A New Dawn Beckons At Odogbolu State Constituency. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

 

 

 

   Quite an incredibly lots could be achieved if young ones are allowed to use their dynamic and agile ability to bring positive change to a system and looking at profiles and capacity of young Nigerians running for various elective positions these days, one is left in no doubts that the future will be great.
  Today, I'm taking a break to showcase my very good friend and brother, a combination of abilities, pure genius, consummate politician, dependable ally and a complete democrat with the IQ of Einstein, OLALEKAN LUKMAN ADELEYE (also known as Senato), who is aspiring to represent the good people of Odogbolu LG in the Ogun State House of Assembly next year. I have resolved to do this piece based on the fact that I know his worth, what he stands for, his hopeful insight into community issues, craviness for new ideas, ability to weigh alternatives before adopting a reasonable option and several other qualities that set him apart from other candidates vying for same position all over Ogun State.
   This tireless campaigner of a truly democratic society has been in the business of defending the interest of his people for years and I personally admire his selfless devotion to volunteer works as we have had cause to collaborate on few political assignments just like we are both involved in #Lado2019 project.
During his days at Tai Solarin College of Education, he was a well known vocal and active student leader with enviable records of co-ordinating struggles that ended in victory. This he has also demonstrated with his involvement in grassroots politics where he had opportunity to prove himself at various positions he was picked to occupy in the past.
  In 2007, he was appointed as Legislative Aide to the erstwhile member of Ogun State House of Assembly, Hon Remmy Hazzan and based on his performance and recommendations he got, the former Executive Chairman of Odogbolu Local Government, Chief Tope Tokoya immediately appointed him as a Special Adviser between 2008-2009. Again, he was made a Supervisor for Community Development, Women Affair and Employment Generation from May till December 2010 in same Local Government.
    Few weeks ago, he was nominated for the 2018 Most Ambitious Youth Award organised by 'Ogun Peers In Town' where he was singled out from the entire Ogun East Senatorial District.
   OLALEKAN LUKMAN ADELEYE was born about 40 years ago at Ibefun, in Odogbolu Local Government Area of Ogun State. He started his primary education at Holy Trinity Anglican Primary School Ibefun in 1987 and proceeded to Agbowa Baptist Grammar School, Agbowa-Ikosi for his secondary education.
In 1998, he was admitted into Tai Solarin College of Education for his National Certificate of Educate (NCE) programme. He was among the best students that bagged UI-affiliated degree (B.Ed) programme in same Tai Solarin College of Education. In 2017, he completed his Master's degree (Msc) in Analytical/Environmental Chemistry from Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye. He is a christian; happily married to a delectable Mrs Olamide Adeleye and the marriage is blessed with beautiful kids.
     Olalekan is a dedicated community development advocate who has served in various committees of Ibefun Community Development Association, the most recent role was his membership of the 25th Coronation Anniversary and 70th birthday ceremony of Oba Gideon Adetoye Adesina, the Liken of Ibefun.
  He is humble, approachable, respectful and genuinely ready to support any right cause. A vote for him is a YES for a greater, responsive and quality representation in Odogbolu State Constituency.

2019: The One Good Thing PMB Government Has Done To Us. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

 

Without mincing words, Buhari-led government has disappointed Nigerian masses and like never before, we have achieved an overwhelming statistics, indicating his monumental failure. His inefficiencies and incompetencies have reduced the Office of the President so much that every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to be the next President because they believe they can run this government better than him. Interestingly, the situation has equally helped to unveil several bright minds with impressive CVs.
If not for PMB inactions and weakness, we wouldn't have acknowledged Kingsley Moghalu, the Presidential aspirant of Young Peoples Party? A Professor of International Business and Public Policy at Tufts University, President of the Governance and Economic Transformation, former United Nations official and former CBN deputy governor. What amazes me the most about Moghalu is his sound and revolutionary ideas.
What about Fela Durotoye? An OAU, Harvard and Yale trained leadership expert, business strategist and motivational speaker. This excellent communicator always has a way with words. Someone once said 'you can't be in any of his sessions and not take down a few notes.'
Earlier this year, at NuStream Events Centre in Ibadan, during one of Durotoye's campaign tours, someone in the crowd, moved by his speech donated the sum of One Million Naira to support his campaign!
Omoyele Sowore, is the founder and publisher of Sahara Reporters. He holds Degrees from the University of Lagos and Columbia University, Lecturer at the City University of New York. This renowned writer, public speaker and human rights activist has the advantage of owning a known media brand with extensive reach which he can leverage on for publicity and propaganda.
We equally have Atuejide Eunice, a 39 years old founder of National Interest Party. Holds Law Degrees from BPP University, London and Msc in Business Administration from University of Siegen, Germany. She owns EB Consults Limited, a consultancy company operating out of the UK and Nigeria.
Funmilayo Adesanya-Davies is also interested in the Office of the President. This 55years old Professor of Language and Communication Arts at the RSUE hold Degrees from the Universities of Ilorin, Port Harcourt and Northwestern University. She founded the Agape Bible Church.
Donald Ike Igwegbu, Jaye Gaskia, Thomas Wilson, Ibrahim Abubakar Lajada, Emiola Ojajuni, Miss Godstime Iroabuchi Sidney, Chris Emejuru and many other distinguished Nigerians have so far indicated interest in the contest.
Honestly, I admire the courage and efforts of these young and great Nigerians. However, it's doubtful if any of them can win an election in a complex society like Nigeria but collectively, they have made a statement. We now have a political reawakening atmosphere. They have succeeded in introducing the standard to the masses. They have helped to sensitize, re-introduce and re-define what genuine governance entails. I can assure you that we will get there, may be not 2019.
Part of why it may not be 2019 is the problem of building sustainable structures in all the 36 states and their late entry into the business. They ought to have been working across all regions for at least 2 years. Nobody wins a presidential election 6 months to the race without being in the system for so long.
Still, I give kudos to them and more importantly to PMB whose actions and inactions paved way for these guys to be known.

SOON, IT WOULD BE A CRIME TO BE FREE! By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

Your land or your death statement credited to the Special Adviser to the President on Media, Femi Adeshina, in which he was quoted to have said that all communities opposed to ranches should choose between their lands or lives is a further pointer to the fact that the Presidency has greater alliance to the herdsmen than to the country. Don't be deceived by the prepared speech he delivered to the representatives of CAN from the 19 Northern States yesterday. We know where his priority lies.
The killings in Maiduguri during Goodluck Jonathan's administration was the reason one renowned activist said Nigeria doesn't look like a nation anymore. Today, the unimaginable is happening and everyone is terrified. There's virtually no part of Nigeria that is safe. There's virtually no individual that is not living in fear in Nigeria except the Fulanis.
The murderous herdsmen first unleashed hell in Enugu and nothing happened because the victims are Biafrans who didn't support the government. Then they executed a massacre in Benue and nothing happened as well. Admittedly, they have succeeded in fishing out non-Fulani suspects as the perpetrators of the recent killings in Plateau State but over 300 people, comprising of women and children, were killed in 11 different communities.
In fact, according to US Council on Foreign Relations, a total of about 19,890 documented deaths have been recorded in Nigeria since June 2015.
Just this morning, about 8 persons were killed in separate fresh attacks in Adamawa and Benue again.
As it stands today, Fulani herdsmen can kill уσυ at the slightest excitement and get away with it (because almost all the Heads of national security are from same tribe) and when уσυ gear up to defend уσυrself because security will not help, then уσυ are caught by the same security who will lecture уσυ on how to be peaceful and law abiding. And if уσυ dare stage a peaceful protest, security will shoot уσυ for disturbing the peace of the area and inciting violence.
Regrettably, those who openly hounded and derided Goodluck Jonathan whenever any killings happened, calling him clueless in those days are today silent when we're witnessing the worst under PMB and despite their inability to openly condemn the killings, they still have strongest irritation for the slightest dissenting voice. That's why when уσυ complain today, уσυ are either called a wailer, thieve or supporter of thieves.
There's nothing wrong in loving or supporting a leader but where is уσυr conscience when уσυr fellow citizens are being slaughtered daily and уσυ don't seem to be bothered because you're benefitting from the government or the President is from your party?
Like a friend will always say, when the plague in Aso Rock is gone, we shall count and celebrate with real hearts. Not the hypocritical demons!
But come to think of it, as the killings continue and уσυ're forbidden to criticize PMB's inaction, soon, it would also be a crime to be free! 

INDEED THERE WAS A COUNTRY.. By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

It's difficult imagining this is the same Nigeria Chief Obafemi Awolowo lived in and made free education possible. General Yakubu Gowon (Rtrd) is of Northern extraction yet established NYSC to unify and integrate the ethnic divisions through the youths. It's entirely a different story today. The labour of our past heroes and forefathers is being rubbished by today's government for selfish gains. No respect for the laws, no regard for human rights, no interest of the nation at heart. We pervert justice for selfish reasons and have no regard for human lives. 

Our forefathers would be weeping in their graves seeing what our leaders in the 21st century have turned governance to. No conscience. No legacy. We build fake and padded rice pyramid to deceive the world that we have excelled in rice production. We build substandard roads, schools and hospitals all for profit at the expense of human life. The new Ijebu Ode pedestrian bridges constructed less than 3 years ago had undergone series of repairs and we say we are better than our forefathers? 

Concerned organizations would donate food items and other relief materials for Nigerian orphans, widows and displaced people, but some well-known and rich government officials would divert the items for private use and sell the remaining ones for profit. Yet some credible Nigerians in the media, would give awards of excellence to such criminals. 

Today, many little children are plagued with unknown diseases and illness because our market places are littered with imported substandard products, fake drugs and expired baby food unfit for human consumption yet we have security operatives at our various borders. 

Nigeria has never been this unsecured in history. At the slightest excitement Fulani herdsmen can kill уσυ and get away with it  even when security operatives are present and when уσυ make effort  to defend уσυrself, уσυ are caught by the same securities who will lecture уσυ on how to be civil and law abiding. As it stands today, cattle have freedom of movement and food security than Nigerian citizens.

The likes of late Yakubu Gowon, Nnamdi  Aziikwe, Tafawa Balewa are de-tribalized and selfless leaders who had genuine interest of the nation at heart. Chief Obafemi Awolowo built Cocoa House not in his hometown nor considered Unife (OAU) better situated in his community. Today, we have a national head who wants all juicy and key sectors headed by people from his hometown regardless of their experience and educational background. Indeed there was a country!

WHEN IN DOUBT, LEAVE OUT! By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

    I'm still researching if there's anywhere in Nigeria the youths have been hired to do untold damages to the names of political opponents than Ogun State. The magnitude of falsehood being dished out on daily basis by some hired youths especially on the social media is sickening. The reputation уσυ struggled to build for years can be pulled down in one ∂αy by someone who didn't have the faintest idea of all уσυ went through to achieve the height.

     I have seen damages done to the image of Hon Oladipupo Adebutu despite his unparalleled strides in grassroots politics and tireless efforts in putting smile on the faces of Ogun people through his many life-enriching programmes.

      Few years ago, I authored a lengthy article to counter a post in which the immediate past governor of Ogun State, His Excellency Otunba Justus Daniel was alleged to have ordered the killings of over 200 students of Olabisi Onabanjo University. It was intellectually annoying and I was compelled to react based on the fact that I was still in same institution the period they claimed the killings took place. I had equally read a post where a governorship candidate of Labour Party in the last election, Mr Sina Kawonise, a successful journalist and former Commissioner of Information, was accused of stealing 50 litres of diesel oil from a parked truck.

These havocs were done by some hired youths and each time I read such posts, I asked myself, "for how much?"

    Otunba Gbenga Daniel for instance, toiled hard to earn the title, 'Architect of Modern Ogun State' yet part of the reasons his administration lost it in the court of public opinion in spite of his unbeatable records was largely due to the activities of these hired miscreants.

Thank God for the likes of Baaroyin Dayo Rufai,who managed to investigate the recent rumour of Amosun suspending the Olu of Ilaro and found it to be untrue. I'm not a fan of Governor Ibikunle Amosun but the allegation is a height of political insanity and it has got to stop. Unfortunately, majority of those in the business don't understand the implications of these unholy practices.

 I know a few persons who went behind bars for helping to share unconfirmed and untrue informations on the social media. Уσυ necessarily don't need to be the author of such posts, by mere re-sharing, уσυ deserve same punishment as the original writer.

To the amateurs in this business, I beseech them to check their facts and confirm from their information source before sharing any information online and as for the professionals, please don't join to spread lie. Remember the creed: if in doubt, leave out!

Attachments area

The 2017 JOHN BUNYAN Award for Creative Writing

Тhanк уσυ Nigerians!
It's a great honour to be announced the winner of an award named after a legend and genius. JOHN BUNYAN wrote the most read novel of all time and second most read book in history. The Bible being the most read. 
His book, The Pilgrim's Progress, has been translated into more languages than any other book apart from the Bible. Now I believe Richard Bash who said, 'a professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit!'
http://www.tribuneonlineng.com/winners-emerge-synw-writing-com
petition/
http://rcgreene.com/index.php/2017/10/26/winners-emerge-in-synw-
writing-competition/
http://www.latestnigeriannews.com/news/5084828/winners-emerge-i
n-synw-writing-competition.html
http://press.com.ng/news/winners-emerge-in-synw-writing-
competition/

TEN KINGS, TEN ERAS (A Message To People In Power At The Moment) By Saint-Olawale Jimoh

 This article is not intended to bring anybody's name to disrepute, especially my subject who is a former lawmaker in Ogun State, rather it's meant to re-orientate those in power at the moment who think they'll reign forever. The incident that prompted this piece sticks so vividly to mind as if it happened yesterday and I'm more compelled to share it because I know there are lessons to be learnt. 
 In life, we are made for others. Nothing in nature lives for itself. River doesn't drink its own water; trees don't eat their own fruits, the sun shines for the earth and flowers don't spread fragrance for themselves. Living for others is a divine arrangement and therein lies the secret of successful living. The responsibility becomes higher when уσυ are occupying an elective position. But over the years, the reverse has always been the case for man. I know a good number of exceptionally gifted young ones out there who lost traction because the privileged persons who God put around them failed to offer helping hands when needed.  
  In 2007, I obtained Ogun State Civil Service (OGSCSC) Employment form and upon returning the properly filled form, the woman at the desk called me aside and hinted that except I attached a letter or note from a prominent politician or any important person who is relevant to the ruling government, my form will be left untreated and eventually discarded like thousands of others.
  When I shared my experience after arriving home it was suggested I visit the only State House of Assembly member from my consistuency. Under the scorching sun of that Thursday afternoon, I arrived at his hometown and I was shown his place, a palatable and sprawling edifice. The security at the gate told me Honourable only came home on weekends and that I needed to file an appointment first. If my request to see him is considered and approved then I will be given an appointment date. I filled the necessary papers and determined to check back in two days time. I arrived the second time only to be told at the gate Honourable has not started attending to the pending appointment requests and my case was even different because I only applied two days ago. I told the security my reason for wanting to see him and how urgent it was but he told me he was following instruction, so I kept my calm. For about five weeks, I was always present at his place but the security told same story. Yet, he was the best person I needed for the task considering the fact that he had just been made the Deputy Speaker.
   Few days after, the OGCSC Employment interviews were conducted and I attended, though uninvited. Nothing happened thereafter and I wasn't expecting any miracle because I was never even invited.
  Weeks after, at the old HAT Cybercafe, opposite Ijebu-Ode Central Mosque, I bumped into an old friend who claimed he has the Honourable's link. What he had was only the e-mail address and I gladly took it. It wasn't useful anymore, but I needed to get in touch with him and let him realised how unkind he had been to the people he's representing. I poured out my mind in the mail I sent him. Of course, I didn't get any response from him and I wasn't expecting any. 
     In 2015, something happened. Shortly before the last general election, myself, Comrade Olalekan Adeleye, AfricaWee Tunde, Da Silva, Comrade Kayode Okeowo (Ikenga), Mr Jamiu Olododo, Gbobaniyi Femi Davies and few others were in a meeting with Otunba Gbenga Daniel (OGD), the immediate former Governor of Ogun State at his Sagamu residence, suddenly, a lady walked-in to inform OGD that a visitor was standing outside at the corridor, waiting to see him. His name was mentioned and it turned out to be the Honourable I begged to see because of recommendation letter many years ago. The lady went back to inform him OGD was in the middle of an important meeting and that he could wait if he wanted. 
    We spent about two hours after the message came and as we dispersed from the meeting into the corridor, I found the man still waiting. He looked terrified and exhausted. He was simply the image of former self. I didn't have information about what he came for, but it was obvious he needed help. I never imagined he could hang around the corridor for that hours and I reckoned it would shock him to discover we were the reason he waited outside. Fact is, he wasn't relevant anymore. At first, I wanted to go introduce myself to him and remind him of his sins but I realised it would be uncalled-for to add to his problem.
     As I journeyed back home that evening, I pondered on the days one had to fill forms to see this man. Nobody reigns forever and that's why ten era is for ten kings and as our people in the Northern Nigeria would put it, "Seriki Ngoma, Sanmani Ngoma!"