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Osun APC begins strategies towards 2026, holds stakeholders meeting

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The leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, on Wednesday, said it was determined to return to government in 2026.

The Osun APC leadership directed party officials in wards and local government areas across the State to resume meetings and other political activities in preparation for future elections.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Osogbo, the acting State Chairman of the party, Alhaji Tajudeen Lawal said no effort would be spared to ensure return of the party to power and continue its good and people-centric leadership.

The meeting which was held at the instance of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola was aimed to bring together members of the party with a view to chart a new course for the progress and success of the party and its members.

Lawal who commended leaders and members of the party for their loyalty, resilience, perseverance and commitment throughout the litigation period, said right mechanisms had been set in motion to properly and genuinely restructure the party for the betterment of all.

According to him, the main motive behind the meeting was to restrategise and further foster unity between and among members of the party as they resolve to wrestle power from the incumbent government in the State.

“I want to start by appreciating our immediate past Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola for initiating this meeting. He was the one who facilitated this very important meeting.

“As we all know, this family meeting is very crucial particularly at a time like this that we have made frantic efforts to put our house in order and work towards reclaiming power from the incumbent administration.

“As a party, we recognise the fact that after the Supreme Court judgment, we have not met with a large house like this, so, this is to let the whole world know that we remain united, resolute and committed to strengthening the party, promote internal democracy and indeed, set the motion for the all-round success, progress, growth and development of our party and the State.

“I want to assure you all that former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is solidly behind the party and he had promised to continue to support the party. Though what happened is divine and we have taken it in good faith as God’s will just as we believe strongly that our party, APC will come back to government soon.

“Let’s return to our various units, wards and councils to start mobilising our people across the nooks and crannies of the state as we know that the journey to reclaim the state for our party has begun right from now.

“I am assuring you all that this type of meeting will be coming regularly and we want to instruct you all to return to the party fully and begin to hold your ward and council meetings as usual.

“The doors of the state party secretariat are always open. Feel free to walk in anytime, everyone will be welcomed to share lofty ideas that can aid the progress of the party. This is not the time to fight but to remain united and build a formidable frontier. We are open to reconciliation and genuine moves to take the party to enviable heights.

“Our symbol is broom and we all know what it stands for. Let us continue to be our brother’s keepers. We are valiants and not cowards.

“God has been very faithful to us. What happened had happened but in reality, what we got in return was marvellous. Today, we are proud that we have president from our great party. This was achieved through our collective efforts. It is indeed a rare feat”, Lawal added.

Speaking on behalf of the party’s Elders Forum popularly called “Agba Osun”, Chief Kunle Odeyemi, said efforts would continue to be made to ensure the party remains united and formidable.

He said, “what we stand for is unity. We are for unity of purpose. We are for progress. Though the committee set-up for repositioning of the party has not reported back, but we should be conscious of our actions and inactions. We should avoid anything that can further divide us. We want more friends than enemies. We should know the meetings to attend at this time.”

In their separate remarks, the immediate past Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government, Hon. Biodun Idowu extolled members of the party for their commitment throughout the ‘thin and thick period’ just as he urged them to remain united as the party is ready to return to government.

“It is high time for us to resuscitate and stimulate activities of the party at the grassroots”, he added.

Speaking on behalf of the immediate past cabinet members, former Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Rasak Adeosun, called on members of the party to remain resolute in the collective interest to move the party forward.

He encouraged them to continually support the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, saying what God had bestowed on Osun in particular, Yoruba and Nigeria in general was large enough to accommodate and serve the interest of all.

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Kwara Exco okays N239bn 2023 revised budget

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Kwara State Executive Council has approved for Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq to present to the State House of Assembly, a draft revised 2023 budget of N239,084,199,757.00, with capital expenditure taking some 50.2% of the chunk while recurrent tanked to 49.8%.

The revised budget is 27% larger (N50,238,596,196.00) than the approved 2023 budget earlier approved by the House.

The approval followed a submission from the Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Hon. Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi who said that a service-wide and bottom-up process for the revised budget started since June 2023 — followed by thorough deliberations and reviews of submissions from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies of the Government (MDAs) by the Central Budget Committee (CBC).

“The pertinent factor governing the selection of projects for execution in the remaining part of the year is the emphasis placed on capital projects that are critical to stimulate the economic activities in the state for inclusive growth and development,” Sabi told the council, adding that special considerations have been made to boost economic activities and improve the living standard of the people.

The cabinet, among other government processes, also approved for Star Sewing Machine Limited, an International firm, to manage the State’s Garment Factory following a long-drawn bidding process involving open tendering in line with relevant laws.

Held on Friday evening, the council meeting was chaired by the Governor, Mal. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq attended by Deputy Governor Kayode Alabi, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji AbdulKadir Mahe; and all the Commissioners.

Mrs Bola Olukoju

Honourable Commissioner for Communications

Kwara State

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Full text: President Tinubu’s 63rd independence anniversary speech

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“Dear Compatriots,

“It is my unique honour to address you on this day, the 63rd anniversary of our nation’s independence, both as the President of our dear country and, simply, as a fellow Nigerian.

“On this solemn yet hopeful day, let us commend our founding fathers and mothers. Without them, there would be no modern Nigeria. From the fading embers of colonialism, their activism, dedication and leadership gave life to the belief in Nigeria as a sovereign and independent nation.

“Let us, at this very moment, affirm that, as Nigerians, we are all endowed with the sacred rights and individual gifts that God has bestowed on us as a nation and as human beings. No one is greater or lesser than the other. The triumphs that Nigeria has achieved shall define us.

The travails we have endured shall strengthen us. And no other nation or power on this earth shall keep us from our rightful place and destiny. This nation belongs to you, dear people. Love and cherish it as your very own.

“Nigeria is remarkable in its formation and essential character. We are a broad and dynamic blend of ethnic groups, religions, traditions and cultures. Yet, our bonds are intangible yet strong, invisible yet universal.

“We are joined by a common thirst for peace and progress, by the common dream of prosperity and harmony and by the unifying ideals of tolerance and justice.

“Forging a nation based on the fair application of these noble principles to a diverse population has been a task of significant blessing but also a serial challenge.

“Some people have said an independent Nigeria should never have come into existence. Some have said that our country would be torn apart. They are forever mistaken. Here, our nation stands, and here we shall remain.

“This year, we passed a significant milestone in our journey to a better Nigeria. By democratically electing a 7th consecutive civilian government, Nigeria has proven that commitment to democracy and the rule of law remains our guiding light.

“At my inauguration, I made important promises about how I would govern this great nation. Among those promises were pledges to reshape and modernize our economy and to secure the lives, liberty and property of the people.

“I said that bold reforms were necessary to place our nation on the path of prosperity and growth. On that occasion, I announced the end of the fuel subsidy. I am attuned to the hardships that have come. I have a heart that feels and eyes that see. I wish to explain to you why we must endure this trying moment.

“Those who sought to perpetuate the fuel subsidy and broken foreign exchange policies are people who would build their family mansion in the middle of a swamp.

“I am different. I am not a man to erect our national home on a foundation of mud. To endure, our home must be constructed on safe and pleasant ground.

“Reform may be painful, but it is what greatness and the future require. We now carry the costs of reaching a future in Nigeria where the abundance and fruits of the nation are fairly shared among all, not hoarded by a select and greedy few. A Nigeria where hunger, poverty and hardship are pushed into the shadows of an ever-fading past.

“There is no joy in seeing the people of this nation shoulder burdens that should have been shed years ago. I wish today’s difficulties did not exist. But we must endure if we are to reach the good side of our future.

“My government is doing all that it can to ease the load. I will now outline the path we are taking to relieve the stress on our families and households.

“We have embarked on several public sector reforms to stabilize the economy, direct fiscal and monetary policy to fight inflation, encourage production, ensure the security of lives and property and lend more support to the poor and the vulnerable.

“Based on our talks with labour, business and other stakeholders, we are introducing a provisional wage increment to enhance the federal minimum wage without causing undue inflation. For the next six months, the average low-grade worker shall receive an additional Twenty-Five Thousand naira per month.

“To ensure better grassroots development, we set up an Infrastructure Support Fund for states to invest in critical areas. States have already received funds to provide relief packages against the impact of rising food and other prices.

“Making the economy more robust by lowering transport costs will be key. In this regard, we have opened a new chapter in public transportation through the deployment of cheaper, safer Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses across the nation. These buses will operate at a fraction of current fuel prices, positively affecting transport fares.

“New CNG conversion kits will start coming in very soon as all hands are on deck to fast track the usually lengthy procurement process. We are also setting up training facilities and workshops across the nation to train and provide new opportunities for transport operators and entrepreneurs.

“This is a groundbreaking moment where, as a nation, we embrace more efficient means to power our economy. In making this change, we also make history.

“I pledged a thorough housecleaning of the den of malfeasance the CBN had become. That housecleaning is well underway. A new leadership for the Central Bank has been constituted. Also, my special investigator will soon present his findings on past lapses and how to prevent similar reoccurrences. Henceforth, monetary policy shall be for the benefit of all and not the exclusive province of the powerful and wealthy.

“Wise tax policy is essential to economic fairness and development. I have inaugurated a Committee on Tax Reforms to improve the efficiency of tax administration in the country and address fiscal policies that are unfair or hinder the business environment and slow our growth.

“To boost employment and urban incomes, we are providing investment funding for enterprises with great potential. Similarly, we are increasing investment in micro, small and medium-sized enterprises.

“Commencing this month, the social safety net is being extended through the expansion of cash transfer programs to an additional 15 million vulnerable households.

“My administration shall always accord the highest priority to the safety of the people. Inter-Service collaboration and intelligence sharing have been enhanced. Our Service Chiefs have been tasked with the vital responsibility of rebuilding the capacities of our security services.

“Here, I salute and commend our gallant security forces for keeping us safe and securing our territorial integrity. Many have paid the ultimate sacrifice. We remember them today and their families. We shall equip our forces with the ways and means needed to perform their urgent task on behalf of the people,

“We shall continue to make key appointments in line with the provisions of the Constitution and with fairness toward all. Women, Youth and the physically challenged shall continue to be given due regard in these appointments.

“May I take this opportunity to congratulate the National Assembly for its role in the quick take-off of this administration through the performance of its constitutional duties of confirmation and oversight.

“I similarly congratulate the judiciary as a pillar of democracy and fairness.

“I also thank members of our dynamic civil society organizations and labour unions for their dedication to Nigerian democracy. We may not always agree but I value your advice and recommendations. You are my brothers and sisters and you have my due respect.

“Fellow compatriots, the journey ahead will not be navigated by fear or hatred. We can only achieve a better Nigeria through courage, compassion and commitment as one indivisible unit.

“I promise that I shall remain committed and serve faithfully. I also invite all to join this enterprise to remake our beloved nation into its better self. We can do it. We must do it. We shall do it.!!!

“I wish you all a happy 63rd Independence Anniversary. Thank you for listening. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”

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JUST-IN: Tribunal Nullifies Kwara’s Youngest Lawmaker’s Electoral Victory, Orders Rerun

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The Kwara State National/State Assembly Election Petitions Tribunal sitting in Ilorin, the State capital, on Saturday, nullified the election of the youngest lawmaker in the State Assembly, Miss Rukayat Shittu.

Miss Shittu, 26, contested and won the Owode-Onire constituency seat of Asa local government area of the state under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC)

However, her closest challenger and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the March 18 election, Abdullahi Yinusa Magaji, filed a petition before the Tribunal to challenge the APC candidate’s victory.

The Tribunal, in its lead judgement delivered by Justice Ademola Enikuomehin, ordered a rerun in five polling units of the constituency in order to determine the actual winner of the legislative seat.

“The petitioners failed in 12 among the contested polling units while five have been proved. The results so far released are hereby cancelled, and the election inconclusive.

“In sum, the petition succeeded in parts and in consequence, I hereby order a rerun of the election in the above polling units to be conducted within 90 days,” the Tribunal ruled

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