thousand, Two Hundred and Twelve United States Dollars and Eighty Seven Cents Only) due and payable to your company.”
The letter which detailed a Payment Plan to liquidate the debt owed TOTL by Eroton read in part: “We also recognize that some other claims have been submitted and confirm that same are currently undergoing verification and reconciliation. These additional claims would be included in the outstanding sums detailed above upon completion of the reconciliation exercise. The payment plan will be amended accordingly to include the additional claims and paid within the same time frame.
“In respect of the reconciled outstanding sums referenced above, please find below our payment plan,” the letter said. While the letter listed how the outstanding debt will be paid between Q3 2021 and Q3 2022 for the N2.9 billion, it also listed how the outstanding $14 million will be liquidated between Q4 2021 and Q3 2022.
The letter signed by Ibironke Olaniyi, Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for Eroton Exploration & Production Company, ended with “Please be advised that we would notify you of the payments as they are made in line with the specified timelines and assure you of our highest regard.” However, it was reliably learnt that despite the tone of camaraderie of the letter, Eroton has reneged on the payment terms and agreement.
“We are shocked that in spite of our mutual respect for and patience with Eroton, they have reneged on a mutually agreed payment plan which was the aftermath of a court order. We have laid our complaint with appropriate authorities including the NNPCL. We will use every legal means available to us to recoup our money,” a source at TOTL told our reporter.
Onajite and his wife, Salma, had been locked in a divorce drama. Onajite had filed for a divorce in 2020, threatening to send his wife out of their Florida (United States) home with their two kids.
But rather than filing for divorce in Florida where they got married and where he confirmed as his place of residence, he went to a court in Badagry, Lagos. The divorce case is currently at the Appeal Court.
Recall that NNPCL recently announced acquisition of Eroton’s OML 18 in what industry watchers said was a move to maximise productivity of the oil field which had suffered deep slump recently just before the acquisition
The swearing in of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the 16th president of Nigeria on May 29th, 2023, brought a ray of hope that things would change for the better very soon. Nigerians were waiting with bated breathe to see whether or not the new administration would be a marked departure from what they had become used to – dashed hopes.
Happily, there are great signs that there is light at the end of the tunnel after all. In fact, the way it is going, we may not wait to get to the end of the tunnel to see the light, as there have already been flickers since the inception of the Tinubu administration, a very clear indication that things are turning around for good.
Putting it succinctly, going by the appointments so far announced by the Presidency, it is quite clear that Nigeria is on the march again. Square pegs are readily being fitted into the square holes, and round pegs are equally settling into the round holes.
A pattern is beginning to emerge in Mr. President’s choice of men to work with. He seems to be going for the best in their class. And this started with the list of the highly cerebral and internationally exposed special advisers, which include the likes of Mr. Wale Edun, Mr. Yau Darazo, Mr. Dele Alake and Nuhu Ribadu who has since resumed as National Security Adviser.
We saw yesterday what appears to be a monumental win for Nigeria if indeed Dr. Ali Pate is joining this government. Dr. Ali Pate is a world-renowned medical doctor and public health expert who has garnered awards and accolades from almost every health organization in the world, top of the pack being Harvard health leader, awarded him in 2012.
Dr. Pate had earlier served Nigeria in the capacity of minister state for Health. He was also the global director for Health, Nutrition and Population and Director of the Global Financing Facility for Women, Children and Adolescents (GFF) at the World Bank Group.
These are great signs of things to come and we are here, ready and eagerly anxious to celebrate our nation’s rebirth. Well done Mr. President.
Speaker Obasa Congratulates Sanwo-Olu At 58, Celebrates Gbajabiamila On Birthday
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has congratulated Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, as they mark their birthdays.
While Governor Sanwo-Olu is 58, Gbajabiamila, immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, is 61.
In a message celebrating Sanwo-Olu, Dr. Obasa described the Governor as a Lagosian whose background and experience in the corporate world have helped in sustaining the position of Lagos as the yardstick for measuring development in Nigeria.
Obasa described Sanwo-Olu as an exemplary Governor with a sense of purpose and commitment to the ideals that make Lagos great.
“You have constantly ignited the passion for the sustenance of the dream, vision and the inclusiveness that have kept us achieving more for the people of our dear State.
“Your life speaks a volume of blessings, God’s favour and, because you are a technocrat of repute, our State of excellence will continue to benefit from your wealth of knowledge and experience as you increase in age.
“Indeed, this is just the beginning of greater years to come,” the Speaker said in a statement by his media office.
Rejoicing with Gbajabiamlia, Dr. Obasa described the former Speaker as a compassionate person and one who breathes life into every task to which he finds himself assigned.
“You have consistently displayed genuineness of purpose and leadership.
“We witnessed this in the various positions you held at the House of Representatives and more especially as Speaker. History will always throw you up as the leader of one of the most peaceful periods of the House of Representatives in Nigeria.
“Your leadership skills, diligence and commitment to nation-building are few of your radiant and remarkable attributes that will continue to help you meet the tasks ahead as you support Mr. President in his pursuit for a greater Nigeria.
“On behalf of my family, colleagues, management and staff of the Lagos legislature, I pray that Almighty Allah will always empower you to remain of service to Him and humanity, amin,” Speaker Obasa prayed.
Heritage Bank Engulfed in Leadership Crisis …MD Akinola George-Taylor goes on vendetta sacking to oust ‘owners’
* Bank battles liquidation, struggles to stay afloat
A seeming boardroom crisis that may rock troubled Heritage Bank to its foundation is currently brewing in the bank, THE WITNESS exclusively reports.
Competent sources within the bank told THE WITNESS that the imbroglio involves the current managing director and chief executive of the bank, Mr. Akinola George-Taylor and some board members.
Less than one year after assuming office as bank’s head honcho, the new bank chief may have plunged the distressed bank into further boardroom crisis, compounding the lender’s many challenges.
George-Taylor, who joined Heritage Bank as acting managing director/chief executive officer on September 12, 2022, succeeded Ifie Sekibo, the bank’s founder and pioneer managing director who served out his 10-year tenure in September 2022. George-Taylor was, however, confirmed by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the substantive managing director of the lender in April 2023.
But while the bank’s shareholders may have been expecting that the new helmsman would change its fortunes and drive growth, sources say he has instead, allegedly, instigated internal crisis, in an attempt to rid the bank of those suspected to be loyalists of some board members, and employ his own people. The move, sources disclosed were unconnected with the new bank chief’s plan to oust some board members who are said to be at loggerheads with him, from the bank.
The bank’s chief is said to be enjoying the support of a top shareholder of the bank whom sources say is allegedly determined to solely take over the bank and get rid of the owners.
Top sources in the bank, which has been struggling to stay afloat in recent months, informed THE WITNESS that not less than 70 senior staff members have been sacked, while a number of others were asked to resign. Besides those who were forced to leave, sources say that some resigned voluntarily over poor working conditions, while the once active branches of the bank are as quiet as graveyards. THE WITNESS further gathered that the affected staff were disengaged without paying them their accrued entitlements and allowances.
This development comes despite an order by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) barring deposit money banks from mass sack of their workers.
“I can tell you that there is war at Heritage Bank as we speak. Over 70 persons have been asked to go, while some were asked to resign. Mind you, those who were asked to go have not been paid any compensation,” said a management staff who preferred anonymity.
“The mission of the new managing director is to ease out those who are loyal to some board members whom the managing director is not in tune with, so he could employ his own people,” one of the sources said.
The latest crisis comes amid persisting financial distress in the bank.
THE WITNESS gathered that the bank has been struggling to pay workers’ salaries for some time now, even as depositors have not been able to access their funds.
The apex bank, it would be recalled, had come under pressure to withdraw the bank’s license over its alleged bankruptcy issues, and inability to meet obligations to depositors.
Many had wondered why the Nigeria’s banking regulator had not wielded its hammer on the bank despite its troubled and distressed state.
Further investigations by THE WITNESS however revealed that apart from the issues of “Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) and the Liquidity Ratio (LR), the commercial bank is also grappling with many other crises that tend to threaten its survival.
One of them is its poor services which are staring its customers in the face. Already, most of its branches are awash with complaints of unsatisfied customers whose singsong is their plans to close their accounts due to long hours they experience to get services from Heritage Bank staff.
In our fact-finding mission, THE WITNESS contacted Ozenna Utulu, the head of Corporate Communications of Heritage Bank for the bank’s angle.
In her response, Utulu said: “These things are not true, there is no boardroom crisis at the bank. Of course, organizations everywhere restructure from time to time.”
Just In: Akpabio Emerge Senate President with 63 Votes While Abbas Emerge Speaker with Landslide victory
The tussle for the leadership of the national assembly of the 10th Senate and the Speakership of the Federal House of Representatives has been put to rest with the election of Godswill Akpabio, senator representing Akwa Ibom North-West as the senate president.
He polled 63 Votes to defeated Abdulaziz Yari, senator representing Zamfara Central who polled 46 votes, to win the election on Tuesday.
Also in the Green Chamber House of Representatives, Honourable T J Abbas emerge as Speaker in a one sided landslide victory against Hon Idris Wase and Hon Jaji Aminu
Just In: Obasa Makes History, Reelected Speaker 3rd Time
Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa has been re-elected by his colleagues to lead the Lagos State House of Assembly as Speaker for the third consecutive time.
The lawmakers also elected Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda as the Deputy Speaker.
Obasa was unanimously re-elected after a proclamation of the 10th Assembly of the Lagos State House of Assembly by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was present with Deputy Governor Obafemi Hamzat and top government officials at the chamber of the House.
Obasa, the most ranking member of the House, was nominated by Hon. Temitope Adewale, who was seconded by Sylvester Ogunkelu.
Hon. Noheem Adams, the Deputy Majority Leader in the ninth Assembly, was elected as the new Majority Leader while Hon. Adedamola Kasunmu was elected the Deputy Majority Leader.
Hon. Mojeed Fatai of Ibeju Lekki 1 was elected as the Chief Whip while Hon. David Setonji was elected the Deputy Chief Whip.
The Commissioner of Police for Ondo State, CP Taiwo Jesubiyi on Friday presented cheques amounting to the sum of
Thirteen million, Three hundred and sixteen thousand, Two hundred and seventy-seven naira, Twenty -Two Kobo (#13,316,277.22k) to 27 beneficiaries.
This financial gift is one of the welfare packages of the Inspector General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba psc (+), NPM, fdc, CFR for the family of late Officers who paid the supreme price while serving their fatherland.
The CP, while presenting the cheques to the beneficiaries who were next of kins of the late Police officers, urged them to use the money for their upkeep and welfare of their respective families
He added that the cheques received from the office of the Inspector General of Police was meant to ameliorate the pains of the deceased immediate family.
Mrs Odugbo Blessing Precious on behalf of other recipients, appreciated the effort of the IGP in ensuring the families of late Police Officers do not suffer after the demise of their loved ones who have served the Country and also prayed for the progress of the Nigeria Police Force.
Breaking: Lagos 9th Assembly Ends, Lawmakers-elect Declare Obasa To Speak Again
The ninth session of the Lagos State House of Assembly officially ended on Friday with the returning lawmakers and lawmakers-elect all declaring support for Dr. Mudashiru Obasa as Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
The lawmakers-elect, who were physically present at the sitting, spoke with journalists immediately after the valedictory session of the House presided over by Speaker Obasa.
Speaking on behalf of the returning lawmakers, the immediate past Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Mojisola Lasbat Meranda, said Speaker Obasa had no rival.
“I give it to the Rt. Hon. Speaker Obasa for being able to coordinate 40 members of different backgrounds, different thinking and religions and even different tribes because we had Hon. Jude Idimogu,” she said.
On what qualifies the Speaker for a return, Hon. Meranda said: “Obasa is the best man for the job. The experience, capacity and leadership skills are there and I don’t see anybody matching up to him.
“He will be returning as a sixth timer and I don’t think any of us is on the same pedestal with him. I wish him all the best in the 10th Assembly because he is going to lead us again. He is a fantastic man.”
Also addressing journalists, Hon. Mojeed Fatai, immediate past chairman of the Committee on Public Accounts (local), said the leadership of the ninth Assembly ensured a cordial relationship among members.
“Mudashiru Obasa is going to speak again in the 10th Assembly. He is a man we have all resolved to lead us. When we started four years ago, all of us were elected from the APC and it was because of his effort and the way he handled the House.
“Today, we have 38 members from the APC coming in the 10th Assembly. The success is because of Obasa’s leadership capability. He is the best for the House and we want him to continue,” he said.
On his part, Hon. Temitope Adewale (Ifako Ijaiye Constituency 1), described Obasa as a leader who had made tremendous impact on the members.
“Under Obasa, the executive and legislative arms of government have enjoyed a fantastic relationship and that is why you have developmental growth across the State today. You can also see the bills passed into law.
“With Mr. Speaker coming back and with our governor back, they will give to Lagosians the desired development that they yearn for particularly considering the fact that we now have a President who is from here,” Adewale said.
Speaking on behalf of the 20 first-term lawmakers-elect, Oladipo Olayinka Ajomale, who will represent Oshodi Isolo 2 at the 10th Assembly, said he and his colleagues have resolved to support Obasa as Speaker of the 10th Assembly.
“I can assure you that the 20 of us who are new are fully in support of Speaker Obasa for the 10th Assembly because we have learnt and understudied and we know that this is a man who has proven himself over and over again to be the best man for the job.
“Logically thinking about it, he is the most experienced in the House. So it doesn’t make sense for anyone to come and do trial by error. I stand with him fully and all of us who are new also support the Speaker to speak for us at the 10th Assembly,” he said.
Earlier, the Speaker had commended the ninth Assembly lawmakers for their support which led to the passing of 46 bills, over 120 resolutions and a couple of regulations.
He also presented certificates of meritorious service to the members.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly
ONE of the most powerful televangelist in Nigeria’s contemporary theological history, would be testing Edo turbulent political turf for the 2024 Governorship contest. Strictly speaking, Dr Azemhe Friday Azena is a special figure in modern Nigeria’s regenerative struggle, and is on the same clarity of thoughts status level as his mentor, Apostle Johnson Suleiman, and Mr Peter Obi, the Presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), in the just concluded general elections.
His intending adventure into the Nigerian murky political waters – filled with sharks; cultists, bloodthirsty pillagers in a conquered nation – where vote buying; ballot stuffing and snatching, maiming and killing are standard norms, would take more than mere gospeling to reinvent and revamp a vanquished state and people. Even though the stakes are high for his platform, the Labour Party (LP), it would be an uphill task to dismantle that culture of political torture, propagate enhanced freedom of speech, as well as destroy the existing feudal systems, firmly rooted in ritual and magic!
The most alluring and balmy aspect in the coming days would be Edo citizen’s access to a new kind of politics. As a page-turner that Dr Azemhe is, with excessive energy, his exposition would be a lesson, as well as an opportunity to get inside the mind of an honest man.
Born on December 25th 1979, in Afokpella in Okpella into the family of Mr and Mrs Beatrice Williams Azena of Okpekpe clan, all in Etsako East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, Dr Azemhe Friday Azena is a profile in forensic brilliance.
Dr Azemhe had his Primary Education in Eveva Primary School in Okpella from 1985 to 1991. He wrote the Senior School Certificate Examination ( SSCE, NECO) in Local Government Secondary School, Agassa, Okene in Kogi State, in the year 2000 and got his certificate in 2002.
From 2003 to 2005, he had his OND in Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Auchi. From 2006 to 2008, he had his HND in Mass Communication, Federal Polytechnic Auchi, Edo State. He served the nation in 2009/2010 at Imo State, during his National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC). In 2007, he had his Diploma in Theology at Omega Bible Institute.
Between 2014 to 2018, he had his associate degree and Bachelor Degree in Religious Studies. He further obtained Master’s Degree and Doctorate Degree in Christian Philosophy at Bethel University College of Biblical Studies. On September 13th, 2020, Dr Azemhe Azena was awarded an Honorary Doctorate Degree by The Institute of Chartered Economist of Nigeria. Presently, Dr Azemhe Azena is a Law Student at the prestigious Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.
Dr Azemhe Azena is blessed with a lovely wife, Pastor (Mrs.) Uwazota Precious Azemhe Azena (nee) Igiebor. She was born into the Royal family of Honourable and Mrs Fred Igiebor Olaye -Ogbenalaka of the Bini Kingdom, Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria. They are blessed with Four Lovely Children.
Dr Azemhe Azena popularly called “The Very True Son of the Oracle”, joined Omega Fire Ministries as a Pastor in 2007, and has been Pastoring for over fifteen years. He is the Southern Region 2 Head Pastor with over one hundred and twenty (120) local Churches under his capacity, and also he is the Coordinator of the European Churches, such as Italy, Spain, Turkey, Cyprus, as well as some African countries like Gabon, Cameron, Mali etc, under the able leadership of God’s choice servants: Apostle (Prof.) and Rev. Dr. Lizzy Johnson Suleman. Dr Azemhe Azena, is a dynamic international preacher and revivalist; he has travelled to over sixty five (65) countries in the world, like the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy etc.,preaching and teaching the gospel of Christ.
He is a regular host of various Television Programs, both on our local Television and cable stations like: Crime Watch on Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS); Turning Point on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA); Turning Point on Edo Broadcasting Service (EBS); Turning Point on Celebration TV (Cable TV); Crime Alert; What is My Benefit?, and You Don’t Mean It (You Nor Mean Am).
He has written series of powerful books namely; Victory Over Foundational Battles; Victory Over Struggles; Wounded From The Womb; Not My Star; Not My Destiny; I Refuse To Serve The Younger; My Case Is An Emergency; Grace Is Better Than Labour; Holy Ghost Fumigation; Tragedy of Laziness; Poverty Disappear; My Thirty Strong Reasons to Pray; Showers of Blessings; Prayer Manual; Life is Like a Market; The Power of Night Dreams and many more. These books have proven to be powerful guides in ending foundational battles and freedom from struggles, as well as opening the youths and everyone that come across the books to the realities of life.
Dr Azemhe Azena is not only a role model to many because he is a Pastor, but also because of his broad prospects and achievements in the business/entrepreneurial world. Amongst which are: Champions Multi-Project Company, which is an umbrella cooperation of Champions Event Centres, with branches nation wide; Champions Rentals with branches in Edo State; Champions Lands And Housing with branches nation wide; Evangel Ultimate Premium Schools with branches in both Benin and Auchi, Edo State, Nigeria, and Shonagie First Company, which is into Real Estate.
This colossus of a man is also the President and Founder of the William Azemhe Azena Turning Point Foundation, which is characterized with offering of grass root support to youths, teens and the citizens in general, to curbing out general societal menace, that cut across all facets of life, with the primary aim of creating an itch free civic societal growth for a better community. The William Azemhe Azena Turning Point Foundation is further subdivided into four arms to achieve this purpose; Educational Charity Health Care; Charity Societal Development and Human Development Charity.
The William Azemhe Azena Turning Point Foundation over the years has been able to help hundreds of persons to renounce crime, cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, prostitution etc. WAATPF has over thirty students on scholarship per session that cuts across the nation irrespective of tribes, gender and religious belief. The WAATPF also have over one hundred (100) youths, young men and women that have been trained and still in training on various field of interest as artisans. WAATPF has over twenty five (25) aged once, as well as widows cut across the nation on monthly salary scheme.
Within the short period of operation, WAATPF has also invigorated the citizens and developed communities when WAATPF gave out over one hundred and six (106) cars to various persons across the cities and the restoration of light project in Ogiriga New site, Okpella, to mention but a few. Dr Azemhe Azena has received numerous awards from notable bodies like Merfrey Foundation, National Union of Journalists, Cherry Land Royal, Shaka Polytechnic, Sapphire Shield Safety Awareness Initiative, NRI, Edo Broadcasting Service, Independent Television, Nigeria Boxing Board of Control South-South, Stars Award International, FOGMON, Nigerian Students, to mention but a few.
Dr Azemhe Azena is such an efficacious goal getter whose life’s policies are geared towards same bearing: which is “Success, Success and Success; Everything Around Me Must Work; l Cannot Start What I Can’t Finish; l Don’t Fight Those That Fought Me; The Future is My Vision, and Respect The Elderly. Dr Azemhe Azena is a character molder, a developmental juggernaut, an international preacher, an assiduous goal getter, a life coach and a dynamic motivational teacher with reviving grace. He is a true definition of a focused and an upright man. He is a prolific writer and a dynamic entrepreneur.
To be true, Dr Azemhe isn’t your kind of regular politician, but he is a man Edo people can trust and learn something from. His incredible success story is one of achievements, commitment, consistency, capacity, integrity, bravery, resilience, humane humility, compassionate and selflessness. His associates attested to the fact that he is open-minded and generous to a fault, but more importantly, is his stoic strategic vision – which is majorly responsible for the successes of the numerous and enduring institutions he has built over the last 13-years swiftly – without letting up.
By this time in 2024, on the auspices of the Labour Party (LP), Dr Azemhe Friday Azena will be at the verge of rekindling the hope of a disenfranchised and dehumanised, but stoically optimistic Edo citizens, knowing that he will reverse all the missed opportunities and aborted chances.
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, has said that the 30-day Islamic fasting affords Muslim faithful the opportunity to rededicate themselves to the religious tenets of piety, tolerance, forgiveness and love.
Dr. Obasa added that the Ramadan is a period of sober reflection, supplications and humility before Almighty Allah.
Obasa, in his Ramadan message released by Eromosele Ebhomele, his Chief Press Secretary, also congratulated Muslims in Lagos and Nigeria for having the divine privilege of being alive to partake in ‘Sawm’ and observe one of the five pillars of Islam.
The Speaker equally described the Ramadan as a period for Muslims in Lagos and Nigeria to show more commitment and adherence to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, especially in the area of alms giving and love for one another.
Noting that the fasting came at the right time for Nigerians as the country just conducted the 2023 general election with Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the President-elect, the Speaker urged Muslims to pray for the leadership of the country as well as the incoming administrations at national and state levels.
“We thank Almighty Allah for the privilege He has given us to partake in this Ramadan. We also thank Him for all that He has done for us individually, for our State and our country.
“Just as we seek the face of Allah for our individual needs at this period, let us also remember our country, especially at this time. We are happy Allah answered our Special Tawaf of last year on the presidential ambition of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Now that victory has been recorded, let’s all use this period to pray for the success of the forthcoming administration.
“As we fast, let’s not forget that alms giving is a cardinal principle in Islam just like it is in every religion. We should spend each day sharing love and reaching out to others.
“The Holy Qur’an instructs us to ‘Spend in God’s cause: do not contribute to your destruction with your own hands, but do good, for God loves those who do good.’
“Let’s not also forget to be pious, humble, tolerant of each other and obey every of Allah’s instructions now and always. Ramadan Kareem!” Obasa said while praying that every Nigerian would reap the reward of Ramadan.
Eromosele Ebhomele
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly.
