Bishop Ighele urges Nigerian leaders to learn from Christmas, says there is third estate rising

Success Damian:

General Superintendent of the Holy Spirit Mission (aka Happy Family Centre) Bishop Charles Ighele who is also known to be involved in many life-changing initiatives to help the humanity, has urged Nigerian Leaders to learn from the birth of Jesus Christ.

Ighele made the call as part of his Christmas Message to the nation on Wednesday

He said “The need to save and serve Nigerians is what Nigerian politicians and other leaders should learn from Christmas. The need to save and serve lost humanity was what made Christ to come to the world by being put into planet earth through a virgin. He left His glorious throne to save and serve humanity.”

Bishop Ighele also decried a situation where the nation’s leaders have failed to use leadership to lift up the common man and warned that a third estate is rising. “Instead of using leadership to lift up the common man the way they would do to their own children, they use their positions to lift up their loved ones and children and have perfected the knowledge of the crumbs that will make the politically illiterate masses to be happy. And they call this leadership. But there is a third estate that is rising. They belong to no political party. They are not apolitical; they are not partisan; but they have a measure of political literacy and sagacity,” Ighele reiterated.

He said if government is serious, they should identify, study and provide what this group is demanding.

Speaking further he mentioned what he called the three most important days since man was created to include “The day Adam and Eve decided that they will not be under God's rule again, the day Jesus, the sacrifice that was needed and provided to put right what Adam put wrong was born (Christmas) and the day Jesus was crucified and sacrificed to undo the evil Adam brought to the world (Good Friday).

“For those who understand the true meaning of Christmas, Christmas is a special season to celebrate and enjoy the season the Lamb that was needed for the sacrifice of the redemption of mankind was provided through the virgin birth,” Ighele disclosed.

 

The man of God tutored that for many others who do not know, Christmas is a very serious religious celebration. “It is however a very good thing that Christmas is celebrated by those who know its significance and those who do not know its significance.” 

He made it clear that the actual date of the birth of Jesus does not really matter. “Whether the actual date Jesus came to planet earth is known or not does not matter. Such an important day that the offering for sin was made available by God should be merrily celebrated. It has to be a merry Christmas,” he stated. 

Speaking further Ighele stated that the best way to celebrate Christmas is for the heart to be full of thanksgiving “The best way to celebrate Christmas is for our hearts to be full of thanksgiving to God for providing us with the offering needed to reconcile us to God and make us sons of God again.” He added that the eating, singing, clothing and all other forms of holy amusements should be outward expressions of inward Holy Spirit induced joy and that any form of celebration that is stained with what is sinful is not good for Christmas. 

On how his church is celebrating the Christmas, he said “As a church, our churches held Christmas Carol nights but we kept to the Covid-19 rules. There were Christmas songs, drama and many types of holy amusements. 

“It is a pity that a second wave of Covid-19 infections has been allowed to occur. I have always said that we should keep doing those things that led to the reduction of Covid-19 or no Covid-19; Christmas should be celebrated but we should keep to the rules.

He also cautioned those that see leadership as a sign of being superior to others. “The typical Nigerian politician, clergy, traditional rulers, business leaders, husbands see leadership as a sign that they have arrived. They therefore see themselves as big men to be respected and served. They see themselves as people to be adored.” 

He insists that the government should sit up to save and serve the people, if not this group will keep getting stronger and stronger until they get stronger than the government. 

UK Afenifere blasts Yuguda over comment on restructuring, demands good governance

By Clifford Ejenavi:

Afenifere Group in United Kingdom (UK) and Europe has blasted the former Bauchi State Governor, Mallam Isa Yuguda for saying restructuring will kill Nigeria, adding that he should have remained silent if he doesn't understand the true meaning of restructuring which everyone is clamouring for.

The group also demanded to know the whereabouts of the killers of a 24-year-old Tolulope Arotile, a female combat helicopter pilot with the Nigerian Air Force.

The Group also demanded to know the state of the nation's economy as the Naira worsen to Pounds and Dollar.

Yuguda, in an exclusive interview with The Sun newspaper had said that

restructuring will kill Nigeria, adding the the clamour for the restructuring of Nigeria is rising by the day but warned that there is no need fanning the ember that is capable of dividing the country into regions.

Yuguda also said that the Southeast should be allowed to take a shot at the presidency, maintaining that it will strengthen the country.

According to Yuguda, "No region will be better off in the event of restructuring because of the uniqueness of Nigeria. Lets strive to have patriotic and God fearing leadership that will place Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and development. From the nation's history, no region will be politically stable to allow for economic growth. We will eventually have tribal region making up Federal Republic of Nigeria"

Reacting to Yuguda's statement, the Secretary of the Afenifere Group in UK and Europe, Engr. Anthony Kayode Ajayi in a statement made available to journalist today in Nigeria, said restructuring is a song on the lips of many Nigerians, saying that it has trended for decades and it is an inter-generational topical issue in Nigeria. 

He said that the persistent call for restructuring takes numerous dimensions particularly outstanding in the dimension of politics. 

"It is no surprise though because the philosophy behind the existence of every state and the control of its resources bothers on politics. Therefore, when there is a damaged cog in the wheel of the politics of the state, it becomes imperative to politically restructure the state", Engr. Ajayi said.

Engr. Ajayi strongly believe that since massive corruption, insecurity, embezzlement of public fund, poor accountability; high cost of governance and the crisis of legitimacy; recurring ethnic, regional and religious clashes; abuse of constitution and constitutionalism, etc have thwarted Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development, there is urgent need for the Nigerian's federal status as presently constituted be restructured along a legal framework that would grant a reasonable measure of autonomy to the states and component parts of the federation as the current poor socioeconomic situation of all Nigerians across the regions does not show sign of significant improvement in citizens’ living standard.

"To ensure peaceful coexistence of Nigerian multi-ethnic nationalities as one peaceful entity called Nigeria and effecting of rapid and competitive development of the different regions of the country among other factors consists the need for restructuring; while elite interest, fear of ethnic domination, political idiosyncrasy among others construe the challenges facing political restructuring in Nigeria.

"The current Nigerian political structure right  from its inception till now has shown symptoms of administratively sick system of government resulting from such issues as the issue of resource control, outcry of marginalization, issue of ethno-tribal and regional discrimination and issue of  ensuring that every citizen irrespective of age, sex, religion, ethnic, linguistic, regional or tribal affiliation is given a sense of belonging to the country. Most importantly, the issue of resource control vis-à-vis political restructuring has become a contentious issue in Nigeria body politic, having been a key problem facing the Nigerian state since the onset of ethnic politics.

"Despite the lopsided nature of the  country’s political structure, Nigeria  has persisted in the practice and has always resolved to the effection of punitive measures to the dysfunctional issues marking the nature of the federalist political structure operational in Nigeria. These measures manifest in form of the different reforms, structural policies, intergovernmental relations, unification programmes etc which had been adopted in the past by different Nigerian government regimes. Irrespective of the practice of imbuing the Nigerian political structure with corrective and curative measures, both scholars and other interested parties have gone to town for donkey’s years to continue their clamour for the restructuring of the federalist political nature of the country with   emphasis highly placed on the issue of intergovernmental relations between the federal and sub-national governments, issue of resource control and allocation, issue of revenue allocation, efficiency and functionality of the constitution, inequality of states and local governments in geopolitical zones, security and marginalization amongst others. 

“There are factors that led to the agitation for restructuring, salient issues raised and the constitutional basis for restructuring. The agitation did not only revolves around resource control, it revolves review of revenue sharing formula, devolution of power, return to regional federal system of government based on six geo-political zones, return to parliamentary system of government, removal of immunity clause from the constitution, creation of state police, role of traditional rulers among others”, Engr. Ajayi stated. 

The Group also frowned at President Muhammadu Buhari refusal to honour the invitation by the National Assembly to explain the security structure of the country, saying that it is shameful to see that the President doesn't obey laws.

The Group therefore urged the APC led-Federal Government to see restructuring as an opportunity to make history and impact positively on the lives of every Nigerians.

 

Valedictory Lecture: Fagbohun puts pen on paper, captures events, achievements of 5yrs transformational administration

Success Damian:

Appointed Vice chancellor on the 6th of January 2016 but assumed duties on January 11, 2016, Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun immediately wore his thinking cap, ready to engender focused leadership devoid of sentiment and the usual way of doing things; he promoted innovation, transparency, academic excellence which immediately catapulted the University into national and international prominence.

With measured, envisioned programmes, inclusive governance, unbroken academic calendar, campaign against cultism, putting to rest the hullabaloo relating to collection of certificates, he pursued his vision and mission for LASU with mathematical exactitude.

Fagbohun ensured that all the courses offered in the university got approval, aside approving new course, Sandwich programme was pursued with greater zeal, introduction of LASU Research Fair, Ready Set work which prepares the final year students for the world of work and to enhance employability, Olanrewaju Fagbohun, a Professor of Environmental Law being the 8th substantive Vice Chancellor brought great transformation to the university which before his emergence was an institution with which many were disenchanted.

He carved a niche for the university and so union leaderships in the institution have no reason to fight the management, salaries were paid every 25 of every month, he introduced Distinguished Lecture series, Inaugural lectures were promoted, he ensured security on campus which was second to none by proving the required tools to ensure safety of lives and property on campus. Annual report was highlighted, he ensured good and vibrant relationship with the university’s Alumni, enhanced town hall meetings to facilitate uninterrupted flow of information between unions and management and management and students.

Fagbohun did not only harp on the use of technology as a tool to enhance efficiency, he made sure that transparency and accountability was made a legacy of the five years of his administration.

Indeed, he invented some catch phrases that gave the university community reason for smiles, optimism, courage, and confidence. Some of them include, ‘We are LASU, We are Proud’; ‘World Class Students’, not forgetting the LASU anthem.

However, as the glorious administration of this illustrious son of Alimosho enters its twilight, not because the astute professor in question has become tired, no, far from it, but it is because he must follow the constitutionally specified one tenure system of the Lagos State owned university. It is also on this note that Prof Fagbohun found it expedient to chronicle his activities in LASU in a book he delivered as a Valedictory Lecture titled LASU: My Stewardship. The People. The Transformation.

In a well attended event at the Buba Marwa Auditorium in Ojo, Fagbohun used opportunity of the Lecture to expound on his sojourn as LASU Vice Chancellor, especially the five strategic imperatives that brought transformation to the institution. They include restoring peace to the university; Fostering high-level scholarship and Creating new knowledge, Consolidating on previous gains, Developing clear roadmap for attracting funds, and most importantly making Lasu a Valued partner to the Lagos State Government and the nation.

He said since 1983 that LASU was established his was the first time a Vice Chancellor of the university would be delivering a Valedictory Lecture.

In page 26 of the 104 paged lecture, Fagbohun brought to the fore the modest achievements of the university, faculties, and faculty members. It showed that over 170 lectures/seminars/conferences/workshops were delivered/organized across faculties, schools and colleges.; 25 inaugural lectures delivered; 11 active international partnerships were signed, 35 active local partners were executed, and 21 others were executed focused on entrepreneurship.

Further he said Academic programmes increased from 65 to 70:63 of them fully accredited (90%), 2 with interim accreditation (2.9%), 5 with initial accreditation (7.1%), and none with denial accreditation. The 5 programmes denied accreditation in 2016 are now accredited, were among other achievements too numerous to mention.

Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun, SAN, NPOM, one of the most detribalized, religiously tolerant man  had the chance to quote a Bible verse, 2 Timothy 4:7-8 "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith 

"Now, there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing".

In all these archival achievements, in his humility, Fagbohun said he did not do it alone. He commended the management, staff and students for being behing the LASU success story.

In the ASUU presented a plaque for Distinguished Performance.

Those who spoke about Prof Fagbohun did so glowingly. One of them was Mr. T.A Seriki, Former University Librarian. He said Fagbohun is a humble man. He was well brought up. When I was UL, we didn't have the opportunity to have an annual report but Prof. Fagbohun started it and has done it consistently.

“Whoever will come in after Prof. Fagbohun has a herculean task; first to meet up with his achievements and then to surpass it,” Seriki stressed. 

 

Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, First Lady of Ogun State took turn to eulogise the amiable Vice Chancellor in the following words “I attended his inaugural lecture about 8 years ago and was struck by his brilliance and depth in the field of Environmental Law. He is one of the best in Africa and perhaps the world. 

I do hope he will continue to be of service not only to the academic community but to Nigeria 

“I congratulate him for his achievements as others have attested to; I congratulate him for leaving an enduring level of excellence. You have set a good example and I pray as you go into the world, you will continue to raise the banner of LASU,” Mrs Abiodun said. 

^To the former Vice Chancellor of LASU, Prof Abisogun Leigh, “I wear two caps: As one of the founding fathers of the university: there are so many of us, many of whom have passed to the great beyond. But I must mention Alhaji Lateef Jakande. He was someone we learnt a lot from and I can see a copy of Jakande in Prof. Fagbohun. Prof. Fagbohun has raised LASU up and I know that the founding fathers will be proud.

“Second, I have also been privileged to serve as the VC of this university. And I agree with what Prof. Okebukola has said about him being the best: There were good times, but this is the best time. I have been in that seat before, but I say, you have done better. You have been the best,” he maintained. 

Dist. Prof. Peter Okebukola on his part had stated. “I have been in this university since it started in 1985. I have seen so many VCs, I have been acting VC myself. When we take a measure of the success of all the VCs that God has blessed this university till date, none of us can match the achievement of Prof. Fagbohun. I and Prof. Leigh did a measure all VC from Prof. Olumide and on all the indices we used, he stood out clearly. 

“The critical factors for success is nothing else than God's favour. God has favoured Prof. Fagbohun so generously that he has succeeded as much as we are documenting it today. And he hasn't seen anything else. He will go further and further. 

Earlier, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Prof. Bayo Ninalowo, in his own remarks said whatever you want to achieve in life, starts from the cerebral level. He added that as from January, next when he bows out, he would be referred to as Vice Chancellor emeritus

Speaking further, he acknowledged the woman behind Professor 'Lanre Fagbohun, Mrs Yeside Fagbohun, who has supported the husband, all the way.

Prof. Ninalowo said that LASU Community would definitely miss the outgoing Vice Chancellor who has done so much for the university and brought great achievements to the institution.

 

 

 

Sanwo-Olu rewards LASU best graduating, MSc students with N5m, scholarships …Says donations will encourage other undergraduates

Success Damian:

Oladimeji Idris Shotunde and Olisola Aanu Olabanjo, who made the best graduating and MSc students in the 2018/2019 academic session of Lagos State University (LASU) have been rewarded with N5 million each by the Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu.

Making the revelations, Sanwo-Olu capped the donation with award of scholarships for the duo to pursue their academic career in any university of their choice.

The Governor made the disclosures at the Convocation Lecture, Presentation of Visitor, Installation of the Chancellor, Admission to Doctorate of Philosophy (PhD) & Conferment of Distinguished Professorship and Honorary Degrees which took place at the university’s main Campus in Ojo on Thursday.

Recalled that while Oladimeji Idris Shotunde of the Department of Business Administration emerged Best graduating student, with 4.95 Cummulative Gradient Point Average (CGPA), Olisola Aanu Olabanjo with 5.0 CGPA emerged Best MSc student.

At the event which the governor attended Virtually, he commended Shotunde particularly for rising from a humble background to attain success “From his humble background, he has risen up with the LASU spirit, the can do spirit. We know what you desire is for you to be supported, hence we will be providing scholarship for you to whatever university and level you desire. I will also be making a personal donation of N5m to ensure you are well placed to achieve what you desire. 

“I will also be donating N5m to the best MSc student. Our students need to be encouraged. Once you've thought out what to do, the state government has scholarships for you. I hope this will inspire other undergraduates.

Aside from commending the entire university for a job well done, he described the Lagos State University Vice Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun (SAN) as "Very dynamic, very inspiring, forward looking Vice Chancellor, I want to personally thank you for your good works and stewardship. 

"I am proud of the achievements of the University which has earned it national and international accolades: African Centre of Excellence and World University Ranking 2020 which ranks it as 2nd in Nigeria,” Sanwo-Olu stated.

At the Lecture titled ‘The Future of Developing Economies in a Digitised World’ and delivered by Professor Benedict Okey Oramah, President, African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank); the Vice Chancellor, Prof Fagbohun (SAN) in his speech, appreciated the good works of the governor who is also the Visitor to the University.

Fagbohun disclosed that the peace, achievements witnessed in Lasu was built on five Pillars, “Fostering high-level scholarship and creating new knowledge, consolidating on our previous gains, creating an environment that would enable us attract funds to meet implementation of our programmes and activities and making our Institution a valued partner to Lagos State Government, the Nigerian nation and the International Community.”

Fagbohun maintained that the five elements remained the pillars that made Lagos State University what it is today.

As part of the achievements in the university the Vice Chancellor said “As at today, all the seventy (70) programmes offered at the undergraduate level in the university are duly accredited by the National Universities Commission (NUC). From 2016 to date, over ten new programmes at undergraduate level have been introduced. Our post graduate school has been revived and between 2016 and today, the post graduate school has admitted 22,564 students and graduated 22,555 students. Simultaneously, it has also introduced forty-eight (48) new postgraduate programmes.

“The high level of scholarship of our faculty and world class status of our students, have today propelled us to an enviable height on the radar of high flying universities in the country. Lagos State University is one of the few universities now designated as an Africa Centre of Excellence capable of creating new knowledge. Our university is today ranked in the 501-600 range of universities in the world and 2nd best in Nigeria by the World University Ranking Results 2021,” Fagbohun said.

 

 

LASU makes history again as Best graduating, MSc students set new record of 4.95, 5.0 CGPA respectively

Success Damian:

Lagos State University (LASU) has once again made history with both the best graduating and MSc students setting new institution record of 4.95 and 5.0 respectively as LASU graduates 8,959 students of the 2018\2019 set 

While Oladimeji Idris Shotunde of the Department of Business Administration emerged Best graduating student, with 4.95 Cummulative Gradient Point Average (CGPA), Olisola Aanu Olabanjo with 5.0 CGPA emerged Best MSc student.

This was revealed by the Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun (SAN), at the 24th Convocation Ceremony of the University at Buba Marwa Main Auditorium in Ojo on Wednesday, December 16, 2020.

With 76 first class graduating students, Lasu has no apologies going further on top in the next world university ranking.

Prof. Fagbohun who disclosed that the convocation speech was his fifth and final convocation speech as the Vice Chancellor of the great institution, said this year's Convocation ceremony was quite remarkable because the best graduating students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels set a new university record.

“This year's Convocation ceremony is quite remarkable because our best graduating students at both the undergraduate and postgraduate levels set a new university record. Oladimeji ldris Shotunde of the Department of Business Administration graduated as the best graduating student with a CGPA of 4.95 while Olusola Aanu Olabanjo with a CGPA of 5.0 graduated as the best MSc. student,” Fagbohun disclosed.

Professor Fagbohun, whose five years tenure as VC would end next January said he was particularly happy that LASU for the past five years and despite COVID-19 pandemic had uninterrupted academic session.

He congratulated all the graduating students for being found worthy in both character and learning “I congratulate all of our students both at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels who are being awarded various degrees at this year’s convocation ceremony, after being found worthy in both character and learning.

“I commend you all for your hard work, tenacity, resilience and determination to succeed. You demonstrated to the world during your Studentship that the best can come out of our institution. My advice to you all is not to rest on your oars. Go out there and prove to the world that you are the best. Always remember that line of our anthem which says “Blaze forth, shine for humanity’”, Fagbohun maintained. 

He also said that his students can stand toe to toe with their colleagues from anywhere in the world. “l commend your efforts in achieving this great feat. You have demonstrated to the world that truly our students are of world class standard and can stand toe to toe with their colleagues from anywhere in the world. You are indeed our pride.” 

Fagbohun ended his speech on personal reflection when he said “Allow me, if I may, to end on a more personal reflection. My stewardship in the last four years and eleven months is quite intriguing and at the same time interesting. 

“I have cherished being part of a unique community of inquisitive and creative men and women from our world class students, to faculty members, non-academic colleagues, enthusiastic and committed ‘alumni scattered across the world, awesome members of Management, high flying leaders that constitute our Governing Council, highly committed government functionaries and immensely supportive legislators,” he stated.

 

Wife of Ogun State governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, who was at the ceremony to felicitate with the Best Graduating student, Oladimeji Shotunde, who is an indigene of Ogun State, commended LASU for what she called its strong contributions to the university education in the country and also on its recent ranking as the second-best university in the country.

Mrs Abiodun urged federal government and various staff unions in tertiary schools in the country to always ensure they reach a compromise on issues causing disagreement so as to enjoy stable and peaceful activities on our campuses.

She said disruption of academic activities is not doing the country any good but detrimental to development.

Wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Bamidele Abiodun, was at the event alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Students’ Affairs, Mr Adeyemi Amoo.

 

Professor of Radiology calls for PPP in medical imaging in Nigeria

Success Damian:

Professor Rachael Adeyanju Akinola of Radiology Department of Lagos State University (LASU) has called for Public Private Participation (PPP) in medical imaging in Nigeria.

Akinola took the stance while speaking as the LASU 76^th Inaugural Lecturer at the institution’s Main campus in Ojo on Monday.

In a lecture titled ‘My Eyes Have Seen Inside, Out: Scrolling through the Black, the White and the Colour Maze’ she said her department is heavily equipment dependent, forever rapidly evolving and capital intensive.

She said “My department is heavily equipment dependent, forever rapidly evolving and capital intensive. It would be economically, socially and politically apt to put all hands on deck by involving bodies that will financially support the healthcare in that regard, particularly in equipment acquisition and maintenance, training and research grants. The Public Private Participation is a must-do in medical imaging in Nigeria.”

She commended the Lagos State University Vice Chancellor, Prof Olanrewaju Fagbohun for his daunting efforts in seeing that promotion exercises are dutifully carried out as and when due, but added “The custom of disregarding case reports as being contributory to staff elevation in some clinical disciplines during promotion exercises should be given a rethink.” She stressed that in Medical imaging the given staff that academically showcase such case reports should be able to earn accolades.

Radiology is a branch of medicine concerned with the use of radiant energy such as X-rays or radioactive materials in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It also deals with visual information; and like any information, this requires interpretation. It is a practical field where medical images are used to make inferences about the state of people’s health.

She said research in the accuracy of medical imaging must draw on techniques from a wide range of disciplines including Physics, Anatomy, Psychology, Computing, Neuroscience and Medicine in an attempt to minimize diagnostic error, thus emphasizing the relevance of collaboration and multidisciplinary approach.

Speaking on what she called Trends in Medical Imaging, Akinola stated “Apart from the fact that newer imaging modalities might be found, there are at least five related trends across all modalities that are shaping the future of medical imaging.” While stating that these trends are closely linked and synergistic, she stressed that none of them was clinically important 25 years ago, but all are now central to the practice of Radiology at the celebration of the 21^st.

Akinola also disclosed that Conventional radiography is however the mainstay of medical imaging and is likely to remain so for a long time especially in the emerging healthcare system in developing countries.

Further she maintained that basic research in medical imaging should proceed along two fronts, one is to discover better imaging methods and two to use imaging methods to study problems of fundamental biomedical interest.

LASU Alumni to raise statue on campus to honour outgoing Vice Chancellor

Success Damian:

Lagos State University (LASU) Alumni Forum, Lagos State chapter, has hinted of plan to raise a statue on the main campus in honour of the outgoing 8^th Vice Chancellor of the institution, Professor Olanrewaju Fagbohun (SAN).

The group made the disclosure at the Coconut Breaking Ceremony which took place at the campus in Ojo on Monday.

The Coconut Breaking event was part of activities to mark the 24^th Convocation ceremony of the institution.

The Alumni group stated that the aim of the statue was to appreciate the innumerable achievements and focused leadership of Prof. Fagbohun in the past five years as Vice Chancellor of the institution.

Barr Omolola Oladipupo Satar LASU Alumni Lagos State Chapter said the Prof Fagbohun has brought tremendous infrastructural and human resources development to the university in the past five years hence no honour was too much for him.

Speaking at the event, Prof Fagbohun who has begun a countdown to his stepping down as the LASU VC said he is a fulfilled man. He commended Lasu community for his successes as a Vice Chancellor. “27 days I will be stepping down and I say it again, I am fulfilled. And each and every one of you made that possible.”

He commended the Alumni and charged them as critical stakeholders to ensure LASU does not slide back into the time of retrogression. “I thank the alumni for being supportive and making sure that we keep the dream of our founding fathers alive. 

“Alumni, you are best positioned to ensure that what we have started does not fail. There are so many things you can do. You are positioned to call us, management to account; you are positioned to get government to be interested in this institution. 

“You are positioned to caution evil doers, those who enjoy crisis in this university. You have everything to sustain the vision. You are the strongest critical stakeholder in the LASU project. And that is why this coconut breaking ceremony is a critical component of our convocation ceremony.

On the hints coming from the Alumni that it would erect a statue in Fagbohun’s  honour in appreciation of his contributions, successes and achievements during his administration he said “Coming from the alumni, you know the alumni is a critical stakeholder of the university, that initiative coming from them is very humbling for me and I am so appreciative to them that they found me worthy of wanting to erect a statue in the institution. I feel very deeply humbled and I want to thank them from the depth of my heart, I was not expecting it at, what it means is that anywhere I continue to find myself I should continue to do my own modest bit to add value to that system.”

On what is unique about the 24^th Convocation, being his last as VC of the school he said “Our objective is to achieve excellence as part of our convocation, we will continue in that line and my prayer is that because we have done it back to back consistently without any break in academic session, I pray they are able to sustain it and the university is able to continue along that path,” he stated.

Fagbohun disclosed where he derived his inspiration and energy from “When you work in an environment where you are happy, when you are doing something that is giving you joy, you don’t get tired because it is your line of duty and you are enjoying it, because I am enjoying what I am doing I am working with my people, I am working with staff I love and who love me; students I love and who love me, I am enjoying it, I am not feeling the weight of it.”

The coconut breaking ceremony was an activity designed to pray for peace and progress of the institution and involved breaking of the coconut.

Some of those that attended the event include Mrs Yeside Faghohun, wife of the VC, members of the university management, and so many others.

Student union, labour unions, management, the Alumni, all took turns to break the coconuts.

Highlights of the event include performances by masquerades including Igunuko, Zamgbete masquerades among others.

 

Write your name in gold, restructure Nigeria now - UK Afenifere tells Buhari, APC

By Clifford Ejenavi

The Afenifere Group in United Kingdom (UK) and Europe has called on President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership of the All Progressive Party (APC) to write their names in gold by restructuring Nigeria now 

The Secretary of the Group, Engr. Anthony Kayode Ajayi stated this while speaking with Nigerian Impact from UK today.

According to him, restructuring is a song on the lips of many Nigerians, saying that it has trended for decades and it is an inter-generational topical issue in Nigeria. 

He said that the persistent call for restructuring takes numerous dimensions particularly outstanding in the dimension of politics. 

"It is no surprise though because the philosophy behind the existence of every state and the control of its resources bothers on politics. Therefore, when there is a damaged cog in the wheel of the politics of the state, it becomes imperative to politically restructure the state", Engr. Ajayi said.

The Group according to Engr. Ajayi strongly believe that, “Since massive corruption, insecurity, embezzlement of public fund, poor accountability; high cost of governance and the crisis of legitimacy; recurring ethnic, regional and religious clashes; abuse of constitution and constitutionalism, etc have thwarted Nigeria’s socio-economic and political development, we therefore urged that Nigerian's federal status as presently constituted be restructured along a legal framework that would grant a reasonable measure of autonomy to the states and component parts of the federation as the current poor socioeconomic situation of all Nigerians across the regions does not show sign of significant improvement in citizens’ living standard.

"To ensure peaceful coexistence of Nigerian multiethnic nationalities as one peaceful entity called Nigeria and effecting of rapid and competitive development of the different regions of the country among other factors consists the need for restructuring; while elite interest, fear of ethnic dominations, political idiosyncrasy among others construe the challenges facing political restructuring in Nigeria.

"The current Nigerian political structure right  from its inception till now has shown symptoms of administratively sick system of government resulting from such issues as the issue of resource control, outcry of marginalization, issue of ethno-tribal and regional discrimination and issue of  ensuring that every citizen irrespective of age, sex, religion, ethnic, linguistic, regional or tribal affiliation is given a sense of belonging to the country. Most importantly, the issue of resource control vis-à-vis political restructuring has become a contentious issue in Nigeria body politic, having been a key problem facing theNigerian state since the onset of ethnic politics.

"Despite the lopsided nature of the  country’s political structure, Nigeria  has persisted in the practice and has always resolved to the effection of punitive measures to the dysfunctional issues marking the nature of the federalist political structure operational in Nigeria. These measures manifest in form of the different reforms, structural policies, intergovernmental relations, unification programmes etc which had been adopted in the past by different Nigerian government regimes. Irrespective of the practice of imbuing the Nigerian political structure with corrective and curative measures, both scholars and other interested parties have gone to town for donkey’s years to continue their clamour for the restructuring of the federalist political nature of the country with   emphasis highly placed on the issue of intergovernmental relations between the federal and sub-national governments, issue of resource control and allocation, issue of revenue allocation, efficiency and functionality of the constitution, inequality of states and local governments in geopolitical zones, security and marginalization amongst others. 

"We therefore call on President Buhari and APC leaders not to miss this golden opportunity to restructure Nigeria now as history may not be kind to them if the country collapse under their leadership going by the reality of the day across the country".

 

Novelty Match: Rufai commends LASU Vice Chancellor for excellent achievements in 5 years

Success Damian:

Nigeria’s iconic goalkeeper and Ambassador, African Students Football Union, Peter Rufai, has commended the Vice Chancellor of the Lagos State University (LASU), Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun for his excellent achievements in five years of his administration.

Rufai gave the commendation while speaking as the Guest of Honour at the Novelty Football Match played in honour of Professor Fagbohun, the iconic outgoing 8^th substantive Vice Chancellor of the Institution, at Ojo on Thursday.

The football event was organized by the Icon Builders in honour of a man who brought great transformation and internationalization to the institution, having served LASU from 2016, and due to bow out in January 2021.

‘I remembered coming sometime ago to seek approval for use of the Campus Football pitch, and to my greatest surprise I was given the green light to make use of the pitch. Some of the things I see on the campus today were not there. Coming in today to witness a beauty of a campus, you know indeed, I have the real honour of facts to say that Professor Olanrewaju Adigun Fagbohun (SAN) and his management have been able to do this wonderful work on the campus,” Rufai said.

Dod Mayan, as he is fondly called also commended the wife of the Vice Chancellor for his patience and being a partner in progress. “It is said behind every successful man there is a woman, I want to give this special acknowledgment to Madam Fagbohun for her wonderful support and patience all these years, I want to say, Madam, well done and thank you.”

He did not fail to also thank the entire university for their support for the VC. “All the management of the school, the staff, when success is achieved, you look at the structure that has produced that result. And on this note I want to thank everybody here, those who are not here, students, staff and management, Professor Olanrewaju, I thank you. It is true we are going to miss him on the campus, but I am very sure that he will not be far from the campus.”

Commenting on the novelty football march which was between Academics and Non-Academics of the institution, which was eventually won by the Non-Academics through a penalty shootout, Rufai said the game lived up to the expectation saying “The football match was beautiful, I was watching the match and I saw some beautiful moves, the two goalkeepers, they did very well. I didn’t get the invite on time I would have come with my gloves to make one or two saves. Nevertheless we are looking forward to a more and better situation where we will have cause to come together and celebrate one of ours again.”

He pleaded that whoever that is coming in as the institution’s helmsman should also be supported in the same way Fagbohun was supported, “So that is something we should look up to, to make sure that the same cooperation that was giving to Prof Fagbohun is extended, and let this steam not die as he is stepping out, let it continue to grow from strength to strength.”

On his part, Professor Fagbohun in his address recognized the impactful role of Peter Rufai in national assignments. “Let me welcome Dodo Mayana, a man I followed from club to club, anywhere Dodo Mayana is, that is my club; that is the extent of my love for him. You are an icon, you represented our country very well; we would continue to love you, thank you for what you did for this great nation,” Fagbohun stated.

Commenting further Fagbohun said, Peter Rufai got him interested in sports. “He is the kind of man that should be given recognising and honour just like other international sports icons. When Dodo Mayana was in goal post for Nigeria, you have high confidence that he will not disappoint.”

He also thanked the organizers of the event, Icon Builders, and the management, the world class students, “Today is not a day for long speeches for me, today is a day of appreciation to all of you for making it possible, I recalled when we started out in 2016, nobody wanted to touch LASU, nobody wanted to relate with LASU, but working together as one, LASU has become the pride of all. I did not do it, we all did it together. And I thank you all, Fagbohun stated.

He stated Further “What we are celebrating today, is a joint achievement, so on behalf of my wife and my entire family, I have the backing of my management, I have the backing of our great union leaders  across the board, the student leaders, I thank you all for what you have contributed. Do not leave the banner, continue to raise the banner. What will make all of us happy is to leave number 2 and go to number 1.” 

On what he is going to miss in LASU, Fagbohun maintained that it is a holistic thing. I will miss everything LASU, not just one.”

The Chairman of the event was Mr Tunji Disu, Commander, Rapid Respond Squad, Lagos State. He is also a product of LASU

Opinion: Buhari’s men; Fashola, Ngige, Onu, Amaechi, others…thank you Orji Uzor Kalu

By Modestus Okechukwu Umenzekwe

Before now, it was Senator Orji Uzor Kalu who showed interest in Igbo Presidency! I thanked him for reawakening the interest in Igbo Presidency with his stand that anybody, irrespective of zone, can contest for the presidential election in 2023. That got the sparks across the world and some started reacting either way for good of Ndigbo. You were apt when you said that, “Zoning does not exist in the constitution of All Progressives Congress, APC. As long as it is not a constitutional matter, the presidential bid is an open basket, which anybody can vie for.”

 

The leadership of South East for President 2023 (SEFORP2023), led by National Coordinator, Rev. Okechukwu Obioha, said it is grossly disappointed with Dr Kalu’s position. That wasn’t an issue because we knew what you did. We were docile as a people even when His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, has reassured that Ndigbo’s turn it is to have the presidency. Nobody was behaving as if the presidential election is in two years’ time.

 

Your statement made us realize it’s time for us to start putting our homes in preparatory state for the game in 2023. That your moves brought global movement for 2023 Igbo presidency, coordinated by Comrade Kenendy Iyere, begin to mobilize Ndigbo in that respect. That as well brought Ohaneze Ndigbo to meet with Governors of the South-East, notable stakeholders and youth leaders in favour of Igbo presidency.

 

That got Governor of Ebonyi state , Engr Dave Umahi scheming to contest for Presidency and in that spirit, he dumped PDP and joined the APC which he said is the only party that has assured Ndigbo that presidency is zoned to the South-East. Once again, let me thank Kalu for re-awakening us from slumber. I know you are qualified to be President of Nigeria but you didn’t say that initially. Now, you are saying it indirectly as thousands of people, even from the North, are rooting for you. I am proud of that masterstroke but we shall re-visit this issue later. Thank you for supporting President Buhari. Thank you for being pro-APC, always.

 

Let me restate that the way I perceive our dear President Muhammadu Buhari, it’s not likely he will go against such demand for Igbo presidency, having fulfilled other promises with Onitsha Sea Port, 2nd Niger Bridge and Akanu Ibiam International Airport Enugu, to mention but a few.

 

I reiterate that I see President as someone that believes in equity and fairness. I believe he will support Igbo to succeed him in 2023. I recall that in 2004, when the former Attorney-General of the Federation, late Chief Chike Offodile, was being buried, I heard Buhari clearly, at the house of great Zik of Africa in Onitsha, when he paid courtesy call to Late Chukwuma Azikiwe and he said: “My friend Chuma, if by the grace of God, I become the president, I will make Ndigbo proud by completing the Zik’s mausoleum and build a second Niger Bridge and other infrastructural developments in Igbo land.”

 

Let me say that President Buhari has fulfilled that promise, using the workaholic Minister, Babatunde Fashola SAN, to execute all those projects, of which by 2022 at most, the 2nd Niger Bridge will be completed. So, with all these, I believe strongly, he will support an Igbo man to succeed him in 2023.

The other day, it was unbelievable but it happened. Onitsha seaport has become functional after over 40 years it was first commissioned. Another commissioning took place October 6, 2020 courtesy of the administration of President Mohammadu Buhari.

 

Babatunde Raji Fashola, Nigeria’s Minister for Works and Housing has delivered visible and quality projects and I can attest that there is no State in Nigeria without the Federal Government attention, executing at least one road project with construction workers engaged on the sites. I am happy that difficult and abandoned projects like the Second Niger Bridge, Lagos Ibadan Expressway and the Bodo-Bonny Bridge have been brought back to life by Fashola.

 

The Federal Government is set to fix 44 roads with the Sukuk funds raised in the bond market. Already, the sovereign Sukuk symbolic chequeof N162.55 billion, the amount appropriated for roads in 2020 budget, was presented to Fashola by the Minister of Finance, Mrs Zainab Ahmed in Abuja.

 

The only meaning of this release is that the economy would soon be on the path to economic development, including development of rails, roads and power needed for Nigeria’s economic growth and ease of doing business.

 

Fashola is assuring that the public roads that will benefit fromthe fund would come from all 6 geopolitical areas, with the North-Central getting eight roads, eight roads for the Northeast, North-West seven roads, South-East five roads, South-South 10 roads, and South-West six roads.

 

Debt Management Office, (DMO) had announced that this would be Nigeria’s 3rd Sukuk bond, with the first being an N100 billion bond in 2017 and another N100 billion by 2018.

 

The office says the bonds, with the Green bonds, would be used for the development and rehabilitation of critical infrastructure in the country depending on budget allocations.

 

Fashola’s office been instrumental to infrastructural development since the Buhari-led administration, hence across the six geopolitical zones, there are over 200 ongoing highway projects, all of which stretches to a total of 7,483.04 kilometres with N2.4 trillion worth of contracts. Of these projects, some are funded by local and external loans as well as Sukuk bonds.

 

There are flyovers and bridges, particularly the second Niger River Bridge and the Loko-Oweto bridge linking Benue and Nasarawa States.

 

Termed the “Highway Project and Management Initiative,” Mr Fashola said in June that the federal government planned to ‘concession’ 10highways to raise a total of N163.32 billion and over 23,000 jobs at the initial phase.

 

The Ministry has impacted on 514 highways projects that covered 826.84, producing about 144,395 jobs (49,080 direct, and 95,350 indirect jobs). FERMA also maintained 2075.24 km stretch of road, involving 406 contractors and 150 people.

 

Fashola said to bridge the housing deficit in the country, the Ministry rolled out a national cooperative housing scheme which gives 80 per cent developmental loans to cooperative groups. The loans funded by the Federal Mortgage Bank, the initiative has under its radar about 5,301 mortgages worth N38 billion.

 

Under President Buhari, several roads such as the following are undergoing rapid construction. They are:

 

-Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Expressway

-Enugu –Port Harcourt Dual Carriage way.

-Rehabilitation of Okija bridge Junction leading to Umuahia-

Amappatu-Uli Egbuoma

-Construction of Umuerogha-Umuelema Nbubo Road

-The Second Niger Bridge construction, which presently stands at 44.6% completion, despite being on the drawing board for several years by previous governments of Obasanjo, late Yar’Adua and Jonathan.

 

For the Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Dr Chris Nwabueze Ngige had upon assumption of office for his second term on August 21, 2019, vowed to resolve the crisis surrounding the N30,000 national minimum wage, the ongoing university workers strike and other issues affecting the industrial sector.

 

The Minister said he will follow due process to put ‘smiles’ on the faces of workers by putting energy in all assignments assigned to his Ministry. Other promises made by the Minister include creation of job opportunities to avoid job losses, revival of Nigeria’s Labour Advisory Council and implementation of 1990 Factories Act which entails occupational safety and health components of labour activities.

 

Those that have commenced payment of the minimum wage include Borno, Delta, Ebonyi, Edo, Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Lagos, Ondo, Sokoto, Yobe and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).The States that are yet to start include Benue, Cross River, Ekiti,

Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Plateau, Rivers, Taraba and Zamfara.

 

The suspension of the planned strike action and protests sequel to electricity tariff hike and deregulation of the downstream sector of by the organized Labour had the imprimatur of Dr Ngige, Already, there are signs Senator Ngige will end the ASUU prolonged strike on a good note by this Friday.

 

On his part, the Minister for Transport,  Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi who was a member of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2018 has shown class in the Ministry of Transport in Nigeria’s history.

 

Modern railway lines restoration is one of the major feats of Buhari led administration. Thisday honoured him with Minister of the Decade. Amaechi is committed to fixing the Lagos-Ibadan corridor of the Lagos-Kano railproject which is costing billions of Dollars. The Itakpe-Warri rail line is already on. His drive and commitment to give Nigerians a better travelling experience is not in contest as he is focused in driving Buhari’s administration’s efforts to revive the railway system in the country. There is Lagos-Kano standard rail line that will link Nigeria’s eastern and northern corridors. The water transportation system is also receiving attention. The Lagos to Kano railway line has about 30 million tonnes of cargo per year whereas Port Harcourt to Maiduguri has about 11 million tonnes per year, hence Amaechi is targeting its completion first, before embarking on Lagos to Calabar.

The Itakpe-Lokoja-Warri rail was awarded in 1987, is being championed to completion by Buhari government. The Kaduna-Abuja rail is part of the Lagos-Kano. The Minister has stated that the Federal Government needs a total funding of $656 million to complete work on the Lagos-Ibadan railway project. Let me not talk about other of his achievements for this rail project is good enough.

 

 

Another Buhari man is Hon Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, first civilian governor of Abia state and Minister of Science and Technology, who has passion and a rigorous drive for home grown technological and scientific solutions.

 

He has 17 parastatals under his ministry and he has been able to set Nigeria’s economy on an innovation driven path which will make it asadvanced as China in the “next 30 to 50 years.”

According to the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics, over 900, 000jobs have been created through the implementation of Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) policies of the Federal Government. As well, over N1 Trillion has been saved through the reduction in imports of raw materials. YoungNigerian scientists went into contest during the 2020 edition of the National Science and Technology competition for secondary schools in Nigeria with scholarships to doctorate degree awarded to three young scientists who came tops in the competition tagged “774 Young Nigerian Scientists Presidential Award (774 YONSPA)”. Top winners at the National Science and Technologycompetition got cash awards of N1 Million, N750,000 and N500,000 respectively.

The first made in Nigeria ventilators and disinfectant safetysprayers by NASENI, an agency under the ministry, to combat the coronavirus is a plus to his ministry under Buhari. As well, that MoU with the United Kingdom Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) for update ofthe Nigeria Energy Calculator 2050 (NECAL2050) and the China-Arab States Technology Centre (DASTIC) to boost Science, Technology and Innovation in Nigeria are feats too.

 

With Chairman of the All Progressives Congress’s Caretaker Committee, Mai Mala Buni, who is also the Governor of Yobe state, APC will take over Anambra State come 2021. The signs are glaring. And with his reconciliation moves which yielded good results in Ondo State, even Edo State, President Buhari is at home with his style.

 

Other members of the committee are Osun state Governor, Isiaka Oyetola, Niger state Governor, Abubakar Bello, Sen. Ken Nnamani, Sen. Abubakar Yusuf, Hon. Akinyemi Olaide, Mrs. Stella Oketete, Dr. James Lulu, Chief David Lyon, Sen. Abba Ali, Prof. Tahir Mamman, Barr. Ismail Ahmed as members and Sen. John Udoedeghe as the Secretary. These are people with impeccable history. APC is set for Anambra elections and would definitely win. Their actions have been proactive and responsive as promised.

 

I dare to concur that truly, President Buhari is an institution and a phenomenon yet to be understood by Nigerians! Buhari has charged public servants to apply themselves with integrity to stabilize the system andsolicited the cooperation of the Legislative arm to maintain their brief ofmaking laws and carrying out oversight functions.

 

Listen to him: ‘’I believe that it is when the three arms and the three levels of government work together that government will be enabled to serve the country’’. That’s the spirit of a true democrat or do you think otherwise?

 

He believes that together as a nation, as a people, the three arms and three tiers of government working together, we can attack corruption and realize the vast potentials of our country.

 

He is angry with the greed of a callous few in political office and civil service. Hence, he was advocating for a corruption-free public sector to achieve the transformations his government is championing. He equally advocated for a judicial system that dispenses justice without undue delay and technicality.

 

Speaking at a summit by ICPC, Buhari said: ‘’We need laws andlegal system to be reformed to deliver justice to every citizen without regard to status and finally we need ethical re-orientation of the people to achieve this goal. When we work together against corruption we can defeat it’’.

 

With the ENDSSARs protests over, President Buhari has warned against impunity among police officers. Yet, some hold contrary opinion. Let’s respect our leader and President for we have no other nation to call our own,if we ignite it today. Like the President, his men are doing well.

 

Modestus Okechukwu Umenzekwe, an APC Chieftain from Anambra State, is resident in Lagos. He can be reached on modestusokechukwu661@yahoo.com