Urhobo News

_*** result reflects people’s wish, says gov_

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said the performance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Saturday’s local government election in the State shows the party’s dominance, noting that the outcome of the election is a reflection of the wish of the majority of Edo people.

Obaseki spoke to journalists at the Diocese of Benin (Anglican Communion), St. Peter’s Anglican Church, during the 15th memorial thanksgiving service of his father, late Pa Roland Oni Obaseki

The governor was in the company of the Secretary to Edo State Government, Osarodion Ogie Esq. and Oredo Local Government chairman-elect, Dr. Tom Obaseki, among other top government functionaries.

The governor, who was elated over the outcome of the local government election in the State, said Edo people are democratically mature as there was no single violence recorded during the electioneering process.

He said, “We have a situation room where we monitored the election process across the State and want to thank the people. You can see that we are democratically mature in Edo State, in terms of the way the election was conducted.

“I was surprised at the diligence of the Edo State Independent Electoral Commission (EDSIEC). I went round and saw the number of polling units mounted by EDSIEC and the various electoral officers in the three metropolitan local government areas and it was quite impressive. The turnout was fair as expected and it shows that we can conduct elections without disrupting economic and social activities.

“The people voted and went about their various activities for the weekend. Overall, I believe we have done well. It was a free and fair election. The mass participation and dominance of PDP as a party in the State was clearly exhibited in this election.”

Obaseki further noted, “I have not seen an election that has not been challenged even the one in America was challenged. That is why provisions are made in the law and in the process; for tribunals to review and adjudicate on cases and complaints from contestants.

“Overall, the evidence is overwhelming as PDP campaigned in this LG election as if it was a major national election. I went with them around the 18 local government areas of the State and Councillors campaigned vigorously across various wards across the State but I didn’t see too much of the opposition parties and I am not surprised at the results from the election.”

He added, “There was no violence and this shows that the election result is a reflection of the wish of the Edo people.”

PRESS RELEASE

SANWO-OLU TAKES OVER MEDICAL CARE OF 13-YEAR-OLD BOY WITH MISSING INTESTINE

• Governor visits Debola at LASUTH

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has taken over the medical care of Adebola Akin-Bright, a 13-year-old boy, whose small part of his intestines was allegedly missing at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

Governor Sanwo-Olu made the promise on Sunday when he paid an unscheduled visit to Adebola and his mother, Mrs. Deborah Abiodun at the Pediatric Ward of LASUTH.

The Governor pledged to take over his medical care by pulling all medical expertise from LASUTH and other resources to save the boy’s life.

It would be recalled that Deborah Abiodun, had in a Safe Our Soul (SoS) message via social media reached out to Governor Sanwo-Olu, to appeal to him, as a matter of urgency, to probe the mysterious disappearance of her 13-year-old son, Adebola Akin-Bright’s small intestine.

She claimed the incident occurred while her son was receiving treatment at LASUTH.

But the management of LASUTH in response to the allegations, affirmed that they did not wilfully remove any organ or structure from Debola’s body while performing a corrective surgery, who had been previously operated on at a private hospital in Lagos.

“He (Debola) required extensive optimisation in our facility before a corrective surgery could be carried out. At the surgery, which was carried out by an experienced pediatric surgeon and her team revealed certain strange findings. There is a video clip of these findings. The mother was informed about these findings but she appeared to be in denial,” LASUTH management stated.

In response to the need to save the life of the boy, who has been undergoing treatment at LASUTH for over a month, Governor Sanwo-Olu during his visit to the hospital on Sunday promised to do everything humanly possible to save Adebola Abiodun’s life.

Governor Sanwo-Olu after listening to both the mother of the child and the doctor who was in charge of Adebola’s case, said what is paramount is the life of the 13-year-old boy and therefore he will take up the case.

Responding, Adebola’s mother, Deborah Abiodun expressed her appreciation to Governor Sanwo-Olu for the visit and for taking up the medical care of her promising young boy.

SIGNED

GBOYEGA AKOSILE

CHIEF PRESS SECRETARY

03 SEPTEMBER 2023

WARNING STRIKE: FG, NLC MEET

The Federal Government says it is ready to meet with the labour union on Monday.

However, the labour union said there was no going back on the two-day warning strike, even as it affirmed that it remained open to negotiations with the government despite breaking its previous promises.

Already, some state chapters of the NLC said they were ready to proceed with the strike, while some others said their executive committee would meet on Monday as a precursor to the strike.

The NLC had in a communiqué jointly signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, and National Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, on Friday said the decision to go on nationwide strike followed the failure of the President Bola Tinubu-led government to dialogue with organised labour on efforts to cushion the effects of the removal of petrol subsidy on the “poor masses”.

The union accused the Federal Government of abandoning negotiations and failing to implement some of the resolutions from previous engagements with the government.

The labour union listed no fewer than six grievances it had with the government, noting that its NEC resolved “to embark on a total and indefinite shutdown of the nation within 14 working days or 21 days from today (Friday) until steps are taken by the government to address the excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.”

On the other reasons for the strike, it accused the police of laying siege to the national headquarters of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, alleged violation of rights and privileges of workers and trade unions in Imo State, interference in trade union matters by the Abia State Government, proposed demolition  of houses by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, among others.

In Ogun State, the NLC Chairman, Hameed Ademola, on Saturday disclosed that the union was already mobilising its members for the strike in compliance with the directive of its national leadership.

Ademola told one of our correspondents in an interview, “We are fully prepared and already mobilising our members for the warning strike. I was part of the process in Abuja and the national leadership has directed that all the 37 councils, including the 36 states and the FCT, Abuja, should proceed on warning strike on Tuesday and Wednesday.

“So, we are fully prepared to observe this and make it a very successful outing.”

In Zamfara State, the state chairman of the NLC, Sani Halliru, said the union would go on warning strike as instructed by the national body.

Halliru, in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents, said the North-West zone of the union had met in Kaduna where it was decided that the two-day warning strike action would be complied with.

He added, “I was in the meeting of the North-West zone, comprising Kaduna, Kano, Kebbi, Katsina, Sokoto, Jigawa and my state Zamfara, where it was unanimously agreed that we shall embark on the two-day strike. So, we in Zamfara State are ready to go for the two-day strike.

“We are ready to abide by whatever decision taken by the national body of the NLC. I am calling on all our members to remain calm and wait for further directives.”

In Abia State, the union chairman, Pascal Nweke Iheme, directed members to comply with the national directive. “We just met with affiliate union leaders today and have briefed them on that,” he added.

He noted that the warning strike would be devoid of street protest and that it would only be a “sit-at-home” strike, noting that all affiliate unions in the state had been told to mobilise their members for the strike.

In Sokoto State, the chairman of the union, Abdullahi Jungle, disclosed that workers in the state were ready to join the strike.

Speaking with one of our correspondents on Saturday, he stated that members of the council would meet on Sunday to agree on the modalities.

“Yes, we are joining the strike as we are already mobilising our members for the strike,” he said. “We are holding a meeting tomorrow (Sunday) on how to go about it, but I can assure you that we will join the strike.”

In Osun State, the Chairman of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, Mr Adebowale Adekola, said labour leaders in the state were ready to mobilise workers for the warning strike.

Adekola, who lamented the current economic hardship facing Nigerians following the removal of subsidy on fuel, said promises made to cushion the effects of the removal were not being fulfilled.

Igbe in a telephone interview with one of our correspondents said the members would sit at home and not go on a protest.

He stated, “There is a difference between protest and strike; no one is protesting now but to sit back at home on Tuesday and Wednesday. Meanwhile, we are meeting on Monday to finalise everything, but workers will sit back and not go to work. No protest.”

Also in Bayelsa State, the state chapter of the NLC said it had scheduled meetings for Monday in Yenagoa, the state capital, to deliberate on the strike.

The state chairman, Simon Barnabas, in his response to an enquiry by one of our correspondents, said the meetings would involve relevant organs of the congress, particularly the State Administrative Council and State Executive Council.

“We have slated both SAC & SEC meetings for Monday”, Barnabas added.

Meanwhile, in Katsina State, workers said on Saturday that they were still waiting for the directive of the national headquarters to know the form the warning strike would take.

The chairman of the state chapter of the TUC, Mallam Muntari Ruma, said, “We are still waiting for the NLC directives on the forms that the warning strike would take from the national headquarters. You can call me back by Monday morning. By that time, we would have received necessary and appropriate directives.”

Obaseki relocates office of his estranged Deputy Philip Shaibu outside the Government House Complex,

Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki has relocated the office of his estranged deputy Philip Shaibu outside the Government House Complex, Benin as their relationship takes a turn for the worse.

Shaibu, who was physically stopped by Obaseki’s security aides from exchanging greetings with the governor at a church service last Sunday, will now operate from a building formerly used by the State Public Procurement Office in Benin.

The building is located at 7 Dennis Osadebey Avenue, a short distance from the deputy governor’s former office in the Government House.

It was undergoing renovation yesterday with a signpost newly erected outside the gate.

The signpost carries the inscription “Office of the Deputy Governor, NO 7, Dennis Osadebey Avenue, GRA, Benin City.”

The building was commissioned on December 16,2014 by the then  Governor Adams Oshiomhole.

Contacted yesterday by phone on the development, Communication and Orientation Commissioner Chris Nehikhare said:   “If there is Edo State government’s signboard at the entrance, stating that the new building is now the office of the deputy governor of the state, then it must be so.”

Twenty four hours after last Sunday’s showdown in the church, the state government disbanded Shaibu’s media crew after the deputy governor walked out of a colloquium organized by government.

He claimed that his media aides were prevented from accessing the event with him.

The DG is currently in court over allegation that his principal wants to get him impeached with the aid of the state House of Assembly.

Obaseki and the Assembly have denied the allegation.

The governor accused Shaibu of planning a coup against him, but Edo deputy governor insisted that he remained loyal to the governor.

September 2, 2023

Press Statement

PDP Celebrates Zamfara State Governor at Birthday

…Says He is Turning Zamfara into Oasis of Hope

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) heartily celebrates His Excellency the Governor of Zamfara State, and Chairman of the PDP National Campaign Council for Imo State November 11, 2023 Governorship election, our own dear Dr. Dauda Lawal, as he marks his birthday today.

Governor Lawal is a very humble, kindhearted, highly organized and ingenious leader; who continues to display exceptional commitment to duty in his stewardship as the Governor of Zamfara State in line with the manifesto of our great Party, the PDP.

Our Party is elated and notes with satisfaction Governor Lawal’s deft handling of the affairs of Zamfara State which dividend in the last three months is manifest in the array of legacy empowerment and development programmes in critical sectors; and especially the restoration of security of lives and property in the State.

Despite daunting challenges, Governor Dauda Lawal has deployed his energy, vision, innate resourcefulness and over 26 years of experience in the banking sector to reposition Zamfara State into oasis of hope to the admiration of all.

It is now clearer why the people of Zamfara State, who knew his leadership qualities overwhelmingly voted for him in the 2023 general elections against a sitting APC governor, and for which they remain solidly behind his administration.

His political sagacity also informed the decision of our Party to entrust him with the task to lead the charge in the quest by the people of Imo State to rescue their State from the stranglehold of the APC.

The PDP is assured that with his visionary and result-oriented handling of our Imo State campaign coupled with the sky-high popularity of our Candidate, Senator Samuel Anyanwu, victory for the people of Imo, on the platform of the PDP is guaranteed.

On this auspicious occasion, the PDP family felicitates with Governor Dauda Lawal and prays to the Almighty Allah to grant him many more years in wisdom and good health in the service of our great nation and humanity.

Happy Birthday Your Excellency!

Signed:

Hon. Debo Ologunagba

National Publicity Secretary

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPROVES INITIATIVE TO PROVIDE FIVE MILLION EYEGLASSES TO NIGERIANS WITH SIGHT IMPEDIMENTS

President Bola Tinubu, on Friday in Abuja, declared his unwavering support for a partnership between the Federal Ministry of Health’s National Eye Health Programme and the Peek Vision Foundation to provide more than 5 million pairs of eyeglasses to Nigerians with sight impairments.

The President recounted how close to home his first intervention in eye health was as he made a pledge on behalf of the Federal Government during a courtesy visit by the Founder and CEO of Peek Vision Foundation and Co-Founder of the Vision Catalyst Fund, Prof. Andrew Bastawrous.

“My first experience was with my mother of blessed memory. She was ill and she could not recognise me. When I intervened, she was treated and given a pair of glasses. The next question she asked me was: I have you, and you are able to do this for me. What about those other women and their children who may not have somebody like you to intervene for them?

“So I made a promise to her that I will pursue the mass provision of eye care vigorously and that I would provide free eye screenings and surgeries to people because of that question my mother asked me and because of her passion to see others healed. We eventually impacted the eye health of millions of people in Lagos, and you could see their joy over the immediate sight enhancements when they were given a pair of glasses,” the President fondly recalled.

Highlighting the pressing need for improved eye health services in Nigeria, President Tinubu expressed concern about the more than 24 million Nigerians grappling with varying degrees of vision impairments.

“We must act now because sight and vision is critical to economic development and growth,” the President said, recalling his visionary “Jigi Bola” programme, which was initiated during his tenure as the Executive Governor of Lagos State in 2001 and provided free eye screenings and surgeries to Lagosians while setting a new precedent for proactive eye care initiatives in West Africa.

“I am in support of this initiative, and I will encourage the mobilisation of further commitment to see this through and to reach vulnerable people all across our country. Some parents may not pay attention to this, but I will, because I am touched,” the President concluded.

Expressing his commitment to the cause, Prof. Bastawrous said:

“Good vision unlocks human potential. It improves earning, learning, and wellness for individuals, communities, and countries.”

He shared his personal story and the transformative power of vision care:

“When I was 12, I was told by my teachers that I was clumsy and lazy, but the results of an eye exam explained I had very poor vision. And when I put on a pair of glasses, I saw the leaves on a tree for the first time, and my life completely changed and two weeks later, I was using my first pair of free eye glasses and I saw stars clearly for the first time. My grades improved, and the trajectory of my life completely changed, all because of a very cheap intervention that is 700 years old. Had that not happened, I would not be standing in front of you today. I would not be a professor, and I would not be involved in the work I am doing because sight gives opportunity,” the Peek Foundation CEO shared.

Professor Bastawrous noted that eye care is still chronically under-resourced in many countries, adding that the estimates in Nigeria show that 0.0002 percent of the health budget is spent on eye health.

“The good news is that President Tinubu has an excellent team in the health sector, and some of them have demonstrated tremendous leadership in the sector. What we would like to offer is to bring our Peek Vision methodology and platform to Nigeria to help unlock resources from multiple sources. In the countries where we have worked, Peek in Botswana unlocked 10 million dollars for the school programme, and in Kenya, 17 million Euros. Through the Vision Catalyst Fund, we have secured a donation of 200 million pairs of glasses, and we would like a significant proportion of that to come to Nigeria,” he concluded.

At the end of the event, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate was joined by the Coordinator of the National Eye Health Programme, Dr. Oteri Okolo and the Director of Public Health, Dr. Chukuma Anyaike, as he presented a National Policy Document on Eye Health to the President.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 1, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU SALUTES VICE PRESIDENT KASHIM SHETTIMA AT 57

On behalf of the Government and people of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu shares in the joy of well deserved celebration as Vice President Kashim Shettima turns 57 on September 2, 2023.

President Tinubu joins family, friends and associates of the former Executive Governor of Borno State in thanksgiving to God for the sustained grace of wisdom, character, compassion and bold leadership demonstrated by the Vice President over his years of service to Nigeria with notable distinction in both the private and public sectors.

President Tinubu extols Senator Shettima for his undying loyalty to the nation, and his steadfast resolve to improve society throughout an illustrious career, which included service in education as a lecturer at the University of Maiduguri, prior to moving into, and rising meteorically through the banking industry, before accepting to serve Borno State as a Commissioner in five different ministries.

The President extols the Vice President for his unusual courage in presiding over Borno State for eight years, during which a deadly insurgency riddled large areas of the North East. This remarkable public servant defied all odds in the region with a ferociously intellectual mind and an innovative doggedness to solve dynamic problems with dynamic solutions, building high quality leaders and institutions for the sustainably developing future of Borno State.

As the able Vice President celebrates another year of life, the President prays for the continued well-being of the quintessential political leader and his family.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 1, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU APPOINTS NEW EXECUTIVE VICE CHAIRMAN / CEO OF NASENI

President Bola Tinubu on Friday approved the appointment of Khalil Suleiman Halilu as the new Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI).

By this appointment, Khalil Suleiman Halilu will serve for an initial term of five years in accordance with the relevant sections of the NASENI Act, 2014.

Mr. Halilu, 32, is expected to bring his significant experience as an innovator and technology expert to bear in this important new national assignment.

The tenure of Dr. Bashir Gwandu as EVC/CEO of NASENI is hereby terminated.

By the directive of the President, this appointment takes immediate effect.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 1, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU AMENDS NIGER DELTA DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION BOARD AND MANAGEMENT NOMINATION LIST

President Bola Tinubu has approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC’s Ondo State Representative nominee, Mr. Victor Akinjo, with a new Ondo State Representative nominee, Hon. Otito Atikase.

The President has equally approved the immediate replacement of the NDDC’s Cross River State Representative nominee, Mr. Asi Oku Okang, with a new Cross River State Representative, Rt. Hon. Orok Otuk Duke.

Furthermore, the immediate past Managing Director / Chief Executive Officer of the NDDC, Dr. Samuel Ogbuku, is reappointed to a second term and will remain in acting capacity, pending the Senate’s confirmation of his reappointment.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 1, 2023

STATE HOUSE PRESS RELEASE

PRESIDENT TINUBU DIRECTS THE TOTAL RECALL OF ALL CAREER AND NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS

President Bola Tinubu has directed the recall of all career and non-career ambassadors from their duty posts worldwide.

The President’s directive is sequel to his careful study of the present state of affairs at Nigerian Consulate Offices and Embassies worldwide, and in line with the President’s renewed hope agenda, the President is determined to ensure that world-class efficiency and quality, will henceforth, characterize foreign and domestic service delivery to citizens, residents and prospective visitors alike.

To this end, the President further directs that Nigeria’s United Nations Permanent Representatives in New York and Geneva be exempted from this total recall, in view of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, holding later this month.

By the directive of the President, the recall of the affected officers takes immediate effect.

Chief Ajuri Ngelale

Special Adviser to the President

(Media & Publicity)

September 2, 2023

SERAP sues Tinubu over ‘unlawful ban of 25 journalists from covering Presidential Villa’

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has filed a lawsuit against President Bola Tinubu over “the unlawful ban and withdrawal of the accreditations of 25 journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa.”

According to reports, the Federal Government recently withdrew the accreditations of some 25 journalists from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The affected journalists were simply told at the main gate of the Presidential Villa to submit their accreditation tags.

In the suit number FHC/L/CS/1766/23 filed last Friday at the Federal High Court in Lagos, SERAP is seeking: “an order to direct and compel President Tinubu to reverse the revocation of the accreditations and ban on 25 journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa.”

SERAP is seeking: “an order of perpetual injunction to restrain President Tinubu or any other authority, person or group of persons from arbitrarily and unilaterally revoking the accreditations of any journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa.”

SERAP is also seeking: “a declaration that the withdrawal and revocation of accreditation tags and ban on the journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa without any lawful justifications is inconsistent with the rights to freedom of expression, access to information, participation, and media freedom.”

In the suit, SERAP is arguing that: “If not reversed, the arbitrary ban on the journalists from covering the Presidential Villa would open the door to other cases of arbitrariness and would restrict people’s right to freedom of expression, access to information, participation, and media freedom.”

SERAP is also arguing that, “The withdrawal of the accreditations of the journalists is without any lawful justifications. It is inconsistent and incompatible with plurality of voices, diversity of voices, non-discrimination, and just demands of a democratic society, as well as the public interest.”

The suit filed on behalf of SERAP its lawyers Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, SAN, Kolawole Oluwadare, and Ms Valentina Adegoke, read in part: “The ban on the journalists from covering the Presidential Villa fails to meet the requirements of legality, necessity, and proportionality.”

“The media plays an essential role as a vehicle or instrument for the exercise of freedom of expression and access to information – in its individual and collective aspects – in a democratic society.”

“The existence of a free, independent, vigorous, pluralistic, and diverse media is essential for the proper functioning of a democratic society.”

“The free circulation of ideas and news is not possible except in the context of a plurality of sources of information and media outlets. The lack of plurality in sources of information is a serious obstacle for the functioning of democracy.”

“The exercise of the right to freedom of expression through the media is a guarantee that is fundamental for advancing the collective deliberative process on public and democratic issues.”

“The strengthening of the guarantee of freedom of expression is a precondition for the exercise of other human rights, as well as a precondition to the right to participation to be informed and reasoned.”

“Under the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and human rights treaties to which Nigeria is a state party, freedom and diversity must be guiding principles in the measures to promote media freedom. The ban on the 25 journalists is entirely inconsistent and incompatible with these principles.”

“The Federal Government should aspire to promote and expand the scope of media freedom, access to information, freedom of expression, and citizens’ participation, not restrict these fundamental freedoms.”

“Barring these journalists and media houses from covering the Presidential Villa is to prevent them from carrying out their legitimate constitutional responsibility.”

“The withdrawal of the accreditation tags of these journalists directly violates media freedom and human rights including access to information and the right to participation. It would have a significant chilling effect on newsgathering and reporting functions, and may lead to self-censorship.”

“The withdrawal of the accreditations of the journalists would construct barriers between Nigerians and certain information about the operations of their government, something which they have a constitutional right to receive.”

“Media freedom, access to information and the right to participation are necessary for the maintenance of an open and accountable government. These freedoms are so fundamental in a democracy that they trump any vague grounds of ‘security concerns and overcrowding of the press gallery area.’”

“According to reports, the Federal Government on 18 August 2023 withdrew the accreditation tags of some 25 journalists and media houses from covering activities at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.”

“The banned journalists reportedly include those from Vanguard newspaper; Galaxy TV; Ben TV; MITV; ITV Abuja; PromptNews, ONTV, and Liberty. Other media personnel affected by the withdrawal are mostly reporters and cameramen from broadcast, print, and online media outlets.”

“Under section 22 of the Nigerian Constitution, the mass media including ‘the press, radio, television and other agencies of the mass media shall at all times be free to uphold the fundamental objectives contained in this Chapter and uphold the responsibility and accountability of the Government to the people.’”

“Section 14(2)(c) of the Constitution provides that ‘the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution.’”

“Similarly, Article 9 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights provides that, ‘Every individual shall have the right to receive information. Every individual shall have the right to express and disseminate his opinions.’”

“Article 13 of the Charter also provides that, ‘Every citizen shall have the right to participate freely in the government of his country. Every citizen shall have the right of equal access to the public service of his country. Every individual shall have the right of access to public property and services.’”

“Articles 19 and 25 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights contain similar provisions.”

No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit.

Kolawole Oluwadare

SERAP Deputy Director

3/9/2023

Lagos, Nigeria

Emails: info@serap-nigeria.org; news@serap-nigeria.org

Twitter: @SERAPNigeria

Website: www.serap-nigeria.org

For more information or to request an interview, please contact us on: +2348160537202

AN ADDRESS BY DR. MRS MARY IDELE ALILE ON THE OCCASION OF THE GRAND RECEPTION FOR HER UPON HER INAUGURATION AS THE NATIONAL WOMEN LEADER, ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS, APC, WHICH TOOK PLACE AT ELORA ROYAL HALL, BENIN CITY ON THURSDAY 31 AUGUST 2023.

My dear Leaders and members of our great party, the APC, distinguished ladies, and gentlemen, permit me to say that I owe you a debt of gratitude for this rousing welcome and show of love. I am so happy for this unexpected great honour even as I am overwhelmed by the reality of the burden of responsibility it imposes on me.

I want to say that the announcement of my name as the choice of the leaders of the Party, for the position of the National Women Leader came to me as a surprise. Even though I have been prepared all my life for any responsibility within the scope of my endeavour that may be placed on my shoulders, I had not foreseen this huge one coming just yet. But here we are. And to God be the glory.

Yes, I acknowledge the hand of God in this. It could only be Him who works in this mysterious and surprising way. I thank God for this call to serve the All Progressives Congress, and by extension, our dear nation, Nigeria.

I also want to use this opportunity to thank the leaders of the party for finding me worthy and capable to be entrusted with this huge responsibility. I thank especially our father and President, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the APC National Chairman, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, and our very dependable Leader, Senator Comrade Adams Aliu Oshiomhole, the Oshiobaba. My thanks also go to the members of the APC National Executive Council, NEC, who ratified the appointment. I thank my leaders His Excellency Dr. Pius Odubu and Hon Saturday Uwuilekhue, the backbones of my homestead. And I thank all those who have stood by us in prayer and goodwill since the announcement of my appointment. Not left out are my women supporters within and outside of the party, on whose shoulders I have stood to make me taller and outstanding among the multitude of women.

My family is the bedrock of my success. Without their support, I do think we would be here today celebrating in this wise. Therefore, I dedicate this achievement to them. I want to especially thank my darling husband, and foremost political ally, the one and only Hon. Pius Alile, for his boundless support for my public and political engagements, which have seen me rise to this height today. He is my number one fan, who has literally fanned strength into me and given me wings to fly. He has been, and remains my backbone. He gives me strength and fires my inspirations and aspirations. I do not think that there could ever be a more supportive husband than mine. I love him, and I am eternally grateful for his love and support.

I want to say again that this is a pleasant surprise from the blues. Even now, it is like I am floating in a dream. Meanwhile, at the risk of sounding immodest, let me say that I have paid my dues in this party to merit any honour that the leadership may deem fit for me. So, the suggestion that I came from nowhere to become the National Women Leader should be discountenanced. I have been a strong supporter of this party, financially and otherwise, in the sphere of my operations. In recognition of my contribution to the party, I was nominated as a delegate to the last APC Presidential Primary, where I joined other progress minded party men and women to elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu as the APC Presidential Candidate. And I played my part during the general elections.  Nevertheless, it is still like the narrative of a fairy tale that from being a grassroots mobilizer and the promoter of women welfare I have become the leader of the women of the largest party in Africa, which perhaps means the leader of the largest body of women politicians in the continent. I am awed. Of course, yes. But am I afraid of the challenge before me? Of course not. I am ready for the task ahead; I am not called Capacity for nothing.

Let me assure you that by the grace of God, I am going to deploy the capacity I am known for, in a dimension yet unseen. Since my nomination, the unique vision that I must pursue, which, however, does not detract from the mandate of the office of the National Women Leader, has been revealed to me, and the details keep unfolding before my mind’s eye.

One of my immediate concerns is an orientation of women in politics, particularly those of our party, on the need to be dynamic in mobilizing support for the party. I say this, though, with due acknowledgement of the huge role women have been playing in mobilization during elections. But we can do better, with proper understanding of the means and ways to achieving better results.

Better results come with better motivation. Therefore, I intend to see that women are better motivated for the tasks expected of them. They need to be dealt with as partners with men and not inferiors. To whom more is given; more is expected. Conversely, to whom more is expected; more should be given. This is my mantra in relation to motivating women for more effectiveness. The game must change for women, and I will be the game changer.

I am aware that the mother of the nation, Her Excellency Senator Oluremi Tinubu, is seriously working to advance the cause of women in this dispensation. As the National Women Leader I intend to work collaboratively with the First Lady to promote the interest of Nigerian women.

I am not an island, metaphorically speaking, and I will not operate as one. I intend to operate an open-door policy whereby the women folk of our party, and of course, the gender sensitive men, can have access and audience, for the sharing of ideas that could be of help to all of us. Anyone with useful information, advice, or proposition, will be welcome.

Going forward, it will be necessary to eliminate rancour and division within our rank and file. Therefore, where conflicts exist, we shall set forth immediately to resolve them. One of my cardinal objectives is to foster unity among us. Mechanisms for conflict resolution shall be deployed to stop divisions. Little cracks have always had consequences. We shall see to it that cracks are minimized, if not totally eradicated.

I intend, on behalf of the women to engage the party, pursuant to increasing access to rewards for women at all levels – from the ward to the national level. Meanwhile, I like to appreciate His Excellency, President Bola Tinubu for his recognition of women and his penchant for increasing the number of women participating in his government. Nevertheless, I want to beg him to, in the end, see that the number of women in his government is more than thirty-five percent.

Finally, I want to thank everyone that has taken time out to be here to celebrate with us. I assure you that I will not disappoint you, in any way I am supposed to perform. Once again, I thank the leadership of the party for the confidence reposed in me. I promise to act in accordance with the guidelines for my office, and the general expectation of being a team player, in the interest of the Party and the nation. And I thank God for what he has done for me.

Long live the APC

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

*DR. MRS MARY IDELE ALILE (PhD)*

APC National Women Leader