: Delta Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (left) receiving “Prestigious Award for Courageous and Purposeful Leadership in Challenging Times” from Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba (middle) and his wife, Angela Ndukuba, at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Diocese of Evo, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday. PIX: JIBUNOR SAMUEL.
Delta Governor, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa (right), being received by Archbishop, Metropolitan and Primate of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, to the Standing Committee Meeting of the church. Okowa was Keynote Speaker and also received “Prestigious Award for Courageous and Purposeful Leadership in Challenging Times” at St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Diocese of Evo, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday. PIX: JIBUNOR SAMUEL
Delta Governor, Sen. (Dr) Ifeanyi Okowa, on Tuesday, called on Nigerians, particularly Christians, to participate actively in the political process through voting at elections and in advocacy for good governance and credible leadership.
The governor made the call in a Keynote Address entitled “The Christian and Responsibility” which he delivered at the Standing Committee Meeting of Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) held at All Saints Catheral, Rumuokwurusi, Port-Harcourt.
He said that Christians must exercise their right to vote and elect leaders that would govern them, adding that it was doubtful if 50 per cent of eligible voters among Christians voted at elections.
Okowa pointed out that it would be uncharitable for any Nigerian, including Christians, to complain about political issues and bad governance when he or she did not participate in electoral processes.
“I say this because many Nigerians seem to have convinced themselves that votes do not count, but let me hasten to add that they are greatly mistaking.
“Votes count, and refusing to vote is what gives room for the bad guys to manipulate the process.
“I, therefore, call on every Bible-believing Christian to go and register to vote. I believe we can all afford to pay the price to elect the right people into office.
“If we fail in this civic responsibility, we lose our right to complain about bad governance or incompetent leadership,” he said.
He urged religious and political leaders to sharpen their spirit of discernment and ask God for wisdom in responding to public enquiries.
According to him, Christians must show good examples in their work places, and those who profess faith in Christ must honour and obey earthly governments to ensure law and order and promote good governance.
“Our first responsibility as citizens of an earthly nation is to respect and obey the laws of the land.”
Urging Christians to ensure that they paid tax, the governor said “governments all over the world need taxes to be able to fulfil the obligations of good governance, employment generation, effective transportation, quality education, decent housing, efficient justice system, public security and safety.
“It is an open secret that in Nigeria, only public sector workers and those in the organised private sector pay taxes and that is because it is deducted at source through the PAYE system.
“The rest of the population avoid paying tax and for the reason that governments are corrupt, wasteful and inefficient but the word of God does not excuse Christians from this responsibility under any circumstance.”
He said that as the conscience of the nation, religious leaders had a responsibility to maintain an independent, unbiased and non-partisan approach in matters of politics and governance.
“When religious leaders publicly identify with a political party, they create problems for themselves and their ministry; they lose the right and ability to reach those in the other parties with the message of the gospel.”
He urged Christians to prayerfully assess candidates and vote for those with demonstrable capacity to lead, proven record in leadership, probity and moral backbone to withstand temptation and shun corruption.
“We must not vote for a candidate along ethnic or sectional lines; we should not even vote on religious and denominational basis because there are hucksters who use religion for political gain.
“Faith-based NGOs must take the lead in the advocacy in fighting for social justice, advocate for the right persons to be elected to office and set agenda for governments at national and sub-national levels.
“And, Christians should desist from the habit of criticising and condemning political leaders, but should not be mute when they are violating the rights of the people, engaging in acts inimical to good governance, or impoverishing the people through unpopular policies.
“We must let our leaders and representatives know where we stand and hold them accountable to God’s standards of truth, righteousness and justice,” he stated.
Primate of Church of All Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev’d Henry Ndukuba, commended Okowa for his people-oriented and sensitive leadership.
He said that the Church was honouring Governors Ifeanyi Okowa (Delta), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Willie Obiano (Anambra), Samuel Ortom (Benue), Babagana Zulum (Borno) and Minority Leader of the Senate, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, for courageous and purposeful leadership in challenging times.
Ndukuba added that the six leaders were chosen across religions and denominations in recognition of their huge sacrifices in providing good governance for the people.
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.