Address by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR On the Occasion of Nigeria's 53rd Independence Anniversary.

Tuesday 1st October, 2013


FELLOW NIGERIANS,

1. Today marks 53 years of our Independence as a nation. First and foremost, I would like to say congratulations to us all. Through thick and thin, we have built this country together. Through triumphs and trials, we have developed a Nigerian identity in our own way.

2. In truth, Nigeria is still a work in progress and we are challenged everyday to keep building in spite of the various obstacles that we face. Our strength has been in our diversity. If we look back over the years, we can say confidently that there is every reason to celebrate.

3. Today's Independence anniversary is unique because it is the last before we mark our centenary. On January 1, 2014, Nigeria will be 100 years old as a country, following the amalgamation of the Protectorates of Southern and Northern Nigeria in 1914.

4. Beloved country men and women, traditionally, the Presidential address on this symbolic day has served two purposes. It has, quite rightly, been used to remind all Nigerians about our heritage. It has also allowed my predecessors and I to comment on our stewardship to the nation and make political capital out of a state occasion.


5. But this year, I will not. Because, today of all days, we should not be scoring political points. On the contrary, in this last year of the first century of our Union, we should be addressing our future as a Nation and a people!


6. I admit that these may not be the best of times for our nation. Our people are divided in many ways – ethnically, religiously, politically, and materially. I cannot hide from this reality. I cannot hide from my own responsibilities.


7. As we prepare to mark the centenary, therefore, today offers us an opportunity to reflect on our long journey to nationhood and the progress we have made so far. Whatever the challenges that we may face, we have every reason to be proud of our national accomplishments; we have every reason to remain proud and optimistic. Our collective national journey has witnessed great watersheds, thanks to our spirit of endurance, perseverance and sacrifice. Getting the rest of the job done with determination and courage is just a matter of time. We are Nigerians, a nation of talented people, endowed with resources, potentials, and Divine Grace.

8. In our journey to greatness as a nation, we have built an economy that is robust and erected enduring infrastructure and institutions of democracy. Our social system is now more inclusive, open and compassionate. We are waging a steady battle against poverty, unemployment, and corruption. Our sense of community, solidarity and shared expectation is strong and capable of withstanding the present social, economic and political challenges that still confront us.


9. In saying this, I am reminded of the comments I made a week ago to a cross-section of Nigerians in New York during the 68th United Nations General Assembly. I declare now as I declared then: we have a duty as Nigerians, whatever may be our differences or prejudices, to always put Nigeria first.


10. Our politics should be an art of patriotic labour and selfless service to the community, particularly by the political elite who are placed in positions of great trust and responsibility. Politics has its own high moral principles which abhor distracting and divisive rhetoric. As men and women in leadership, we must continually focus on service, duty, responsibility, and the next generation. Those who are elected to govern at all levels must focus on improving the lives of our people, not selfish ambition. 


11. In the words of the American theologian and author, James Freeman Clarke, ‘a politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation’. Whether we are Muslims or Christians; rich or poor; from the North or the South; East or West; regardless of our political affiliations, this is the time for every one of us to be a statesman!


12. My clarion call therefore, on this special day, is that we should begin to align our political utterances and conduct solely to the nobler passions that unite our people. Politicians do not make a nation; ordinary folks do.


13. Our nation is made great by the big and small efforts of regular citizens. These are the teachers and men and women in academics who inculcate the knowledge and wisdom that transform into tomorrow’s wealth; the traders and market women who tend to our everyday needs; the farmers whose labour feeds the nation; the artisans whose work ensures that our homesteads are well maintained; the doctors, pharmacists, nurses, accountants, bankers, engineers, and other professionals who add value to our lives; the sportsmen and women and those in the creative industry who bring honour and fame to our nation;


14. And the men and women of our armed forces and security services who toil day and night so that you and I may live in a safe and secure nation.


15. It is the individual and collective heroism of these regular folks that has placed our nation on the path of greatness. Politics and politicians sometimes distract the people and create unnecessary tension.


16. But our independence celebration is about the same people, the people of Nigeria: their industry, sense of mission and purpose, and their patience and perseverance as we navigate historical turns in our march towards prosperity and self-sufficiency. Today, I salute the people of Nigeria.


17. My Compatriots, history has proven that nations take time to evolve. We should rejoice in our democracy because it enables us to be united by our differences, not destroyed by them. And, there is no more crucial time for us to be united than now.


18. The threats we face may be real and immediate. But we are not alone in this regard. It is a difficult season for much of the world: industrialized or developing; rich or poor. What matters are the lessons we learn, the wisdom we demonstrate, and the victory we snatch from the jaws of likely defeat. 


19. And I tell you, more than anything else, there are lessons to learn, and every cause to be thankful. If I must cite one example, take Syria. As we all pray and work for a return to normalcy in Syria, it would be helpful for us to reflect on the fact that Syria was once a peaceful, thriving, multi-cultural nation which played host to a mosaic of religions and ethnicities.


20. But that once idyllic nation has today become a theatre of human misery of unimaginable proportions as a result of the activities of extremist forces.


21. Fellow Nigerians, the spectre of extremism haunts every democracy in every corner of the globe. While we celebrate our independence and good fortune, our hearts must grieve for those who have lost loved ones in numerous terrorist activities around the world.

22. Back home, I admit being overtaken by deep feelings of grief, whenever news reached me of the appalling atrocities in some of our States, especially the North Eastern part of our country. Just two days ago, terrorist elements attacked the College of Agriculture in Gujba, Yobe State killing a number of innocent students of the institution and other residents in cold blood, most of them in their sleep. This act of barbarism is a demonstration of the extent to which evil forces will go to destabilize our nation. But I assure you, they will not succeed.




23. My heart goes out to the families of all those who have fallen victim of these dastardly acts. Our Administration will not rest until every Nigerian is free from the oppression of terrorism. I reassure you that no cost will be spared, no idea will be ignored, and no resource will be left untapped in the quest to enable our people live without fear.




24. On this day, I implore every Nigerian – wherever you are, whatever language you speak, whatever your religious persuasion, whichever Political Party you support -: let us join together to fight this evil of extremism.


25. On behalf of us all, I commend our Armed Forces and security agencies for their dedication and bravery in the face of grave danger, and in the name of our collective liberty.

26. Fellow Nigerians, this is a time to pull together behind the national cause: the cause of our freedom, and our future. We must rekindle the spirit of Nigeria, to ensure that every democrat and every lover of peace in this great nation continues to live in a free, peaceful, and secure Nigeria.


27. On my part, I re-dedicate myself completely to the service of this great country. I was elected President to continue the process of building a prosperous nation where hopes, dreams and aspirations would be fulfilled. Nigerians, home and abroad, want a country they can be proud to call their own. I am pleased to affirm that, no matter the challenges we face, we are on the right path to greatness. Our Transformation Agenda, which is part of the overall vision of making Nigeria a land of greatness, has been delivering positive and encouraging results.


28. On May 29th this year, I presented to the nation a mid-term report of my Administration’s Transformation Agenda. This was conceived as an integrated policy aimed at reconstructing not only institutional governance for effective and efficient service delivery, but also a re-orientation of national norms and values. The document captured the essence of our agenda in relation to core objectives and achievements.


29. I have been consistently mindful of the weight of public expectation to find solutions to the challenges that confront us because the mandate we have is a free and sacred one. In all that I have done, I have been guided by this sacred obligation, to work hard for the good of Nigeria and to make life better for Nigerians. I want to assure everyone that Nigeria, under my leadership, will not fail.


30. Exactly 53 years ago today, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa urged us to ‘move with quiet dignity to our place on the world stage’. I am sure that there have been times when every one of us must have questioned how closely we have followed that injunction.


31. But again, I can reassure you that Nigeria’s place on the world stage today is strong and safe, and it is certainly a place of dignity and respect. We must continue to build on this by remaining a nation and a people committed to ideals, the noblest humanitarian values, and the rule of law.


32. Our Constitution is anchored ultimately on the idea of freedom and fundamental rights: freedom of expression; freedom from discrimination; freedom to vote and be voted for, and the right to human dignity. These are the core values of a true democracy. These are the values of which we must never lose sight.






33. In my address to the UN General Assembly last week, I emphasized the crucial role of democratization in improving the fortunes not just of this country, but of our entire continent. Democratic values encourage diversity. They encourage discourse. They encourage disagreement. This is the joy of democracy.

34. It enables us to have an opinion. And ultimately, the ballot box gives us all the opportunity to instigate change. When democracy works, it does not destroy a nation. It unites and defines it.


35. Fellow Nigerians, our Administration has taken cognizance of suggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country. I am an advocate of dialogue. When there are issues that stoke tension and bring about friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come together to discuss.

36. In demonstration of my avowed belief in the positive power of dialogue in charting the way forward, I have decided to set up an Advisory Committee whose mandate is to establish the modalities for a National Dialogue or Conference. The Committee will also design a framework and come up with recommendations as to the form, structure and mechanism of the process.


37. The Committee will be chaired by Dr. Femi Okurounmu while Dr. Akilu Indabawa will serve as the Secretary. The full membership of the Committee will be announced shortly. 


38. I expect the Report to be ready in one month, following which the nation will be briefed on the nomenclature, structure and modalities of the Dialogue.




39. Fellow Nigerians, the past 53 years have seen Nigeria evolve on an epic scale. Our progress since independence has not always been smooth. This is, after all, our Fourth Republic; but despite all its flaws, it has lasted longer than all the previous three put together. That is progress and it proves that, our differences – real and imagined - notwithstanding, we are, in every sense, a united nation.

40. This is no time for the harmful clutches of parochial sentiments and the politics of bitterness, impunity, arrogance and unhelpful indiscipline. We must stand as one, with absolute commitment and resolve to resist any force that threatens us and the sanctity of our union. 

41. I want to thank all our country men and women who have stood by this Administration in the midst of mounting challenges and enormous expectations.

42. I recognize that it is not easy to keep believing in the possibilities of our greatness when our faith is constantly challenged. But let me assure you that, if we do not despair, we shall reap the reward of our labour in due season.

43. It is my prayer that, another 53 years from now, our children and grand-children will look back on our effort and be thankful that we kept the faith. 

44. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.


45. I wish you all a very happy 53rd Independence Celebration.


46. I thank you.

PHCN workers kick as Jonathan gives licences to new owners

President Jonathan (right) and Vice President Sambo presenting Share Certificate and Licence to the Chairman of Vigeo Holdings Limited, Victor Gbolade Osibodu…yesterday.

Amid protests, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) died yesterday. In its place rose 18 successor campanies, 15 of which got licences and shares certificates from the Federal Government.

President Goodluck Jonathan, joined by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, who is also the Chairman of the National Council on Privatisation, presented the certificates.

The privatised generating companies are Geregu Power Plc, Ughelli Power Plc, Egbin Power Plc, Kainji Hydro Electric Plc and and Shiroro Hydro Electric Power Plc.

The 10 privatised distribution companies (Discos) are located in Abuja, Benin, Eko, Ibadan, Ikeja, Jos, Kano, Port-Harcourt, Yola and Enugu.

The three PHCN successor companies that are yet to be handed over are located in Afam, Kaduna and Sapele.

The government, however, deferred the physical takeover of the firms by the new owners to enable it complete the payment of workers’ entitlements — an issue that sparked massive protests yesterday.

Jonathan said: “To the Nigerian people who have demonstrated such great patience and confidence, putting up often with darkness, noisy power-generating sets, the related pollution and daily disruptions in their lives, I say better days are coming.

“We do not expect the sector to be revitalised overnight, but we can all look forward to a better time very soon as we have seen in the telecommunication and banking sectors.

“I am confident that the power sector will promise no less, knowing the caliber of those who are taking over.

“Today, we embark on a journey, a journey that will usher us to a destination of enduring gain and fulfillment,’’ he said.

Jonathan said the ceremony was a milestone in the nation’s journey from a public-owned and -operated electricity sector to an industry driven by private sector.

Sambo said the event marked another major landmark in the transformation agenda of Jonathan’s administration.

He praised international development partners such as USAID, DFID, the World Bank Group and AfDB for keeping faith with the process.

Sambo said: “ The new owners of the generation companies are expected to build up capacity from the present levels of performance to additional 5,000mw within a period of five years.

“This promise has been captured clearly in the performance agreement that the new owners have with the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE) which will be monitored by the regulator.”

Director General, Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), Mr. Benjamin Dikki, said Kaduna Distribution Company and Afam Generation Company had to undergo a second bid process since no bidder qualified in the first process.

Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, said he was delighted to report the level of participation of Nigerian financial institution which provided over 70% of funds needed for the acquisition of the assets.

He added that “I understand that the international development partners accredited to Nigeria have coined a special phraseology for our process-simultaneous sequentiality.”

According to the minister, the Nigerian Electricity Industry has been transformed into a regulated environment.

Speaking on PHCN workers, Nebo said “Accordingly, out of 47,614 PHCN workers who were identified, we have completed the biometrics capture and related validation of 45,156 workers. As at today, the severance benefits of majority of that number have been paid while others are being processed. The payment of severance and pension will continue throughout the month of October.

“Nebo added: “I can say that the physical handover has not been made because we need to complete that first. We are not going to physically handover until everyone of them is fully taken care of.

“Most of them have now received their severance package but we also need to pay pension package. So severance package will be given to everyone of them and their pension benefits will be credited into their PFA accounts. Once that is done we know that the severance is complete and then we can physically handover to all these private companies.

“These things take time. It is something of hundreds of billions of naira. It is not easy just to wake up and have all these monies paid by any bank, it will cause a run on the bank. So we have been doing all the due diligence required to take care of that.”

On the Nigerian Electricity Management Company (NELMCO, the Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Yerima Lawan Ngama, announced that the Federal government is in the process of reviewing and scaling down the liabilities of PHCN by NELMCO.

He said the Ministry of Finance has raised $350million from the Eurobond for the revitalization of the Transmission Company of Nigeria.

Ngama said that the securitisation process would be of benefit to the private investors from the World Bank security risk guarantee of$135million is in place in the 2013 budget.

Group Managing Director Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Andrew Yakubu noted that domestic gas supply has grown to 1.500 million cubic feet per day from an average of 900,000 cubic feet per day in 2010.

This, according to him, is a growth of about 72% in the period under consideration.

He promised that following the corporation’s plan, there will be sufficient gas supply in areas where there are industrial activities.

 

Gov. Aregbesola

Osun hails Fed Govt for water projects

Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has commended the Federal Government for its water projects in the state.

The Governor praised President Goodluck  Jonathan when he paid a courtesy call on the Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Reng Ochekpe  in her office. He acknowledged the tremendous work the government is doing in providing water for the state.

According to him, Ilesha town has been without pipe-borne water for over 50 years before the Federal Government came to the aid of the town by releasing funds to complete the town’s water dam.

“I am quite impressed with what you have done in Osun State and I find it necessary to come here to express my profound gratitude to the Federal Government, especially in the construction of Ilesha water project,” he said.

The governor disclosed that Ogun/ Osun River Basin projects in the state, which are 12 and the Ilesha dam are considered a great honour done to the state by President Goodluck Jonathan. He reminded the minister about the Ife dam, noting that its completion would be an honour to Yoruba race.

He solicited the support of the Ministry in constructing the treatment plant, while the state government would reticulate and distribute the water to the people. He said though the state is expected to construct the treatment plant, the state does not have the funds required for the project.

Speaking on irrigation, Aregbesola said the state needs irrigation for all season farming and pleaded for more Federal Government’s support. “Please don’t relent on your efforts in doing your best for Osun State,” he said.

Responding, the Minister said the on-going projects of his ministry in Osun and other states are as a result of President Jonathan’s determination to complete abandoned projects across the country.

Mrs. Ochekpe reiterated Federal Government’s desire for a stronger partnership with state governments for service to be delivered to the citizenry.

According to her, the responsibility of the ministry is to provide fresh bulk water while the provision of a treatment plant and water reticulation.

President Jonathan, she said, is committed to the agricultural transformation of the country through irrigation and water supply projects for food security.

“Since it is obvious that rain-fed agriculture alone cannot guarantee food security to the nation, a lot is being done to support irrigation projects all over the country and Osun State will not be left out,” she added

Oramiyan celebration should be universal - Gani Adams Lauds organisers of Oramiyan Festival , Ile - Ife

 Panel of justice, from left, Chief Adegbioye Onigbinde, Pa Jimi Solanke and Prof Owolabi 

Barrister Kolapo Alimi, Rep of Osun state governor flanked by Other commissioners  at the function

Opa Oranmiyan and Oranmiyan shrine Ile Ife

Olu Omo of Ile Ife

Mr .Lawrence Omidiora of FLABSY Travel and Tours with  leader of OPC Otunba Gani Adams

Ile Ife , the ancestral home of the Yoruba race, the home of the deities and the source as it is called was in celebration mood over the weekend as people from all walks of life gathered in the ancient town to celebrate one of the legend, founder of Empire, kingdoms , dynasty and one of the prominent warriors among the Odudwa children simply identified as Oranmiyan or
Oranyan. And some of the people who witnessed the formal inclusion and celebration of Oranmiyan festivals in said it is a good development in a right direction.
History has it that Oranmiyan has his root in Ile Ifer, reigned as the 6th Ooni of Ife, as first Oba of Benin and First Alaafin of Oyo, he has his son who also reigned as Ooni , Alaafin and Benin.
while describing Oranmiyan Olasoji babatunde of Eredumi quarters in Ife one of the men guarding the shrine told Alainka that, his real name was not Oranmiyan it was the success of the divination that was done for him when he was young that made him to change his name to oranmiyan “ my case is positive “ so that was why he is today been called oranmiyan, he is an hefty huge human being from Eredumi, oranmiyan had a great impact in Yoruba race because he is a legend, a holy person who detest dirt and unholy things. And that is why this sacred place is where people come and pray and there prayer is being answer.
The 3 days programmed which featured lectures, paying homage to the oni of Ife, award presentation to best drummer, traditional display and other programmes that enhances promotion of cultural values of Yoruba people was packaged by FLABSY travel and tours Limited, an event management consulting firm that with penchant for promotion of core tradition and cultural value of different tribes and race.
Speaking with Alarinka, one of the directors of FLABSY , Mr Lawrence Omidiora said, We are involved in celebrating Oranmiyan because we have absolute belief that it worth being celebrated , we have verifiable fact and a staff and shrine that actually serve as an evidence that he existed and everything been said about him can be proven as indicated by the opa oranmiyan at the oranmiyan shrine here and that is really why we want to project it to the entire world far beyond the way it is being done before , we are out to raise the consciousness of the entire world to the fact that Oranmiyan is one of the world legend who originated from ile ife in Nigeria Africa and do exploit during his life time”.
He said further that, “ that is why we organized three day powerful events that showcased our belief in the deities , the three days event was arranged in such a way that it will involved everybody, and if you move round you will see in some quarters in Ile Ife where they are also celebrating Oranmiyan festival, we have started on a good note and we are hoping to improve on it in subsequent years.
The Ooni of Ife Oba Okunade Sijuade in his good will message said “ we have been celebrating Oranmiyan on our own way in Ile Ife for ages. The festival of Oranmiyan is being done yearly to announce the commencement of Odun Olojo when the Oni of Ife wears Aare crown which was first won by Oduduwa. Three possible dates for celebration of Odun Olojo can only be presented to the Oni during the celebration of Oranmiyan festivals. We decided that Oranmiyan festival should come to the fore once when we notice the basterdization and demystification been wrapped around the place of glory and the historical significance of this great deity to ile –Ife.”
, Oba Sijuade said “ I must state this, as the custodian of the house of Oduduwa that as long as all of us are Yorubas and our origins are traced to Ile Ife, the various festivals are our festivals and our collective efforts are required to ensure that their celebrations are successful .our focus therefore is to strengthen the bond that bind us together and sustain our common history, our history should be our bond and no reason for it to divide us”.
The Ooni also commended the governors of the Yoruba speaking state for their effort in promoting Yoruba culture and traditions saying “ I am happy to say that policies of our various government in Yorubaland have assisted in maintaining the cultural identity and strengthening emotional, cultural, and spiritual bonds that bind them to their origin, Ile –Ife, the source. From Ekiti, Ondo, Oyo ,Ogun, Lagos to Osun, the governors have been working tirelessly to promote cultures of our people, they are developing and opening up the cultural sites and monument for tourism purposes, these efforts are to draw people to appreciate the wonders in our lands”.
Adding that “ our traditional rulers in various towns and villages have also been promoting their culture and historical places, the Ataoja of Osogbo recently celebrated Osun Oshogbo, Orangun of Ila celebrated his community festival and the Alaafin of Oyo remembered and celebrated Oranyan as the founder of Oyo dynasty, there are many more celebrations of our cultural heritage going all over Yorubaland revamped and maintained.
The governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in his address said he identified with Oranmiyan and the people of Ile Ife as he believed in his prowess while alive, as a lover of the Oranmiyan , I think it was not out of place to name my campaign organization Oranmiyan because he fought and won wars, the same way we fought for our right and won”
Ogbeni Aregbesola who was represented by Barrister Kolapo Alimi, honourable commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy matter said, the government of Osun will not relent in its continuous effort at developing and initiating programmes and policies that will enhance the development of our culture and tradition as a bond of Unity.
The leader and founder of Odua Peoples Congress, OPC, Otunba Gani Adams in a chat with Alarinka was of the opinion that celebrating Oranmiyan should not be limited to any where. According to him, Oranmiyan was. a prominent deity who ruled, in Ile Ife, Oyo, Benin and other places, so it is not out of place for other towns and city in Yorubaland to celebrate Oranmiyan festival and others being celebrated in Ile Ife the cradle of Yoruba people.
According to him “we can have hundreds of communities celebrating Oranmiyan festival likewise Odua festival .Although we did not pray for disunity we believe what is happening is an opportunity to popularize our deities. We belief that by next year, there will be an improvement . You know things are not done to perfection once .There is no festival we started that would be excellent in packaging in one two, three, until you are getting to the five, sixth edition. So I have moved round the groove andI saw some places that we can used for grand finale which can occupy nothing less than 10,000 people conveniently .I am going to speak to the governor of Osun State so that they can build a place like Osun Osogbo around the Opa Oramiyan grove ”.

Another traditional ruler who claimed to be a descendant of Oranmiyan, Oba Abimbola Akinyele, Olu of Ijeni, Famia said celebrating Oranmiyan festival is a good development “as you can see that we are all elated to be here, I came with my people to be actively involved in the celebration because Oranmiyan is our father “.
The Akogun of Ife, Oloye J.A Owoyomi Akogun said that the festival is important because Oranmiyan is an important personality, he was somebody who used to rescue Ile Ife during war time . He was a king, the sixth in Ife .He established many dynasties and empires including Oyo town. He is from Ife and we have to celebrate him, we have been doing it before but not in this elaborate manner and we are happy with the way it is been packaged this year “

Let’s work together to combat violence, crimes, Ajimobi tasks Nigerians

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has called for concerted efforts at combating violence and crimes which have of recent seized the country by the jugular.

The governor made the call in his goodwill message issued in Ibadan on Monday on the occasion of the 53^rd independence anniversary of Nigeria.

The governor called on Nigerians to support the efforts of the leadership at the federal, state and local government levels at eliminating the challenges facing them as a people.

He said that he envisioned a state that was peaceful, caring and a purveyor of good life for the people as well as a state within a nation that is democratic, just and equitable in the sharing of the benefits and responsibilities of the nationhood.

``Most fundamentally, let us combat the demon of violence and crimes that is posturing as part of our clime. We must wean our country from the hands of this unwholesome tag that is a major disincentive to growth and development,’’ he said.

Although the governor noted that the country’s democratic path was not as smooth as hitherto envisaged, he, however, added that the tall walls of challenges which confronted the country at the return to democratic rule had started falling.

Sen. Ajimobi, while urging Nigerians to hold the relative peace in the country very sacred and deepen the confines of peace, said ``we can do this by living peaceably with our fellow men and women and to put Nigeria at the centre of our interpersonal relationships’’.

He, however, expressed the regret that patriotism and the spirit of nationalism were vividly missing today in the relationship between Nigeria and its citizens.

``Right now, many of our countrymen see Nigeria as one alien enterprise from which they are very distant and which has no bearing on their existence, adding that this alienation had led to the recent spate of violence that had put the country on the map of violence-ridden countries.

While congratulating the people of Oyo State on the occasion of the independence anniversary, Sen. Ajimobi acknowledged God’s benevolence in sparing their lives to witness the day.

``The past 53 years have been an admixture of experiences, fascinating and not so fascinating; encouraging and discouraging, plausible and condemnable.

``However, our resilience as a people in the face of monumental challenges has been encouraging and awesome. It is this resilience that has helped us to forge ahead, to this point of celebrating our 53^rd anniversary as a people,’’ he said.

Agagu, a quitessential politician, bridge builder - Obasanjo, Ajimobi, Fayemi, Aregbesola, others

From right; Chief of Staff to Ondo State Governor/Representative of
the Governor, Dr Kola Ademujimi, Governors Rauf Aregbesola of Osun
State, Kayode Fayemi of Ekiti State, Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State, and
the first son of the deceased, Feyi Agagu, at the ‘Day of Tributes’
for the late former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Agagu, at the
International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, 

Eminent personalities from all walks of life paid glowing tributes to the late former Governor of Ondo State, Dr. Olusegun Agagu, describing him as a quintessential politician and a bridge-builder who lived his life for the service of humanity.

They were unanimous that the late Dr. Agagu was a patriot, nationalist and one of the foremost leaders of Yoruba in the South-West Nigeria who exhibited the principle of politics without bitterness.

Among the personalities who attended the day of tributes in honour of the late former governor at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan included Governors Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State as well as his Osun and Ekiti State counterparts, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola and Dr. Kayode Fayemi.

Others included former Governors Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Ayo Fayose, Gbenga Daniel and Segun Oni of Osun, Ekiti, Ogun and Ekiti States respectively, while Governor Liyel Imoke of Cross River State was represented by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Christian Ita and former President Olusegun Obasanjo by his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo.

In his own tribute, Governor Ajimobi described Dr. Agagu as a scholar, versatile patriot, dependable ally and a man who believed in the power of the human spirit to break barriers.

``Today is a very solemn day in the lives of the people of Oyo State. We have lost a friend, a patriot, brother and a resident whose decades of living in Ibadan had made him to effectively earn the honour of being one of us, an indigene of Oyo State.

``From January 1958 when he moved to live with his cousin, Edward Fagbohun here in Ibadan and schooled at the Ebenezer African Church Primary School, Oke-Ado, where he completed his primary school education in 1960, Agagu’s love for Ibadan and choice of Oyo State as home were unparalleled. It was no doubt his love for us that was responsible for his choice in 1961 to attend Ibadan Grammar School, where he passed out in 1967.

``That same preference for Ibadan no doubt led him to the University of Ibadan in 1968 where he first opted to study Botany but later changed to Geology and graduated in 1971,’’ Governor Ajimobi said.

According to him, the former governor was ``one of our brightest stars that just set’’, adding that his (Agagu’s) star set at a time he provided illumination to a large number of men and women and his countrymen at large.

``Dr. Agagu represented the best of us, indeed one of the trail blazers of professionals in the murky waters of politics. At a time when the general conception was that only the worst of us participated in politics, he literally bit the bullet, removed the hallowed academic gown of the academia and mounted the rostrum to campaign for the votes of his people.

The governor congratulated the good people of Ondo State for having the blessings of providence to have had Agagu administer the state; his wife for having such an uncommon patriot as husband, and his children for the honour to have been born and sired by him.

Also, Governor Aregbesola noted that the former governor lived a life worthy of emulation and that he gave himself to the greater pursuit of the greatest good of the people.

He also acknowledged Dr. Agagu’s passion about service to the people, adding that he was dutifully committed to adding values to human lives.

``Agagu was unassumingly humane; he connected without collision with people; unassuming without being cunny; brave without being brash and pleasantly accommodating,’’ Governor Aregbesola remarked.

He commended the late former Governor Agagu for his support for the current South-West integration agenda which, according to him, he (Agagu) saw as an opportunity for the region to develop economically.

For Governor Fayemi, Agagu’s entry into politics changed the typecast that only the charlatans got involved in the art of governance, adding ``he lit the candle and showed the pathway to some of us’’.

Former President Obasanjo whose tribute was read by his wife, Chief (Mrs.) Bola Obasanjo, said that the period was a moment of celebration rather than mourning as the former governor lived a fulfilled life.

He said that Dr. Agagu would be sorely missed by his wife, children, extended family, friends and his community.

``We have indeed lost a honest adviser, hardworking colleague, indomitable leader, lover of his community and a committed worker in the political vineyard who brought his intellectual ability to bear in my government,’’ he said.

Former Governor Gbenga Daniel, who spoke on behalf of all the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors in the South-West, acknowledged Agagu’s contributions to the development of the region both as a minister and as Governor of Ondo State.

He described the former governor as an accomplished academic, politician and a public servant par excellence, who life was characterized by diligence, humility, commitment, loyalty, patriotism and quiet philantrophy.

``Dr. Agagu remained a most consistent politician who brought dignity, candour, decorum and loyalty into the part of politicking. We have lost a consummate political gladiator, a humanist and complete gentleman,’’ Otunba Daniel remarked.

They all prayed for the repose of the soul of the former governor.