Muhammadu Buhari, All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi yesterday joined members of the ruling party to congratulate the first Interim Chairman of the party and former governor of Osun State, Chief Abdukareem Adebisi Akande on his 80th birthday.
The President congratulated Pa Akande, his family and friends for his laudable achievements over the years, which threw him into the limelight at an early age, particularly highlighting his sacrifices in public service at the state and national levels.
The President noted that as the first Interim Chairman of the APC, the former governor’s pivotal and visionary leadership prepared the party for history in 2015.
He said this led to the unseating of an incumbent President for the first time in any election in Nigeria.
In a statement by his Special Adviser (SA) on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, the President extolled Pa Akande’s loyalty and faithfulness to the party and the cause of building a strong and unified nation, as he consistently challenges governments and leaders to higher ideals and reminds them to think out of the box in meeting the needs of the poor and vulnerable.
President Buhari added that he believed that the octogenarian’s good-nature, large heart and broad outlook on issues have impacted positively on party politics and democracy in Nigeria.
The President prayed God to grant him longer life, strength and wisdom to serve more.
Asiwaju Tinubu described Pa Akande as “a compassionate human being, an example of decorum in any circumstance and a principled leader possessed of profound judgment and a sage’s wisdom”.
The former Lagos State governor prayed God Almighty to grant the celebrant “many more years so that he can continue to help this nation”.
He added: “May he continue to stand forth as an example to young leaders and may his wise counsel and civic virtue help to guide and shape this nation.”
Fayemi described Pa Akande as a living legend and perfect example of talent and hard work.
In a congratulatory letter to the celebrant, the governor said he considered it a great privilege to work and walk with the former APC Interim National Chairman, whom he described as a man of integrity.
He described Pa Akande as a pride and leading light of the progressive school of thought, “a true, committed, passionate and loyal Awoist deserving of all admiration”.
Fayemi said: “I celebrate you today as always because you have been a great boss and a wonderful mentor. I will forever cherish the chance of working and walking with you to make life more meaningful for our people. Thank God for giving me this priceless opportunity and thank you for being there to nurture me with your infectious patience and humility.
Eid-el-Kabir: JANDOR Felicitates with Lagosians, Expresses Hope in Nigeria’s Future
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and former PDP Governorship Candidate in Lagos State, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR), extends warm greetings to all Muslim faithful and the good people of Lagos State on the occasion of Eid-el-Kabir.
Jandor
Dr. Adediran describes the essence of the celebration as an act of obedience and total submission to the will of the Almighty Allah. He notes that the unwavering trust exhibited by Prophet Ibrahim by his willingness to sacrifice his son as a show of total respect to God is an assurance to all Lagosians that whosoever put his trust in God will not be put to shame.
He acknowledges the Nigerian economic rebound as a fulfillment of promises made by Mr. President at the early stage of this administration when the removal of the fuel subsidy and Forex unification took their toll on the Nation’s economy.
JANDOR posits that while the road may seem tough today, there are genuine efforts being made by the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration to reposition the country and make life better for all Nigerians.
He urges citizens to remain steadfast and supportive of initiatives aimed at reforming key sectors of the economy, improving infrastructure, and ensuring security across the country.
“Let us continue to stay united and resilient as we journey toward a more prosperous Nigeria. Lagosians have always shown strength in difficult times, and I believe our collective resolve will help shape a brighter tomorrow. I wish all Muslim Ummah a peaceful and joyous celebration as we pray for continuous peace, progress, and prosperity in Lagos State and Nigeria at large,” he said.
Ileya Festival: Olori Afolabi launches food bank, distributes rice to Apomu people
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
Olori Janet Afolabi, CNN award winning journalist and Queen of Apomu Kingdom, has distributed 150 bags of 50kg rice to Apomu people for the celebration of Ileya Festival, just as she launched a foot bank in the ancient city in Osun State.
Olori Afolabi said the food distribution is in response to the pressing issue of hunger in rural communities.
She said: “It is aimed at providing immediate relief to those in need and support rural families.
“Every package of rice represents a moment of relief.
“As we distribute the food we are not just meeting a basic need we are offering compassion, care and kindness.
“We are not just filling stomachs, we are filling hearts with hope because every act of kindness no matter how small can have a profound impact.”
The rice was distributed at the launch of Olori Janet Afolabi Foundation Food Bank on June 3, 2024 at the palace of the Alapomu of Apomu, the headquarters of Isokan Local Government Area of Osun State.
Olori Afolabi said: “We are honoured to launch this food bank to address hunger and promote well being in our community.
“We recognise that hunger is a reality for many in our community and we want to do something about.
“The food bank will offer a range of services, which include: food distribution to indigent families and support programmes on nutrition education and counselling.
“Our Food bank is more than a pantry.
“It is a symbol of hope.
“We are reminding those in need that they are seen, heard, and valued.
“The food bank is a testament of our dedication to serve the community.”
Minister of Information to Chair GOCOP Book Launch in Abuja
Lago
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, is to chair the public presentation of the book Nigeria Media Renaissance: GOCOP Perspective on Online Publishing, a publication of Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP).
Idris
The event is scheduled for 110am on Tuesday June 17, 2025 at the Continental Hotel, Abuja.
President of GOCOP, Maureen Chigbo, who confirmed this development said the book presentation will be graced by eminent personalities from all walks of life, including government officials, captains of industry, media practitioners and other professionals, representatives of international organisations, directors of non-governmental organisations.
Alhaji Idris was sworn in as Minister of Information and National Orientation on August 21, 2023, following his appointment by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. With over three decades of experience in broadcasting, newspapering, public relations, and advertising, Idris has brought a wealth of expertise to the role.
His academic background includes degrees in English Studies from Uthman Danfodio University, Sokoto, and Bayero University, Kano. As an entrepreneur, he established notable media outlets such as Blueprint, WE FM radio station, and Rapid Television in Abuja. He is a prominent figure in professional associations such as National Institute of Public Relations, African Public Relations Association, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria, and Newspaper Proprietors Association of Nigeria.
As the founder of Bifocal Communications, a leading public relations and communications consultancy, Idris has served both local and transnational corporations.
Beyond his professional endeavours, Idris is committed to social responsibility through the Mohammed Idris Malagi (MIM) Foundation, which has positively impacted many lives. As a reward for his contributions to the development of his immediate environment and beyond, The Etsu Nupe conferred “Kaakaki Nupe” on him.
A press statement by the GOCOP Publicity Secretary, Ogbuefi Remmy Nweke, quoted the GOCOP president as saying that the proceeds of the book will be used to fund the N2.3 billion GOCOP MEDIA CENTRE, a multi-purpose resource centre comprising a secretariat, a 21st Century library and event halls, among others.
Nweke further noted that the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP) was established to promote professionalism in online publishing, ensuring its members uphold the fundamental principles of journalism.
Comprising seasoned editors and senior journalists with distinguished career in print and electronic media, GOCOP’s membership has traversed the online publishing, recognizing its pivotal role in shaping the future of journalism globally. With 120 corporate publishers as members, GOCOP continues to uphold the highest standards of online journalism