Politics
Akpabio Urges Nigerians To Keep Hope Alive
Olasunmibo Aboluwade, Abuja
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, on Sunday evening, urged Nigerians to keep hope of a better days ahead notwithstanding the current economic challenges they are facing.
Akpabio gave the admonition at the Carol Service jointly organised by the Nigeria Television Authority, the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria and the Voice of Nigeria in Abuja.
The event also had in attendance, a former military head of state, General Yakubu Gowon (retd.), federal lawmakers and top government functionaries.
He urged Nigerians to reflect upon
the theme of the Carol Service, “Jesus Our Hope,” and embrace His love and grace.
Akpabio said, “Christmas is a time when hope fills the air, when merriment
and goodwill permeate our hearts.
“Yet, amidst the glittering lights and festive cheer, it is essential to remember the
reason for this season — the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
“In a world grappling with uncertainty, strife, and challenges, Jesus remains the beacon of hope, offering solace and
assurance to all who seek Him.
“We are in the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest ever ensemble of Christmas Carol Singers. This feat was
attained when I was the Governor of Akwa Ibom State.
“Jesus continues to light the path for those who place their trust in Him. His birth represents a promise, a divine covenant calling us out of darkness into His marvelous light.
“His life exemplifies limitless compassion, forgiveness, and unwavering love. By embracing Jesus as our hope, we
discover strength, redemption, and the promise of eternal life.
“In Nigeria, the power of hope resonates deeply within us. We have faced our fair share of trials and tribulations, but our
faith and the hope found in the message of Jesus have kept us resilient.
“Today, as we celebrate Christmas Carol in unity and love, let us rekindle that hope within our hearts, inspiring change, forgiveness, and compassion towards one another.
“This Christmas carol event, graciously organized by the Nigeria Television Authority, serves as a reminder for us all
that our hope in Jesus shall never fail because God’s word shall never pass away.
“His love which was made manifest In Christmas shall never cease and it brings good will and peace
to all of mankind.
“In celebration of this, we have come to witness the power of
music, transcending barriers, and touching the depths of our souls.
“We are reminded of the angelic music the shepherds heard when they heralded his birth.
“As we embrace these harmonious melodies, let us remember that they, too, carry the message of hope through the ages, reminding us of Jesus’
everlasting impact on humanity.
“In this season of joy, may Jesus’ birth echo within us all, guiding our thoughts, our words, and our actions.
“May His hope reignite our spirits, encouraging us to spread love and
kindness to those around us. Each small act of goodwill can illuminate a life, bringing light to the darkest corners of our
world.
“As we sing our carols and rejoice together, may Jesus, our eternal hope, fill us with renewed faith, strength, and purpose.
“Let us carry His message of love and hope throughout the year, illuminating our homes, communities and our beloved Nigeria.”
David Olayinka, Akure
The Jagunmolu of Ikaleland and Ojagbulegun from The Source, Prince ( Dr.) Gen. Olu Bajowa, CFR has commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, describing him as a Governor whose victory at the November , 16th poll was made possible by God , the Almighty and the good people of Ondo State , who showed him massive love and vote support on election day.
Gen. Bajowa gave this indication in a special congratulatory statement, personally signed by him , which copy was obtained by thepolity.net
In the statement, the retired top brass Army General said, ” I write to join all well-wishers to congratulate you on your well deserved election victory as ” the God’s anointed” Executive Governor of Ondo State.
“The people have spoken loud and clear! Your outstanding and overwhelming performance with the wide margin at the polls is a testimony of your popular acceptance by the good people of The Sunshine State.
” As the old proverb says, ‘ Vox Populi, vox dei’ ( the voice of the people is the voice of God), therefore by God’s grace , you are the Executive Governor of Ondo State for the next four years. ”
While congratulating the Governor on his ‘ sweet victory,’ Gen. Bajowa said Gov. Aiyedatiwa has enormous responsibilities in making life more abundant for the people of Ondo State, noting that the Governor’s responsibility includes providing adequate security, transformation of Agriculture , health and education sectors among others; the fight against poverty, hunger and unemployment , ensuring adequate water and regular power supply for the growth of SMEs and reactivation of all the moribund industries with serious attention to road network and infrastructural development. Going further, Gen. Bajowa noted, “Also important are the issues of the development of our natural resources and solid minerals : bitumen, oil, fisheries and the Ondo State deep seaport project.
” You can count on me , my family and the entire Bajowa Royal Family for our continued support and loyalty to good governance and administration of Ondo State,” Gen. Bajowa stated.
While wishing Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa a successful tenure , Gen. Bajowa wished him more of God’s guidance , protection and good health as he governs Ondo State afresh.
…as voting commences across wards
Feranmi Daniel, Abeokuta
There was very impressive turn out in Sagamu and Ikenne Local Governments on Saturday during the Local Government elections going on in the State, as voters were seen trooping to their various polling units to cast their ballots.
Recalled that Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) had earlier slated Local Government elections for Saturday, 16th November, 2024.
An election observer from Advocacy for Social Justice & Liberty, Charles Odunuga, commended the electoral body for what he termed decent and well organized process.
He therefore, urged electorate to maintain the peace till the end of the exercise, adding that peaceful environment plays pivotal role in strengthening democracy.
Also, a voter in Sagamu, Pastor Sola Komolafe, euologised the proactiveness of the electoral commission and level of preparedness, including level-playibg ground for opposition parties to thrive.
In the same vein, Mrs Kafilat Sokoya, another voter in Grammar School area of Ikenne described the process across the town as peaceful and orderly, as she advised voters to shun inducement and act of violence.
Feranmi Daniel, Abeokuta
The ongoing local government polls in Ogun State got off to a good start on Saturday. This newspaper can exclusively report.
Election into chairmanship and councillorship positions are currently ongoing in the 20 local government councils of the state, with the major political parties, including the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) saying that they will have a good showing.
In the polling units surveyed in major cities such as Abeokuta, the state capital; Ijebu Ode, Sagamu, Ota and Ilaro, election materials arrived on schedule even as voters expressed confidence that the exercise would be concluded without any hassles.
Findings by reporters across the state have not shown any incident of voter harassment or ballot box snatching so far.
This contradicts the false alarm raised by a major opposition party in the state to the effect that the election has been bedevilled by violence.
Some voters, however, complained of late arrival of materials even as officials of the Ogun State Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC) interviewed across the state said materials have reached all polling units in the State and they expected voters to come out in large numbers and exercise their franchise.