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General news

International Women’s Day: Group pledges commitment to ensuring gender equality

Women

By Yinusa Ishola

Omu-Aran (Kwara) March 7, 2020 (NAN) The Global Hope for Women and Children Foundation (GLOHWOC) has restated its commitment towards ensuring that Nigerian women and girls achieve the desired gender equality through stakeholders collaboration.

Mrs Christy Abayomi-Oluwole, the GLOHWOC Chief Executive Officer, made the pledge during an advocacy visit and rally organised by the foundation in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area, Kwara.

News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the rally, led by Abayomi-Oluwole, took the team to the palace of the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abadulraheem Adeoti.

It also visited the Omu-Aran office of the Lower Niger River Basin Development Authority and Omu-Aran Central market in Omu-Aran.

The event was meant to create awareness for gender equality and human right for Nigerian women and girls in commemoration of the 2020 International Women Day (IWD) Scheduled for Sunday March 8.

The 2020 IWD is with the theme: “I am Generation Equality: Realising Women’s Rights”.

Speaking at the Olomu’s palace, Abayomi-Oluwole said the foundation had embarked on a project toward empowering about 120 vulnerable women and girls in Irepodun and Ilorin South Local Government Areas of the state.

According to her, this is part of the larger plan in achieving the desired objective of the organisation

She said: “The project tagged: “Gender Equality and Women Empowerment’ scheme is in collaboration with Actionaid and Global Affairs Canada toward assisting vulnerable women, girls and cooperatives, especially at the grassroots.”

She said a project steering committee comprising of heads of relevant stakeholders such as security, community development associations, governments, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) was already working round the clock toward ensuring its success.

“The project is meant to identify vulnerable persons, especially women, girls and non-registered cooperative societies, for financial literacy assistance for them to be self-sufficient and legally registered to function effectively,” she said.

Abayomi-Oluwole disclosed that the organisation was already operational in other states such as Bauchi, Cross River, Enugu and Lagos States to impact positively on the living standard of the beneficiaries.

Dr Elizabeth Alori, the Head of Department, Soil and Crop Science, Landmark University, Omu-Aran, and a member of the team, expressed the institution’s readiness to promote agriculture mechanization among the womenfolk.

She urged women to be ready to take up responsibilities by engaging in farming activities both as a profession and a vocation.

Mr Oluyinka Adetunji, the Omu-Aran Unit Commander of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC). who represented the securing agencies in the team, assured of adequate security of lives and property in the area.

According to him, no meaningful development can be achieved in an atmosphere of violence and rancour, “we are on our part are ever ready to ensure adequate security for the desired development to thrive,” he said.

Alhaji Abdulganiyu Salahideen, Vice-President, Omu-Aran Development, on his part, pledged the association’s commitment toward ensuring the desired transformation envisioned for women populace in the area.

Responding, the Olomu of Omu-Aran, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, commended the organisation for its dedication, patriotism and foresight.

He described the emergence of more women in many positions of authority and lucrative businesses as a clear indication of the readiness of the womenfolk to take their rightful place in the scheme of things.

“Women are no more lagging behind; we have more women now occupying sensitive government positions and also as forefront entrepreneurs.

“What you really need to do now is to always encourage the upcoming younger ones not to relax and be focused in contributing their own quota to the growth, progress and socio-economic development of their locality, state and the country at large,” he said.

The traditional ruler also used the opportunity to assure the organisation of the support of the tradition institution in achieving the desired set targets, goals and objectives.

The event was rounded off at the Omu-Aran Central Market where the team members took turn to address the traders and marketers, on the need to be productively engaged as responsible citizens. (NAN)

ISHO/ASS/IAA

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Edited  by Saidu Adamu/Isaac Aregbesola

General news

Public analyst advocates strong judicial system to fight corrupt practices

By Yinusa Ishola

Corruption
Omu-Aran (Kwara), March 5, 2020 (NAN) A public affairs analyst, Mr Andrew Ibe, on Thursday called for strengthening of the nation’s judicial system to enhance the present administration’s fight against corruption.

Ibe told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Kwara, that putting the country’s  judiciary in the right and proper perspective would assist in sustaining the fight against corruption and other vices.

He said that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) deserve adequate attention in terms of proper budgetary allocation for optimum performance.

According to him, strengthening the two anti-corruption agencies will equip them with the wherewithal to achieve effective prosecution of corrupt cases still pending in the nation’s courts.

Ibe said that the government’s anti-corruption war had highlighted some serious challenges in the capability of the courts to handle some high profile corruption cases.

“The present administration’s anti-corruption war, which is gradually extending to every sector of the nation’s economy, is no doubt enough reason to strengthen our judicial system.

“I think the judiciary, as the last hope of the common man, needs to be properly funded and with adequate personnel and conducive environment in place to function effectively.

“This is very essential and critical in moving the nation forward politically and economically,’’ the analyst said.

He also urged members of the bench to be steadfast and proactive in proffering viable solutions, saying such will guard against unwarranted distractions and undue influence in the discharge of their responsibilities.

According to him, recent development in respect of the Supreme Court judgment on Imo and Bayelsa states governorship elections that warranted a review were clear indications of the enormous challenges ahead of the nation’s judiciary system.

“Judiciary should be absolutely independent in its own right with adequate resources to effectively discharge its duty,” he said.

Ibe also used the opportunity to charge the federal government toward ensuring the optimum and judicious use of the recovered looted funds for the overall benefit of the citizenry.

“By so doing it will go a long way to increase the respect and confidence of the people on the government’s capability in ensuring the desired growth, progress and socio-economic development for the country,” he said. (NAN)

ISHO/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Tourism

Association seeks efforts to save talking drums from extinction

Mr Joseph Ayanniyi, Chairman, Association of Professional Talking Drummers of Nigeria (APTDON), Kwara South Chapter, in the act of talking drum fabrication in Omu-Aran, Irepodun LGA of Kwara

Drums
By Yunusa Ishola
Omu-Aran (Kwara), March 5, 2020 (NAN) Mr Joseph Ayanniyi, the Chairman of the Association of Professional  Talking Drummers of Nigeria (APTDON) in Kwara, has called on the government and other stakeholders in the arts and craft  industry to save talking drums from extinction.

Ayanniyi, a fabricator of  talking drum, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran, Kwara, on Thursday.

Ayanniyi  appealed to government and other stakeholders to invest in the production of the drums to revive the craft.

He said if urgent steps were not taken to revive the craft, especially at the grassroots, it would become extinct.

The craftsman also decried the dearth of apprentices in the art and the current low patronage and sued for immediate intervention.

He said the industry needed urgent intervention to save it from extinction.

According to him, such intervention will make it a relevant  tool  for the promotion of the nation’s culture, tradition and heritage.

He said the craft of making talking drums and its use as a musical instrument was threatened by the low patronage and inadequate government support.

Ayanniyi decried the development whereby the business of talking drum fabrication and sales ” is now only  patronised by those with its historical lineage.”

“People hardly come forward now to indicate their interest in learning the trade.

“Series of promises have been made by government to develop the entertainment industry but nothing tangible has been done in respect to supporting the talking drum business.

“ Musical entertainment across the six geo-political zones of the country cannot be said to be complete without the use of talking drum.

“Regrettably, the business is now predominantly being practised and sustained by those of us with hereditary attachment to the craft of making talking drums,” he said.

The APTDON boss described the talking drum craft as “very lucrative”, pointing out that it could also assist in checkmating the high rate of youth unemployment, insurgency, banditry, armed robbery and kidnappings if given adequate support by government.

He recalled that some years ago, the  Federal Government, through the National Directorate of Employment (NDE), engaged some apprentices in the making of talking drums.

“Then, those that were engaged in the business as apprentices received stipends like other numerous trades in partnership with NDE which was the magic wand that attracted many people to partake,’’ Ayanniyi said.

Ayanniyi, who specialises in fabricating and selling different kinds of talking drums and other accessories in Omu-Aran, said such opportunity was no longer there.

He called for effective synergy between government and community leaders to ensure adequate support for the development of the nation’s entertainment industry.

“This could be through provision of credit facility and loan for practitioners and other policy incentives to develop the sector, ” he said.

He, however, lauded the incumbent administration for its policy of massive investment in culture and tourism toward diversifying the nation’s economic base. (NAN)
ISHO/PD/OJO
===========
(Edited by Philip Dzeremo/Mufutau Ojo)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Economy

SDGs: Lawyer advocates active youth participation in governance

By Yinusa Ishola

SDGs
Omu-Aran (Kwara), March 4, 2020 (NAN) A legal practitioner, Mr Abayomi Adekanye, has advocated for active youth participation in governance in order to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Adekanye told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran on Wednesday that implementation of SDGs, to a great extent, depended on younger citizens’ ability to hold their leaders accountable.

NAN reports that the 17-point goals to be achieved by 2030 included ending poverty and hunger, food security, infrastructure and sustainable agriculture, among others.

The set goals, which were adopted by World leaders in September 2015,  officially came into effect on Jan. 1, 2016.

Adekanye said since countries globally were expected to mobilise resources to achieve the set goals in about 10 years, youths should play their expected roles.

Adekanye, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of a private legal firm in Kwara, said youths should be involved in national-level planning, implementation and monitoring of SDGs.

The legal practitioner noted that youth activism was on the rise globally bolstered by unfiltered access to social media, adding that such can be an added advantage to disseminate information.

Adekanye, who described youths as critical thinkers, innovators and change makers, said: “Youths are capable of bringing fresh ideas with direct knowledge of issues and insights that are not accessible to adults.

“Youths have the capacity to identify and challenge existing power structures and barriers to change, and to expose contradictions and biases.

“Young people can be partners in communicating the agenda to their peers and communities at the local and state levels, as well as across districts and regions.

“If countries are to succeed in achieving the SDGs, leaving no one behind, governments must seek engagement of youths from diverse backgrounds,” he said.

He urged youth organistions to channel their resources to end all forms of poverty, inequalities and tackle climate change, which were part of the SDGs.

Adekanye described the goals that emphasised ending poverty and hunger, food security and sustainable agriculture, among others, for all as very critical to Nigeria’s development road map.

He charged the three tiers of governments to ensure a workable and harmonious synergy toward achieving the set objectives.

He added that efforts should be geared toward attracting youths to embrace agriculture both as a business and as a vocation. (NAN)
ISHO/JNEO/MST 

Edited by Josephine Obute/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Education

Society seeks stiffer measures to curb cultism, other illicit acts among students

By Yinusa Ishola

Sanctions
Omu-Aran (Kwara), March 4, 2020 (NAN) The National Council of Women Societies (NCWS) have called for stiffer penalties for those convicted of cultism to curb increased level of membership of students in higher institutions nationwide.

Mrs Moradeyo Ajiboye, the society’s Director of Mobilisation in Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Omu-Aran on Wednesday.

Ajiboye said the high rate of cult-induced related deaths among students across the country had become a source of concern to the organisation.

She said that the menace, if not properly addressed, could become a clog in government’s efforts at transforming the education sector.

According to her, the problem has recently assumed a dangerous dimension as the menace of cult related activities is now also prominent among students in primary and secondary schools.

She said cultism and other vices had done more harm than good to the country’s growth, progress and development.

Ajiboye urged stakeholders in the education sector to rise to the challenge.

She called on relevant government regulatory agencies, especially state Houses of Assemblies, to strategise and evolve stringent punitive measures in the form of legislation for offenders.

The NCWS boss the prevailing incessant marriage breakups due to irreconcilable differences among couples was a bi-product of the vices in the society.

Ajiboye particularly appealed to parents, especially mothers regarded as first teachers, to re-double their effort in impacting good morals and values in their wards as leaders of tomorrow.

She disclosed that the organisation had on its part embarked on sensitisation campaign to schools, markets and religious places to educate stakeholders on the dangers inherent in illicit acts.

“The prevalence rate of cultism in institutions across the country coupled with its attendant casualties, has become a source of worry and concern to this organisation.

“With the present situation as regards cultism, it is not enough for parents to secure admission for their children and wards, pay school fees among other things and go to sleep.

“The much bigger responsibility now is to monitor their activities, especially on and off the schools, so that they do not go astray.

“The school authorities also have roles to play by putting in place effective mechanism and administrative measures to discourage act of cultism and promote peaceful co-existence among the students,” she said.

Ajiboye also challenge students’ union executives and representatives in tertiary institutions to promote harmonious relationship between the students and the authorities.

“This will go a long way in creating a conducive atmosphere needed for effective learning, as well as promoting recreation and social activities in schools,” she said. (NAN)
ISHO/KOO/MST

Edited by Kevin Okunzuwa/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Economy

Lawmaker offers scholarship to 11 indigent tertiary students in Kwara

 

Miss Adebunmi Adebanke (Right) of Federal University, Oye Ekiti and one of the beneficiaries receiving her scholarship grant from Mr Shuaib Olarewaju, (Left), an APC stalwart on behalf of Rep Raheem Olawuyi, during the empowerment in Omu-Aran, Irepodun LGA of Kwara.

Lawmaker offers scholarship to 11 indigent tertiary students in Kwara

Empowerment
By Yinusa Ishola
Omu-Aran (Kwara), March 3, 2020 (NAN) No fewer than 11 indigent students in Irepodun Local Government area of Kwara State, have received various cash donations through a scholarship scheme organised by Rep Raheem Olawuyi’s constituency office in Omu-Aran.
Olawuyi, represented by his Senior Legislative Aide, Abdulganiyu Abdulsalam, at the presentation on Tuesday said that the gesture was geared toward complementing and improving upon the students’ academic performances.
The Rep member represents Ekiti/Irepodun/Isin/Oke-Ero Federal Constituency under the All Progressive Congress (APC).
He said that the scholarship scheme was also part of the constituency’s efforts towards achieving the desired transformation in the areas of education, entrepreneurship, skills and human capital development.
According to him, the selected beneficiaries are among those who obtained obtained the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) forms of the constituency and secured admission in tertiary institutions across the country.
Olawuyi said that the presentation of various cash to the students’ beneficiaries was in fulfillment of his earlier promise to cater for the tuition fees of whoever made the cut-off mark and subsequently secured admission in furthering their studies.
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the amount given to each of the beneficiaries ranges from N38, 000 to N53,000 to cover their tuition fees.
NAN also reports that 400 candidates obtained the free UTME forms and sat for the examination under the constituency’s scholarship empowerment scheme in 2019 from where the 11 beneficiaries were selected.
“Education remained the best legacy and the bedrock of social-economic development in any civilised society which must not be toyed with.
“This is why we have made it a point of duty to do whatever within our capacity in supporting our youth and their parents in the bid to achieve academic excellence.
“Our youth need to be complimented and encouraged to toe the path of quality and qualitative education for them to be useful to themselves and the larger society.
“Few months ago over 500 of the youth populace drawn across the four councils of the constituency were trained on how to access the benefit of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises.
“The objective is to avail the youth the opportunity to access various facilities and incentives of the Federal Government through the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) and Central Bank of Nigeria.
“When the youth are engaged productively they will not be found wanting as far as insurgency, kidnapping, banditry, armed robbery and other illicit acts are concerned,” he said.
Olawuyi urged the beneficiaries to be good ambassadors of the constituency in their various institutions of learning.
Mr Shuaib Olanrewaju, an All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart in the constituency, in his remarks, described the gesture as highly beneficial and unprecedented in the history of the constituency.
“This is marvelous coming from Rep Olawuyi. We have never had it this good in the constituency.
“I want to appeal to you the beneficiaries to reciprocate this kind gesture by excelling in your various courses,’’ he advised.
Mr Yemi Aransiola, the APC Chairman in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, said that the series of achievement in the constituency were good testimonies of the party’s victories in the last general elections.
“This scholarship and other achievements within the short period of Olawuyi’s representation have no doubt justified our victories and taking over the leadership from the past regime.
“My advice is for the beneficiaries to continue to maintain the same spirit and tempo in reciprocating this laudable gesture from our amiable Rep member,” he said.
Nafisat Amuda of Kwara State Polytechnic and Abib Ajiboye of the University of Ilorin, both beneficiaries, described the gesture as very timely, beneficial and a morale booster.
NAN reports that the scholarship presentation was witnessed by party members and leaders across the four councils of the constituency. (NAN)
ISHO/MAM/DCU
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Edited by Modupe Adeloye/Donald Ugwu

General news

COVID-19: Cleric urges divine intervention to tackle strange diseases

By Yinusa Ishola

Diseases

Omu-Aran (Kwara), March 2, 2020 (NAN) A cleric, Prophet Christopher Owolabi, on Monday says the recent advent of strange diseases in many countries globally is a sign of end time phenomenon that require divine intervention.

Owolabi, the General Overseer (GO) of Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-Oke Irapada, Omu-Aran in Kwara, made the assertion during the church’s special Lent service in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state.

Owolabi, who claimed that the advent of most of the recent diseases plaguing the countries were more artificial than natural, urged the people to return back to God in righteousness.

According to him, most people have deviated from God’s commandments and even now associating with those things that are forbidden in the Holy Scriptures.

“Some people prefer animals as sex mates, while others find interest in experimenting with animals in an ungodly manner.

“The end product and outcome of these anomalies are what we are experiencing today in form of strangest diseases like Ebola, Lassa fever and very recently Covid-19 also known as Coronavirus,” he said.

The man of God said the situation was more compounded as many religious leaders were now perpetrators of crime and criminality.

He urged Christians to engage more in prayers during the Holy season and do away with their past mistakes and misdeeds in order for them to attain the desired salvation.

“Those who are supposed to be role models, guidance, counsellors and shapers of youths are now enmeshed in rituals, kidnapping, fraud, extortion and so on.

“All these are signs that we are gradually moving toward the end time era and only those who chose to be righteous will gain the desired salvation,” he said.

Owolabi urged those at the helm of the nation’s affairs to always remember the masses and imbibe transparency, diligence, honesty and accountability.

He also called on the youths to be ready, morally and academically, in assuming the nation’s leadership positions in the nearest future.

“A lot of expectations are on the youth to do things differently, through sound moral and academic excellence, in steering the ship to the Promised Land,” he said. (NAN)
ISHO/ESAN/MST

Edited by Abiodun Esan/Muhammad Suleiman Tola

 

Prophet Christopher Owolabi of the Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-oke Irapada, Omu-Aran, Irepodun LGA of Kwara.

General news

Insecurity: Cleric advocates adequate priority for youth development

Prophet Christopher Owolabi of the Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-oke Irapada, Omu-Aran, Irepodun LGA of Kwara

By Yinusa Ishola

Youths
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Feb. 27, 2020 (NAN) A cleric, Prophet Christopher Owolabi, has advocated adequate priority for youth development by all tiers of government, especially in the 2020 budget proposals.

Owolabi, the General Overseer of the Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-oke Irapada, Omu-Aran, made the call during a church special service, tagged: “Youth as Agent of National Development”, in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of Kwara.

The cleric explained that such intervention would assist immensely in engaging the youth productively and curb the menace of youth involvement in insurgency, banditry, armed robbery and kidnapping.

According to him, the youths remained the engine room of any nation’s growth, progress and socio-economic development.

He noted that current development in the country had posed a lot of expectations on youth active involvement in promoting the nation’s socio-economic development.

The cleric also called on youths to remain focused and always imbibe the act of honesty, integrity and transparency.

Owolabi underscored the need for Nigerian youths to learn from the mistakes and misdeeds of past leaders in contributing their quota to the nation’s development.

Besides, the cleric advised youths to maintain a high level of moral and academic background for them to be relevant in the scheme of things.

“In other words, in carrying out such civic responsibility it behoves on government at all tiers to accord adequate priority toward empowering the youths adequately and productively.

“Enough funds should be allocated toward the training of youths on entrepreneurship, vocations and skills for them to be self sustenance and reliance.

“This intervention will no doubt go a long way to engage the youths and refocused their mindset away from criminal activities,” he said.

The cleric also called for a formidable synergy between the states’ Ministries of Youth Development and their Federal counterpart in order to achieve the desired development envisioned for the nation’s youth populace.

“The job of developing the youths should not be limited to the states and federal ministries of youth development alone, but a collective effort and synergy with other ministries such as agriculture, enterprise, e.t.c, will also work magic,” he said. (NAN)

ISHO/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola

Agriculture

Make farming attractive to youths, Kwara monarch advises government

 

 

Farming

By Yinusa Ishola

Omu-Aran (Kwara) Feb. 27, 2020 (NAN) The traditional ruler of Omu-Aran in Kwara, Oba Abdulraheem Adeoti, has urged government at all levels in the country to increase funding of agriculture to make it more attractive to youths and the womenfolk.

Adeoti, who gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  on Thursday in Omu-Aran, urged the three tiers of government to embrace mechanised farming to boost agriculture.

The monarch said that involvement of youths and women in all categories of agricultural practices would assist to secure the nation’s growth and economic diversification.

He said Nigerian youths had formidable roles to play in the government’s efforts to diversify the nation’s economy from oil to agriculture-based.

According to the monarch, transforming agriculture requires a collective responsibility of all stakeholders to achieve success.

Adeoti suggested a well-coordinated national policy on agriculture to be embraced by all tiers government to develop the sector.

He decried the situation whereby most of the youth empowerment initiatives were concentrated on distribution of motorcycles, grinding machines alone, with less regard for agriculture at the grassroots.

Adeoti criticised the influx of many youths into commercial motorcycle business, saying such could be a stumbling block to government’s developmental efforts.

“Government needs to make agriculture attractive, especially with the availability of credit facility and farm inputs to the youth.

“There is the need to refocus the minds of the youths from ‘get-rich-quick’ syndrome, for them to embrace agriculture as a trade and vocation.

“Other farming inputs and incentives to promote agriculture mechanisation should be highly subsidised,” he said.

The royal father also identified lack of continuity in government policies as a major factor hindering successful implementation of past laudable agriculture initiatives.

“It seems there is lack of coordination or working relationship among all tiers of government as far as agriculture development is concerned,” the monarch said.

He described the Agriculture Transformation Agenda (ATA) initiative of the past administration, aimed at registering 20 million farmers nationwide, as deserving replication by states and local government areas.

“There is need for state Ministries of Agriculture to work in tandem with their federal counterparts in the areas of research, documentation and development.

“Same goes for the local government areas, agriculture institutions and centres spread across the country.

“By so doing, our efforts in making agriculture a veritable alternative to boost the nation’s economy would be achieved,” the traditional ruler said. (NAN)

ISHO/FLP/WOJ

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Edited by Folorunso Poroye/Wale Ojetimi

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Politics

Kwara APC preaches unity, perseverance among members

ùBy Yinusa Ishola

Unity
Omu-Aran (Kwara), Feb. 26, 2020 (NAN) The Chairman of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara, Alhaji Bashir Bolarinwa, on Wednesday called on party members in the state to imbibe unity, perseverance and remain dedicated to the party’s principles and ideals for development.

Bolarinwa made the appeal during the party’s stakeholders meeting in Omu-Aran, Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, saying the party cannot afford to lag behind in future elections.

He claimed that the same spirit of dedication, perseverance and togetherness in the face of uncertainty gave the party the desired victories during the Nov. 17 by-election as well as the 2019 general elections.

According to him, it is only with collective efforts of genuine members across the state that would assist the party to sustain the feat recorded in those two historic elections.

He said the stakeholders meeting across the 16 local government areas of the state was to afford the executive express its appreciation to members for their loyalty that resulted in the party’s past victories.

The chairman described the noticeable division in the party as the handiwork of some unscrupulous elements who are bent on promoting their personal gains against the party’s overall best interest.

Bolarinwa said APC’s executive was not against members breaking into forums and associations with genuine intention of promoting oneness and unity toward attracting new members.

He, however, warned that such forums and associations will not be allowed to be antagonise the party’s principles and ideals.

“We all remember vividly that the last two elections won by the party were not achieved on a platter of gold but a product of selflessness, unity, dedication and perseverance among individual members and groups.

“We as a party then was an underdog in terms of financial capability and superiority compared to our opposition but with efforts of people like Alhaji Lai Mohammed and other genuine members we came out victorious.

“So we are here today to remind us that its only with the same mindset and spirit we can sustain our hard won victories in moving the party to the next and desired level,” he said.

The APC chairman said the attack on his entourage during a tour of Moro Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday was a product of misinformation and an attempt to cause unnecessary disaffection in the party.

He urged the gathering to be wary of sycophants and antagonists, saying “you should be resolute in contributing your quota toward the growth, progress and the development of the party manifestoe across the wards and councils”.

Mr Ademola Adeoti, thebAPC Chairman in Esie-Ijan Ward, thanked the state cChairman for the interaction, describing it as beneficial and timely.

Mr John Adefila, the APC Youth Leader in Irepodun LGA of the state, urged the APC state executive to accord the youths more recognition in the party’s programmes and decision making.

Contributing, Mr Yemi Aransiola, the APC Chairman in Irepodun LGA, thanked members for honouring the meeting in large numbers and pledged loyalty to the Bolarinwa-led administration in the state. (NAN)
ISHO/MST

Edited by Muhammad Suleiman Tola