Olujonwo, the son of ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo officially joined the President Buhari campaign organization, few days after his father publicly declared his support for PDP presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar.
In a recent Interview with Punch, Olajuwon said, ‘I joined the APC long before the PDP was reconstituted and before Alhaji Atiku emerged as its standard bearer. So, there is no relationship between my APC membership and my father’s forgiveness of his former vice president’.
I am a proud member of the APC because I am progressive by instinct and ideology and because I believe in the progressive instincts of those who lead our party.
I believe that our nation is better served by a politics that is progressive, that is one that works for the progress of all citizens and not merely for the interests of a few in power. President Buhari, like my father, is a man of great conviction. He loves his country and he is committed to reshaping it for the future.
He is a man of great humour too, by the way. He is a man l truly value and l have highest regard for him because he is a strong man of high and uncommon integrity, doesn’t betray and very reliable. He is very passionate and sincere about providing for the general good of all for long term benefits.
I just happen to believe in the capacity and will of President Buhari, Vice President (Yemi) Osinbajo and the leaders of our party to reposition and transform our country for concrete greatness which will lead to enduring and lasting legacy of a great and better life for everyone in the future. It is no more than that.
See more more excerpts from the interview below…
Does being the child of ex-President Obasanjo put any burden on you in terms of societal expectations?
None! I don’t indulge in societal expectations. I prefer to spend my time building a life and a career brick by brick, like every other Nigerian.
Would you have wished your father is anything else but a soldier?
Absolutely not! I am very proud of my father’s walks. I love the Army. It is the one constant source of pride to our nation. It has been our one constant bulwark against great insecurity and disintegration. It is the Army that continues to bear the brunt of the war against terror and militancy. When you and I are lying asleep at night or going about our business in the daytime, it is our Army that keeps Boko Haram and other forces of disintegration from disturbing our peace and security. I have the highest regard for our forces both the military and the Police Force and their incredible accomplishments with limited resources. I am grateful that my father got the chance to serve that great institution to the highest level.
What do you think he wants to be remembered for?
My father does not indulge in such things. He is too busy getting the day’s job done to worry about how he will be remembered. History will do its own bidding.
What values did you learn from him?
Conviction above popularity; hard work above showmanship; people above self; nation above everything else.
How does his name open doors for you when people know you are his child?
My father taught us to feather our own wings and not to ride on his coat tails. It is the way we all are today. We each work very hard in our respective fields. We do not live on his undeniable big name.
Still, I consider it a great honour to have been sired by one of Africa’s most convicted, most committed, most earnest advocates. So, yes, I am mightily proud of my dad.
Does he have preference for any type of music?
My father is a dyed-in-the-wool Egba man. Put any Egba tune on and he gets footloose. But don’t be fooled, he is the most savvy music mind. From jazz to funk, highlife to juju, my father will floor you chord by chord. He is a greater lover of Ebenezer Obey, but his music ears are never far from the likes of James Brown. My dad is black and proud – and he will turn up any day to claim that truth.
Your father undoubtedly has a good sense of humour. Does he share jokes with you?
My father is the most humorous man you have ever met. He is self-deprecating, quickwitted and genuinely funny. Because he has no hang ups, no vanity, he easily laughs at himself. It makes him great fun to be around.
How close are you to your father?
He is my best friend; my truest confidant. I am his private handbag and I love and respect him very much.
The Lead Visioner of the Lagos4Lagos Movement and former governorship Candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Dr. Olajide Adediran, JANDOR, has commiserated with the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State, Pastor Cornelius Ojelabi, on the passing of his wife.
Mrs. Ebunoluwa Esther Ojelabi, the wife of the party State Chairman was announced dead on Monday.
A statement issued on Tuesday by Gbenga Ogunleye, said Adediran described the passing away of Mrs Ojelabi as very sad and painful.
He prayed that God will grant the APC Chairman and his family, the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“At this sad moment, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of our party State Chairman and the entire Ojelabi dynasty.
The loss of a loved one, especially a spouse, is an indescribable pain. I pray that God grants the family the strength to bear this loss and may her gentle soul rest in peace” he said.
JANDOR Splashes N100 Million on distribution of Rice to APC Executives Across all wards and 57 LGA/ LCDAs for Sallah Celebration
AJAGBE ADEYEMI TESLIM
SPONSORED BY: H&H
In the spirit of the Sallah celebration and his continued commitment to supporting the people, Dr. Abdul-Azeez Olajide Adediran (JANDOR) has once again demonstrated his love for his party by distributing over 6,000 bags of rice to All Progressives Congress (APC) party executives from the wards to the State, across the 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Lagos State.
This generous gesture is part of JANDOR’s long-standing tradition of philanthropy and extension of love to party managers and faithfuls especially during festive periods. His latest intervention reflects his unwavering resolve to prioritize the welfare of the people, fostering a sense of unity and shared prosperity.
It could be recalled that on Monday 23rd December 2024, Dr. Adediran held a Christmas get together at his campaign office where thousands of party faithfuls were gifted with bags of Rice and financial support to celebrate the yuletide.
Hundreds of political associates who were in attendance were equally provided with gifts in the spirit of the season.
Earlier in July, August and September 2024, JANDOR gifted over 300 political associates cash support and donated 5 vehicles for hailing business (Uber) to political supporters, set up a block industry for someone in Epe and assisted physical-challenged with an electric wheelchair among several other forms of assistSpeaking on the initiative, JANDOR reiterated his belief in the power of community support. “The Sallah celebration is a time for reflection, unity, and sharing with those around us. I remain dedicated to the well-being of the people and will continue to contribute to their progress and happiness,” he stated.
Muslim clerics have tasked politicians to tone down on their desperation for power by all means, at the 34th Sheikh Sadallah AbdulSalam Olumoh Jokogbowo Ramadan lecture series in Ajeromi Ifelodun federal constituency on Sunday.
The guest lecturer Sheikh Ahmod Anofi Al-Mubarak who spoke extensively on the topic: “Destiny” at the Ramadan lecture organized by Honourable Lukmon Sa’ad Olumoh the member representing Ajeromi Ifelodun constituency 1 at the Lagos State House of Assembly, counselled all public office holders and intending aspirants not to see the race as a do-or-die-affair but to always succumb to the will of God in all their cravings.
Sheikh Al-Mubarak also declared that, “Conspiracy remains the root of all political issues, we ought to succumb to what destiny has in stock for us, especially that which is orchestrated by Allah because there is nothing, we can do about it.
“Try to consult God through prayers and whatever he has destined don’t influence anything in the contrary.
“You politicians are fond of doing that, having tried to attain a height repeatedly in politics without much success, you would not accept what destiny has tossed your way, you often try to force it, this most times end up badly”.
The cleric further admonished them to always create time for those who had supported their cause in time past, with the understanding that God loves one who is just in his or her dealings with his fellow human being.
Hon. Olumoh in a chat with newsmen also expressed the importance of the Ramadan lecture held in memory of his late father, stressing that the essence of the period is forgiveness and charity.
“This is the 34th edition and we are practising what the period is meant for- the spirit of forgiveness and giving.
“Today we have empowered over a thousand people with cash of ten thousand naira each, ten people will be given generators, also we will be giving grinding machines and hair dryers to some of our constituents.
“It could not be displayed because of the crowd but it will be distributed as we move on.
“Also, here we have a dedicated party member who we have given a motorbike this is coming as a reward of his hard work and commitment to the cause of the party, we have tried to touch our party people and constituents at every point in time even during stakeholder’s meetings.
A stakeholder within the Ajeromi Ifelodun polity of Lagos State, who also doubles as a Governor Advisory Council (GAC) member Prince Rabiu Adio Oluwa hinted that every Muslims should endeavour to take seriously the teachings of the holy prophet, while adding that the words of the prophet remain a guiding light for our day to day living.
“It is a source of inspiration to all, bringing them closer to Allah. I earlier corrected an impression here that the word of Allah is key, though money is important too. So, with that correction taken and some adjustments made it is a good gathering.”
Speaking to the lecture Olumoh hinted that: “As a Muslim we all believe in destiny, as dictated by Allah that we all believe in what we have destined.
“Rome wasn’t built in a day and for you to become somebody you must work towards achieving it.
“I didn’t come to the House of Assembly by Accident I have tried severally, to be a member of the House of Assembly since 2011and eventually I came in 2019 because it was destined for me to be there.
“I was persistent in my request for me to become a representative of my people so.
“I was well prepared for it to ensure that they get the dividend of democracy so, I believe in destiny and that whatever comes to you positive or negative is from almighty Allah.
“We ought to pray for Allah to give us what will benefit us in life and that is good destiny.
Olumoh further counselled constituents to keep hope alive stressing that things will take shape very soon given the well piloted reforms and economic policies of the Tinubu led government.
“My plea to the constituents is to be patient with the government it will go round, the economy might be what it is yesterday but we can now see the difference of the reforms initiated by our President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Prices of fuel is going down likewise that of foodstuff, so we know that we are getting there gradually, restructuring is taking effect and I am very sure we would all benefit by the special grace of God.”
The incumbent federal House of Reps members Hon. Paul Kalejaiye was also present at the Ramadan lecture.
A former Federal House of Representatives member Hon. Kolawole Taiwo however commended the lawmaker for keeping up with the culture breast taped by his late father Muslim cleric, adding that he had contributed immensely to developmental strides in the constituency.
Colleagues of Honourable Olumoh present at the lecture includes: Hon Noheem Adams (Eti-Osa 1) and Hon. Nureni Akinsanya (Mushin 1) who took turn to harp on the importance of the gathering stressing that Nigeria and Lagos state needs prayer to ensure stainable peace and development across all facets of live.
His Royal Majesty Oba Atanda Amore Tijani Oluwa Apapa kingdom Ajeromi also lend his voice on the impact of Ramadan, “It teaches us how to live amongst ourselves in peace.
The essence of the month of Ramadan is to revive our soul towards the ways of Allah.”
The council chairman of Ajeromi Ifelodun local government Hon. Fatai Ayoola was quick to add that being our brother’s keeper and deviating from all forms of vices, is the essence of the month.
“You have to appreciate your neighbours be in good terms with them and give assistance to the needy. This is a yearly thing that Olumoh kept running the way he met it with those who have been to the House of Assembly before him.
“We all should be prayerful and expect the best from this polity.”
In the words of Okeowo the Chairman of Ifelodun LCDA it is a time to put everything aside in reverence of Allah, he urged people in the locality to embrace peace at all times and to worship God in spirit and truth.