Nation

Jonathan, Shonekan, Governors Extol Gov Fashola’s Late Father

Published

11 years ago

August 7, 2013

President Goodluck Jonathan, a former Head of State, Chief Ernest Shonekan and some state governors yesterday extolled Pa Ademola Fashola, the late father of Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State.
Jonathan, in a message to the interment at Ikoyi, Lagos, said Fashola lived a fulfilled life and died at the ripe age of 80 years.
“I express my condolences to the governor and other members of the family; I wish the late governor’s father Aljanah Fidau (the biggest paradise),’’ the president said.
Our correspondent reports that the Minister of Sports, Malam Bolaji Abdulahi, represented the president on the occasion.
Governor Fashola, who hurriedly returned to Lagos last night from Saudi Arabia where he was performing the lesser hajj, carried out the dust-to-dust ritual on behalf of family members.
He commended President Jonathan for rallying round the family in the moment of grief.
“I thank Mr President who called persistently until he got to me; he sent his representative to this occasion today — the Minister for Sports.
Meanwhile, Rivers State Governor and Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Amaechi has condoled with his Lagos State counterpart, Governor Babatunde Fashola over the death of his father, Ademola Fashola.
Amaechi expressed his sympathy to the Fashola family in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. David Iyofor.
He urged Fashola and his family to be strong as they go through this period of grief and prayed for the repose of the soul of the deceased.
“This is a most trying and heartbreaking time for you. But be assured that God knows best. I pray that you find strength and comfort from within as you mourn your late father and patriarch.”
“He was an exemplary father, a man who raised successful children, one of which is today the Governor of Lagos State. May his soul rest in peace,” Amaechi stated.
Similarly, the Northern States Governors Forum yesterday commiserated with Gov. Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State over the death of his father, Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Fashola.
The Chairman of the forum and Governor of Niger State, Dr Babangida Aliyu, said in Minna in a condolence message signed by his spokesman, Mr Danladi Ndayebo, that the death of Alhaji Fashola was a big loss to the governor and the people of Lagos State.
The statement said that the death of Alhaji Fashola came at a critical time when his advice and guidance were required to address the myriad of problems confronting the nation.
The statement urged Governor Fashola to be consoled by the fact that his late father lived a life of service to God and humanity.
It advised the governor not to be discouraged by his father’s death, but should forge ahead with the enormous task of repositioning Lagos State.
It said that the best tribute that Fashola would pay to his late father was to continue to touch the lives of the people of Lagos State positively like he had been doing since his assumption of office in 2007.
The statement prayed God to grant the deceased eternal rest and members of his family and the people of Lagos State the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
“I will like to say thank you very much to everyone who has rallied round the family even before I came back from Saudi Arabia.
“My brother governors, Imams and everybody, I thank you. Our gratitude is deep and immense and we cannot fully express it.
“My father was a loving friend, who allowed us to be the best we can. He guided us and encouraged us to succeed,’’Fashola said.
The governor said the family was glad that Pa Fashola passed on in the holy month of Ramadan and prayed to God to grant him a comfortable rest in Allah’s bosom.
Speaking on the occasion, Fayemi thanked God for giving late Fashola the grace to live an exemplary life.
“The legacies he left behind are worthy of emulation.
“We thank God that he left good children who are going to continue where he stopped and further promote the development of humanity.’’
In his comment, Amosun said the achievements of Gov. Fashola in Lagos were proofs that the deceased cared for his children and humanity.
Our correspondent also reports that the Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Alhaji Akinola Garba, led prayers on the occasion.
Among the dignitaries, who attended the burial, included a former governor of Lagos State, Alhaji Lateef Jakande, Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori and Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas.
Others are the Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Adeyemi Ikuforiji, Rep.Yakub Balogun, and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, a business mogul

Nation

NUJ backs proposed strike by Lagos-owned media workers

Published

1 day ago

January 10, 2025

The Tide

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Lagos State Council has thrown its weight behind the proposed industrial action by the Lagos State-owned media organisations.

The proposed industrial action is set to begin on Monday, Jan. 13.

In a letter jointly signed by the Lagos State NUJ Chairman, Mr Adeleye Ajayi, and the Secretary, Mr Tunde Olalere, on Thursday, the union expressed its support for the strike.

The letter, dated Jan. 9, was addressed to the General Manager of Lagos Television, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

The NUJ, along with the Radio, Television, Theatre and Arts Worker’s Union (RATTAWU) of the Lagos State Broadcasting Corporations, including Lagos Television, Radio Lagos/EKO FM, and Lagos Traffic Radio, had announced the proposed strike.

They said this was in response to the non-payment of the minimum wage and integration into the Oracle database by the state government.

The union leadership stated that it was fully aware of the several discussions, congresses, and notices given to the state government regarding the need for state-owned media house workers to be integrated into the Oracle database.

“You will agree with the union that these were enough notices given to address the issues at stake,” the letter read in part.

The leaders recalled that an initial 10-day ultimatum was issued, followed by a 21-day ultimatum, and finally, a seven-day final ultimatum.

“It is imperative that our members working in the state-owned media organisations should also enjoy the new minimum wage like other workers of the state,” the NUJ stated.

The union further noted that the revenue generated by state-owned media organisations could no longer sustain the payment of workers’ salaries and benefits, highlighting the urgent need for the state government to intervene for their survival.

“The welfare of our dear members is paramount and this is why the union deems it fit to support and pledge solidarity with our members going on strike,” the union stated.

The union also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of protesting workers to their duties in propagating state government policies and activities, stating that such dedication should be rewarded by the state government.

“The union, therefore, advises that only an amicable resolution and approval of the demands of our members can stop the industrial action,” the union stated.

Nation

New Rivers CP assures of non partisan …moves against human rights violation

Published

1 week ago

January 1, 2025

The Tide

The new Rivers state commissioner of police ,CP Olugbenga Adepoju has assured that his administration will remain apolitical in the discharge of his duties in the state.

Adepoju who officially assumed office last Friday as the 47th police commissioner of police stated this during his median press briefing held at state police command over the weekend in Port Harcourt.

He assured that under his watch as the police helmsman in the state his administration will ensure protection of human rights and warn that any police officer who violate the rights of people will be sanctioned in accordance with the police act and
urged Rivers people to hold the Police accountable, share view of people with police.

“We are committed to transparency.

My priority is to ensure safety, security and welfare of all residents in the state.
Being an economic hub of the country,the state faces challenges of crisis from political interest, economic sabotage illegal oil bunkering.

“I will ensure Rivers people sleep with their two eyes close. I have what it takes to keep the command safe.We do Intelligence gathering work with community and public engagement to proactively prevent crime.We have meetings and seminars with members of the public.”

“We will enforce discipline and ensure zero tolerance for corruption.I have my team.I will put them to work.There will be improvement on the part of my officers.

“We will Combat youth restiveness and cultism, oil theft, environmental crime. we will work with other agencies to ensure is reduce to the barest minimum.

“We will enhance response time and police visibility. We do all we can for our men to respond to distress call in time. We will deploy more men in metro. More visibility policing.

“We will address land grabbing issues.We will work with our legal team. If we have to partake in any execution order, we will look at it critically.

“We will enforce all vehicle regulations with human face. Especially tinted glasses. We may excuse those that have it from the factory. Either the vehicle will be impounded, the tinted glass removed or they are charged to court.

“Our men will not violate rights of citizens. If there is any violation of rights, it should be reported to the police for necessary actions. Our men will be more professional and polite to the people “he stated

CP Adepoju however urged residents of the state,the media and all necessary stakeholders to give the Police the relevant cooperation and support for effective policing of the society.

Akujobi amadi

Nation

Police invites assaulted female victim, assures of protection

Published

1 week ago

January 1, 2025

The Tide

The Rivers State Police Command says it has acknowledged a social media report on alleged assault of a lady by police officers along Evo Road, Port Harcourt.

A statement signed by the police public Relations Officer (PPRO),SP Grace Iringe Koko in Port Harcourt, yesterday said the police acknowledged the report of such alleged assault and invite the lady involved to visit the command so as to enable the command to commence investigation with a view to apprehend the officers involved.

“We urge the lady involved to visit the Police Headquarters to enable a thorough investigation into the matter. This step will assist us in identifying the officers involved and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken.”

“The Command appeals to members of the public to cooperate with police officers during stop-and-search operations, as these measures are essential in combating crime and maintaining security.”

“We also encourage residents to report any misconduct by police officers through the following channels:
• PPRO: 0816 135 5218
• Control Room: 08032003514, 08098880134
• Complaint Response Unit (CRU): 07057605256, 08120822987, 07072323049, 07057605209”

“Your cooperation is vital in helping us maintain accountability and professionalism within the Rivers State Police Command.
Thank you.”

Akujobi Amadi