President Muhammadu Buhari extends deepest condolences to the Aguiyi-Ironsi family, and government and people of Abia State on the passing of Chief Mrs Victoria Aguiyi-Ironsi, wife of the first military Head of State, Major General Johnson Thomas Aguiyi-Ironsi.
The President affirms that Lady Victoria’s incredible strength and exceptional courage during one of the darkest moments in our nation’s history pedestals her as a mother of the nation, God-fearing and a foremost woman of valour.
The President notes that the former First Lady will be remembered for laying a solid foundation for women’s leadership role in the seat of power and as a founding member of the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association; she passionately championed the welfare and wellbeing of families of military officers.
The President recognises that 55 years after the death of General J.T Aguiyi-Ironsi, Lady Victoria never stopped working for the greater good of Nigeria, and for peace, stability, healing and reconciliation in the land.
The President sincerely hopes that Lady Victoria’s labours for the country will not be in vain, and joins all Nigerians in praying for the repose of the soul of the departed and comfort for those who mourn.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 23, 2021
PRESIDENT BUHARI CONDOLES WITH FORMER MD OF NDDC, NSIMA EKERE, OVER PASSING OF FATHER, GABRIEL S. EKERE
President Muhammadu Buhari commiserates with former Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Nsima Ekere, his family and Edemaya Clan in Ikot Abasi, Akwa Ibom, over the death of his father, Obong Gabriel Sampson Ekere, 90, who was a renowned school teacher and community leader.
The President joins the Methodist Church, friends and associates in mourning the departed school teacher, who spent five decades of his life teaching, coaching and mentoring, and serving the country and his community as a sports administrator, public servant and church leader.
President Buhari believes Obong Ekere lived for the right values and diligently replicated same in his children, students, and spiritual mentees, imparting the truth and wisdom of the Bible, and courageously impacting many lives with love, warmth and kindness.
As Sir Ekere, who is a Knight in the Methodist Church, goes home, the President prays that the Almighty God will grant his soul a peaceful rest, and comfort the family.
Femi Adesina
Special Adviser to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 23, 2021
LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT
OFFICE OF THE CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY TO THE GOVERNOR
PRESS RELEASE
SANWO-OLU PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO GOVERNOR ABIODUN OVER FATHER’S DEATH
- Says the Late Pa Abiodun Lived A Good Life
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has assured his Ogun State counterpart, Prince Dapo Abiodun, of Lagos State would stand by him in the funeral rites of the late Pa. Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun, the father of Ogun State Governor.
He said it is important for Lagos to be part of the funeral rites of late Abiodun to demonstrate that Lagos and Ogun states are indeed together.
The funeral rites of late Abiodun, who died on Monday August 2 at the age of 89 years has been scheduled for September 6 to 9 in Ogun State.
Speaking during a condolence visit to Governor Abiodun’s family house at Iperu in Ogun State on Sunday, Governor Sanwo-Olu said the deceased lived a good life.
Governor Sanwo-Olu, who was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Mr. Tayo Ayinde; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Anofi Elegushi, his Local Government and Community Affairs counterpart, Dr. Wale Ahmed; Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Pharm. Uzamat Akinbile-Yusuf and Special Adviser to the Governor on Civic Engagement., Princess Aderemi Adebowale, also presented Lagos State Letter of Condolence to Governor Abiodun to sympathise with him, his entire family and Ogun State.
He said: “I am here on behalf of the people and government of Lagos State to commiserate with you and appreciate God for what He has used Papa’s life for. Today, we are thankful and happy that though painful, we are not mourning. We are indeed celebrating the life of Papa Emmanuel Adesanya Abiodun.
“I want to assure you that Papa has gone to rest in the bosom of the most high God. I am sure his fond memories will continue to linger on. I believe and I can see from all the members of the Abiodun family that indeed Baba lived a good life. He was not just a father, he was a teacher in the entire neighbourhood and I am sure he was a disciplinarian. That is the product of what we are seeing here today.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu who was one of the earlier callers to Governor Abiodun shortly after the demise of his father on Monday August 2, prayed that God will continue to give his Ogun State counterpart the knowledge, capability and ability to move his state forward.
“I commiserate with the entire family and ask God to continue to strengthen you in this very difficult time. It does not matter how old they lived; there would still be a part of them that we will continue to cherish. So, we want to commiserate with you and wish you God’s guidance and continue to pray that as you lead the entire Ogun State right now, God will continue to give you the knowledge, capability and ability to continue to carry your state forward.
“We will continue to join you in prayers and Lagos State will want to be part of the final rites; It is important for us to demonstrate that indeed we are together,” he said.
Responding, Governor Abiodun, who appreciated God for surviving his father, commended Governor Sanwo-Olu and his Ekiti State counterpart, Dr. Kayode Fayemi for finding time out of their tight schedules to commiserate with him and his family.
He said his father lived a humble life and served God with everything in him.
SIGNED
GBOYEGA AKOSILE
CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY
AUGUST 22, 2021
23 August 2021
Access Bank spotlights issues around blood donation with Employee Volunteering Scheme
In a bid to address issues surrounding the low rates of blood donation in the country, the Corporate Communications Group of Access Bank PLC, has partnered with Haima Health Initiative and the Lagos State Blood Transfusion Service to launch the Save a Life project.
The initiative, which is an offshoot of Access Bank’s longstanding Employee Volunteering Scheme, aims to plant seeds of positivity by emphasising the lifesaving power within a pint of blood by raising over 200 pints of blood from donors. The group surpassed this target, recording a total of 213 pints across the two-day activation.
Speaking on this project, the Group Head, Corporate Communications at Access Bank Plc, Amaechi Okobi, stated that Nigeria’s National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS) revealed that only about 25,000 blood pints were sourced exclusively from voluntary unpaid blood donors that were screened, collected and distributed in 2019 and 2020.
He added that this figure was dishearteningly low compared to the amount required in hospitals across the country. The low rates, he said, are majorly due to the knowledge gaps and scepticism around blood donation.
“In Nigeria, there are too many erroneous perceptions about blood donation and the resultant effects of this is a widening disparity in the number of pints of blood needed to save lives and what is available in our blood banks. Hence, what the Corporate Communications Group of Access Bank (comprising about 20 staff members) in collaboration with our partners aims to achieve through the ‘Save a Life’ project is to debunk misguided beliefs and emphasise the enormous benefits of this humane act. We are optimistic that individuals and corporates alike take a cue from what we are doing and join the quest to save lives”, he said.
Through the Employee Volunteering Scheme, Access Bank’s employees contribute ideas, skills and resources to address social, environmental, and economic challenges whilst acquiring practical experience and fulfilling their roles as positive role models in society. With several other initiatives focused on tech, healthcare, agriculture, amongst others, Access Bank through its employees, continues to practically demonstrate its dedication to being more than banking.
PRESIDENT BUHARI MOURNS “POLITICAL LEGEND,” ISYAKA SARKIN YAMMA
President Muhammadu Buhari expresses condolences over the demise of “political legend,” Alhaji Isyaka Sarkin Kudun Yamma Ibadan, a man he described as one of his earliest and most ardent supporters.
The Sarkin Yamma, who spearheaded formation of the advocacy group, “Buhari Campaign Organization (BCO)”, successfully nurtured the group which is one of the major support groups of the President.
“Alhaji Isyaka will be remembered as a political legend. He was blessed with unparalleled power of organization, due to which he mobilized support, not only in the Southwest where he resided, but throughout the country ensuring victory for me in elections,” the President said.
“On behalf of myself and government of the federation, I extend my condolences to his family, friends and innumerable admirers. Rest In Peace,” he added.
Garba Shehu
Senior Special Assistant to the President
(Media & Publicity)
August 21, 2021
Oneya impacted society greatly, says Okowa
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Sunday, said the demise of former military administrator of Benue and Kano States, Brig-Gen Dominic Oneya (retd), was an impactful loss to the state and Nigeria.
He stated this when he visited the deceased’s family in their Effurun home in Uvwie Local Government Area on condolence.
Okowa said that Oneya lived a life of great impact in all the positions he held in the country, adding that the former military officer epitomised humility and sincerity in his life.
He was accompanied on the visit by the Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori; Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state, Chief Kingsley Esiso; Commissioner for Culture and Tourism Engr Lawrence Ejiofor, Chairmen of Uvwie and Ughelli North Local Government Areas, Mr Ramson Onoyake and Mr Godwin Adode and other top government functionaries.
The governor pointed out that late Oneya affected many lives positively in public service and community and was a prominent chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state.
“I have come here today to condole with the wife and family of our leader, Brig-Gen. Dominic Oneya (retd). The news of his death was quite a shock because I never heard he was sick before before his passing.
“He was in my office less than two months ago and his passing away actually came as a shock but we cannot question God.
“He made his impact across the nation where he held important positions and we thank God for his life because he attracted so many people to himself and I am sure that a lot of people will miss him.
“He was of the leader of the PDP in Ughelli North and was an embodiment of peace and always playing his role as an elder statesman.
“We pray that God will continue to encourage you and fill the gap he has left because as human beings we are unable to, but the spirit of God will fill the gap for you,” Okowa said.
He said the state government would support the family in giving late Oneya, who was also Chairman of Nigeria Football Association (NFA) a befitting burial.
“As you prepare for his rites of passage, it is my prayer that you will remain strong and be in health.
“As a state government we will assist you in ensuring that he gets a befitting funeral because he was a great man who made his mark and played very important role in this country and we recognise his role as a statesman.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta, please accept my condolences to you and the extended family even as we pray God to grant his soul eternal repose,” the governor added.
Obasanjo, Okowa, task Olu of Warri on nation building
Former President of Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo on Sunday called on the new Olu of Warri, His Majesty Ogiame Atuwatse III, to work for the unity of his kingdom and contribute to nation building.
Obasanjo spoke at the thanksgiving service to mark the coronation of the monarch as the 21st Olu of Warri at the Palace Ground, Aghofen, Warri.
The former President prayed for the new monarch saying that his reign would be long, peaceful, adding that his reign would bring unity and prosperity to Itsekiri land and contribute to development, unity and prosperity of Nigeria.
He said the monarch had a responsibility and duty to perform the role which God had given to him and urged him to work for the unity of the kingdom and the nation.
“I am one of the happiest on your installation because God has specially favoured me to see three Olus and I don’t pray to see a fourth one.
“I want to emphasise that the position you occupy today is given to you by God but with your own people surrounding you and you must always remember that.
“If God has given you a role to perform you will be offending God if you fail to perform that task,” he said.
He said the title of Majesty carried along with it a lot of responsibilities, adding that he was convinced the monarch had started well and would lead the Itsekiri people to a new dawn.
He urged the monarch not to shun the experience and the advice of elders and urged him to make use of experienced people around him.
“Be very close to God in whatever situation you may find yourself and God will surely make a way for you,” Obasanjo stated.
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa in his remark, congratulated the new Olu on his successful coronation describing him as a man of peace and urged him to work for the unity of the Iwere nation.
“I congratulate you because I know that you are a man of peace and I know that the Lord God has chosen you to ascend the throne at this time.
“It is a time for healing and a time for your Majesty to ensure that the kingdom comes together.
“I know that some people can be very stubborn but I urge you to extend the olive branch to them and I know that it will be well with the Itsekiri people.
“You have a lot of work to do not just in Itsekiri nation but in the entire nation,” the governor stated.
“On behalf of the government and people of Delta we congratulate you and the Itsekiri people on your successful coronation.
“We know that your reign will truly bring peace and development and I believe the Lord God has prepared you for a time like this and may the presence of God be with you on this throne,” Okowa prayed.
Guest Speaker Apostle Tomi Arayomi ,said God ordained the King to rule at this time, adding that God was willing to partner with people who were willing to partner with the spirit of God.
He said God would never move unless there is a man or woman who is willing to surrender to God for the use of His kingdom
“God is looking for people to use to advance the kingdom, discipleship and nation building and I urge you to surrender the throne to God and He will bless your throne and the Warri kingdom,” the cleric said.
Also speaking, former President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said God never gives a man an assignment he never prepared him for and charged the monarch to ensure unity of the Iwere nation.
Deputy Governor of the state, Barr. Kingsley Otuaro, former Governors James Ibori, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan, and Speaker of the state’s House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, attended the thanksgiving service.
Others include State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chief Kingsley Esiso, Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah, Publisher of Thisday and Arise Media Group, Prince Nduka Obaigbena, Otunba Oyewole Fasawe, among others.
LASG INSISTS ON REVIEWED BOARDING FEES FOR MODEL COLLEGES
Lagos State Ministry of Education has appealed to some parents of Model College students to accept the upward review of the boarding fees, saying it is in the overall interest of the students.
Commissioner for Education Mrs Folasade Adefisayo made the plea while addressing the concern of some parents on the review of the boarding fees in the 32 Model Colleges across the State from the 25,000 charged per term at N79.30k per meal for a student in the past 18years. Many parents have shown understanding in the matter.
The Ministry had meetings and engagements with the parents’ fora of the model colleges and upgraded schools where reasons for the review were ‘’clearly and unambiguously’’ enumerated. It was agreed that the review of the fees became necessary due to economic realities viz-a-viz the current cost of food stuff, provision of energy, medical care and general school maintenance.
The commissioner hinted that as at June 2021 the market cost of commodities and school maintenance services analysis showed that N125, 000 will be required to keep a student in a Model College with 80% of the cost to be expended on meals.
The resolve to peg the boarding fees at N50,000 per term is premised on the realisation that the State Government will bear N75,000 subsidy per child; while the School will receive subventions per term to cater for the expected gaps.
According to the commissioner, feeding a child at N73.30k per meal is not healthy for growth; hence the government cannot be running a boarding system with same amount that has been in place for over 18 years. The State Government runs a free education policy, pays all public school students’ external examinations fees, provides and maintains infrastructure while parents of Model College students are only levied for the students’ feeding and maintenance.
However, Mrs Adefisayo said, the state government will continue to subsidize the boarding fees to improve the quality of education and the purpose of the establishment of Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools.
Mrs. Adefisayo spoke extensively on the major interventions and infrastructural upgrade in public schools by the government. Not less than 1,097 projects have been executed in 970 schools; 87,000 units of dual composite furniture for 775 primary and secondary schools and other facilities have been provided. There are also rehabilitation and new classrooms and hostels, security infrastructure, investment in technology for students, institutionalisation of a maintenance plan for schools and increase in school running cost, among others.
The commissioner pleaded for understanding from parents, stressing that the government’s decision is to give the students a better life while in school. Her words: “We did not come up with this cost randomly, but it took a lot of thinking, brainstorming and economic analyses, with the aim of giving the children comfort.”
Mrs. Adefisayo concluded by stating that the government runs a transparent policy in managing schools and has ensured that parents are involved in the management through the School Based Management Committee for better relationship and inclusive school governance system.
According to her, the state government recognizes that Model Colleges and Upgraded Schools serve as a positive catalyst for the restoration of quality education and will, therefore, continue to support them with the provision of facilities.
