I solicit your support to elevate Osun State to the stage of envy

Being Elder George Adedeji’s Letter of Intent to Serve the People of Osun State as Governor

Dear Esteemed Stakeholders of the State of Osun,

We return all the Glory to God, the Author of life for the peace and tranquility of Osun, which otherwise would not have been possible without God’s mercy. My name is George Tunde Adedeji, popularly known as ELDER. I was born into the family of late Pa Samuel Adebayo Adedeji in Gbongan, Ayedade Local Government some three scores ago.

The zeal and urge to make their children acquire education was why my parents educated me within and outside the shores of Nigeria. I read Food Science & Technology, at the University of Ife, now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU).  I later proceeded to University of Strathclyde, Glasglow, Scotland for my Masters (Food Science and Microbiology).

My desire to be well grounded in the business and economic world made me to pursue a Masters in Business Administration (MBA). My belief in excellence and achievement orientation made me to become a member of various professional associations like; The Institute of Marketing UK, Member of the Nigerian – American Chamber of Commerce, Member, Nigerian – British Chamber of Commerce and Lagos Chamber of Commerce, where I featured prominently as a member of the Small and Medium Business Committee (SBMC).These platforms prepared and sharpened my innate talent to solving problems in diverse ways especially those that are societal in nature.

To fulfill my spiritual calling and the need to be God fearing informed my decision to pursue further knowledge via theological training. This move availed me the opportunity to have practical knowledge about the other religions, an opportunity which made me to flow freely with people of all creeds and believe system irrespective of gender, value system and orientation.

Furthermore, my urge to socialize and discover the needs of people and strategies to resolve issue whether economic, political or social endeared me to various social platforms like Rotary International. I was President, Rotary International District 9110 from 1989 – 1990. Also, Paul Harris Fellow (1990), District Governor’s Group Representative (1990 – 1993).
For a decade and half, I variously acquired managerial and leadership industry experience in two major organizations Viz; FDA (NAFDAC), UNILEVER. 

Corporate Governance Experience

Thereafter, I have played and still playing leadership role in Corporate Governance as chairman in six and Director in five notable entities viz; Executive Chairman, Super Stores Ltd; 1984 – Date; Scaf Ltd 1980 – Date; Tronitek Ltd 1991 – Date; SAE Nigeria Ltd, 1992 – 1998; Director Ayedaade Community Bank 1996 – 2001; Chairman, Askar Paints Nig Ltd. (OoduaGroup of Companies) 1990 – 2001; Chairman Wrought Iron Nigeria (WIN) Ltd (Oodua Group of Companies) 2002 – 2004; Country Director, Omega Renewable Energy and Power Nigeria Ltd (OREP – a subsidiary of Power Group USA) 2000 – Date. I am currently a Director in Skyrun (Cocoa Processing Industry) Ede.
Elder Tunde Adedeji represented the State as a member of the Technical Committee on Regional Integration of Western Nigeria. He also served on the board of Osun State Agricultural Development Corporation. 

Political Associations

My philosophy of life which specifies that “man does not live by bread alone” made me to choose the camp of the progressives. All along the lines of Alliance for Democracy (AD), Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and presently All Progressives Congress (APC) where I am one of the leaders in Ayedade Local Government.

My vintage position as chairman, Askar Paints Ltd, Chairman Wrought Iron Nigeria LTD (WIN), two of the subsidiaries of Oodua Investments Group, and presently a Nigerian director, in Skyrun Ltd (Cocoa Processing Industry Ede) gave me the exposure on how to harness our abundant God-given resources and resourcefulness of our people to create value, if given executive power.

My dear stakeholders, I make bold to say that I have been part of successive administration in Osun, though not in executive capacity. Therefore, I give thumbs up to the previous helmsmen particularly, former and incumbent governors of All-Progressive extraction for their immense contributions to the development of our dear State – Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke, Baba AbdulRahmon Adebisi Akande, Prince Olagunsoye  Oyinlola and Gov. Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji  Aregbesola; the man whose developmental stride has clearly demonstrated his professional calling.

My fellow citizens, having garnered experiences in private and governmental agencies, I have decided to bring to bear the flourishing and unending exposure I have acquired over the years to serve my people of the Osun. I feel there is no better time to contribute at a higher pedestal to the development of Osun than 2018.

In view of the foregoing, I have embarked on intensive consultations across the state and the acceptability coefficient has been alarmingly overwhelming and impressive. I have also done extensive research on harnessing the huge resources of our State to increase our capacity, shore up our revenue, fill the huge infrastructural gap including grassroots agricultural potentials and poverty alleviation through massive investment in Agriculture, Agro industry, and Agribusiness as a way of building on the achievements of past and serving administrations in the State. This is in addition to equitable andfair wealth distribution.

My dear good people, if given the mandate to serve you, I intend to lead an all-inclusive government, bridge the gap between the rich and poor; provide developmental initiatives that are sustainable andbeneficial to our people. I will particularly encourage the womenfolk by reserving 40% of appointment for our women.

I am committed to building a state where there will be economic buoyancy, a hub of modern development and a haven of investors and bee-hive of business investments and employment generation activities and above all, a place of peaceful co-habitation and brotherly love. Your hallowed support is very crucial in making this vision a reality.

May I humbly solicit your support very passionately in this vision to elevate our State to the next millennial stage of envy, equity and justice, economic liberation, financial empowerment and above all the fear of God.

Please give me your support that will help us all to steer the ship of Osun State unto the harbour of greatness. 

Below are my contacts for advice, suggestions and support demonstrations.

Email:georgeadedejitunde@yahoo.com;georgeadedejitunde@gmail.com
Elder George Tunde Adedeji
Adedeji House,
Oke Church, Gbongan.
State of Osun

Coalition Begins Grassroots Mobilisation for Ugwuanyi’s Second Term

An amalgamation of several civil society and socio-political pressure groups in Enugu North senatorial district of Enugu State, under the aegis of Nsukka Democratic Movement (NDM), has begun grassroots mobilisation for the second term bid of the state governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. 

“The decision followed a unanimous endorsement of Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi at our Joint Central Working Committee (JCWC) meeting in Enugu on Sunday night”, the group said in a statement jointly signed by the JCWC Convener, Chief Willy Ezugwu and the Secretary of the JCWC, Comrade James Ezema.  

The coalition comprises the Independent Nsukka Solidary Agenda Worldwide, United Nsukka Indigenes for Good Governance, Nsukka Arise for Democratic Change, Nsukka Youths Empowerment Initiative, Greater Nsukka Congress, and Alliance for Democratic Governance, among three others. 

“We have taken this bold step in order to also ensure that political jobbers and aimless political hawks do not destabilise the state ahead of the 2019 general election. 

“Sensitisation campaign is on-going at the grassroots in the entire Enugu North senatorial district to ensure the re-election of the most outstanding governor in terms of his unequalled performance in Enugu State in just three years in office.

“We enjoin all the sons and daughters of Enugu state both at home and abroad to overwhelmingly continue to support Governor Ugwuanyi, who has proven that it is not impossible to develop the rural communities in Enugu State.

“He has worked without discriminating against any senatorial district by pioneering even development agenda for the entire state and that is why he is fondly called Gburugburu due to his all-round achievement and inclusive leadership.

"The JCWC and all members of the coalition have unanimously resolved that it is only an inexperienced coach that changes a winning team.

“Governor Ugwuanyi has proven himself to be a good captain that must be retained for better life, increased good governance and infrastructural development of our rural communities", the coalition said. 

Oyegun heads for second term

The National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Odigie-Oyegun on Tuesday received the endorsement of some APC leaders from North-East, North-West and North-Central.

“A change of leadership is not on the cards. There is no surprise in the air. The dynamic national chairman is sure to win” the leaders said.

They also urged APC National leader and former governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed 
Tinubu and other APC leaders in the South-West to back Oyegun’s candidacy. “We need to avoid deadlock”

In a statement in Dutse by the chairman of APC United Front, Alhaji Ibrahim Musa, the leaders praised Oyegun for unifying the ruling party, fostering collaboration and encouraging engagements that neither diminishes others moral worth.

“The result of the APC chairmanship election won’t surprise anyone.” Calling his performance in four years exciting, the leaders said the APC under Oyegun’s leadership existed as a united political group.

“APC is not a loose coalition of personal and sectional factions.”

They hailed Oyegun for his flexible position on political issues, reconciliation of feuding political groups and his commitment to a greater Nigeria.

“The incumbent, Chief Oyegun will be reelected for the second time.  Party faithful and their leaders in the north are certain of Oyegun’svictory.”

Specifically, they eulogized Oyegun for bringing unparalleled brilliance and unbridled patriotism to the chairmanship job.

“Oyegun is a stabilizing factor in Nigerian politics. His success in the convention will be based on his performance, popularity and honesty. Other aspirants do not pose serious danger to Oyegun. They
have nothing to offer” the leaders said.

They commended South-East and South-South APC leaders for supporting Oyegun.

“We don’t want a southern gang up against the north. We don’t want to be plunged into darkness.

Oyegun, a role model and an icon, is held in reverence and affection by the vast majority of Nigerians.

He believes in the course that seeks to prime humanity to loftier heights” the leaders added. 

Credit: Ebireri Henry Ovie

Rivers Soot Menace: APC Knocks Wike for Accusing Federal Government

....Says Wike is the main destructive machine decimating Rivers State and her people

Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has described as most unfortunate, despicable and disheartening that Governor Nyesom Ezebunwo Wike of Rivers State could use the visit of a delegation of an international body like the United Nations (UN) to degenerate and lampoon the APC led Federal Government as being behind the black soot currently ravaging the State.

The party said by this act, Wike has exposed himself as an unpatriotic, despicable, ignorant character and unfit to occupy the exalted office of the Governor of a high class State like Rivers State.

The party in a statement issued by Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, the Media Consultant to Chief Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, the Rivers State APC Chairman on Friday stated that Gov. Wike has not ceased to use any forum to expose his unpatriotic mind and hatred for the APC led Federal Government just because the party truncated the ambitious plot of his party - the PDP to continue to loot their common patrimony with impunity for the next fifty years.

The accusation by Wike that, "if we must move on, we must situate the cause of the soot and the fact that the Federal Government has decided to make sure that a greater percentage of the state dies" exposes Wike as an ignorant leader who have refused to study, cooperate and assist the relevant government agencies to tackle the menace that the soot posses to the health of Nigerians residing in Rivers State just because of his selfishness and personal aggrandizement.

By accusing the Federal Government under the watch of President Muhammadu Buhari of such unfounded heinous act knowing very well that we as a political party have with other stakeholders cried and pleaded for the Rivers State Government to converge a stakeholders' meeting for us to deliberate and find a way out of this mess but to no avail. The party notes with sadness that all our efforts to draw Wike's attention on how to tackle this menace failed on deaf ears instead he (Wike) was busy dancing macabre dance with the lives of Rivers State people”, Chief Eze said.

The party expressed gratitude that the position of the Federal Government on the causes of the black soot presently being experienced in Port Harcourt and environs is because of the activities of illegal oil refiners, bunkers and burning of tyres by most of the over 100 abattoirs operating in the State" tallies with our position as we have on several fora maintained that contrary to the accusation by Wike that the black soot is not caused by any Federal Government Agency but by the activities of illegal oil refineries and bunkering of which Wike and most of his cohorts are key sponsors.

The party maintained that if any group is behind the unfortunate state of Rivers State as regards of attempting to decimate the lives of Rivers State people through the use of the menace of soot then Wike,  his government and cohorts sponsoring illegal oil refineries in the State should be held responsible.

The party reassured the Rivers State people not minding the frustration the security agencies are facing to eliminate the activities of the illegal refineries and bunkering, "we will intensify efforts to assist the relevant agencies to find solution to this menace".

The party admonished Governor Wike to start preparing for a life outside Government as no matter the amount of blackmail or sponsorship of falsehoods against President Buhari and the APC he (WIKE) is doomed as no force will save him from being disgraced out of the Brick House come 2019 so that Rivers State will be liberated from his evil government.

Source: Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze,

SSA Media and Public Affairs Consultant to the State Chairman, APC Rivers State

‘Rein in your gunmen and stop endangering lives of Rivers people’ – APC Tells Gov. Wike

‘Rein in your gunmen and stop endangering lives of Rivers people’ – APC Tells Gov. Wike

The Rivers State Chapter of All Progressives Congress, APC, said is miffed and highly disturbed that since the nomination process for a legally compromised local government council election for chairmen and councillors by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Rivers State, shootings and maiming have, once again, resumed across Rivers State, adding that it is important to mention that the charade of an election is being organized by the PDP and for the PDP even though some fringe parties claim to participate.

In a press release by the Rivers APC State Publicity Secretary, Chris Finebone said that it is shocking to note that mere primaries for chairmen and councillors for a supposed local council election will result in the large scale shootings, maiming and violence that are now further compounding the dangers of kidnapping, robberies and killings that Rivers people and residents are living under.

The statement read: “It is important to mention that the ongoing PDP-on-PDP orgy of violence underscores our consistent position that Gov. Wike and the PDP are responsible for the spate of killings and violence that have bedevilled Rivers State before, during and after the 2015 and subsequent elections in Rivers State. These killings, whether in ONELGA or other areas of Rivers State, members of the APC have remained the target. So far, over 1000 APC souls have been lost to this PDP violence in the State from 2014 to date.

“Curiously but noteworthy is that, with the eruption of violence in the ongoing PDP council primaries in Rivers State, all doubts about those who are responsible for the electoral violence in the State have been cleared. Sadly, the violence by PDP members on fellow PDP members still carry collateral consequences on law-abiding people and residents of Rivers State including peace-loving members of the APC.

“Again, even as resort to violence takes centre stage in the ongoing PDP primaries, other electoral malfeasance are reportedly being perpetrated across the State. In Isiokpo, one Chukwudi Dimkpa has accused Gov. Wike and his henchmen of imposition of candidates. In Etche, materials were reportedly hijacked and aspirants beaten into coma. In Ibaa, individuals diverted materials. Similar cases have been reported across the State.

“The APC believes that the present electoral malfeasance by the PDP has cleared all doubts and re-affirmed that PDP and its members are responsible for all deaths, pains and agonies the people and residents of Rivers State have had to go through from 2014 to date. To the PDP, electoral misbehaviour is ingrained in their DNA hence the ease with which they unleash it even upon their own members.

“Gov. Nyesom Wike must go beyond disqualifying his gun-toting boys from contesting PDP primaries, he must rein them in and allow law-abiding citizens to have their peace across the State. It is said that you may borrow trouble but you should not lend it to your neighbour.

“More importantly, the APC calls on the Commissioner of Police, Rivers State Police Command and all other heads of security agencies in the State to do the needful to ensure that the PDP-on-PDP violence currently pervading the state is contained from spilling out into full scale war. Residents and people of Rivers State have been through too much, further pains should not be brought on innocent people by a bunch of blood-thirsty hooligans whose only pathway to electoral office is violence, killing and maiming having learnt same from their leader, Gov. Nyesom Wike.”

Oyegun has done well- South-South leaders

*Praise Buhari, APC Govs, others for supporting Oyegun

The prospect of Chief John Odigie-Oyegun retaining his job after June 14, 2018 is seen as having more resonance now.

South-South leaders on Friday threw their weight behind Oyegun for building APC, advancing progressive ideas, supporting the government and championing the rights of members.

"We agreed to task Oyegun with the job of managing the All Progressives Congress (APC) till 2022” the leaders said.

At a meeting to chalk out the position of the zone on the APC National Chairmanship Seat, the leaders praised Oyegun for keeping the ruling party in shape, treating everyone with fairness and strengthening the grassroots.

"Oyegun is an asset to Nigeria. He is a few steps ahead of other leaders. The ruling party is growing stronger and increasing in number" the leaders said.

Chairman South-South Front (SSF), Chief John Harry in a statement released in Yenagoa after the meeting said the South-South leaders decided that Oyegun should continue as chairman of the ruling party because of his sterling performance.

The leaders termed the 2019 presidential election as very critical and one that will have far reaching impact, citing Oyegun's impeccable reputation, leadership skills and fairness.

"The way forward for the ruling party is to retain Oyegun through consensus" the leaders said.

Specifically, they praised Oyegun for promoting democracy, particularly protecting and broadening the rights of members to real political participation, contributing to the unity and growth of the ruling party.

The leaders hailed Oyegun as a true leader of democracy.

"Oyegun deserves credit for promoting democratic priorities, addressing challenging issues facing APC, protecting the interests of the Nigerian people and improving the standing of the ruling party.

They commended President Muhammadu Buhari, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, APC National Leader, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, APC governors, Chief Bisi Akande, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, party chairmen and others for supporting Oyegun.

"We are on track. The process of retaining Oyegun till 2022 is expected to be a formality" the leaders said.

They also contested the views of Isaac Kekemeke, Perekeme Kpodo and Timi Frank on the performance of Oyegun.

"Oyegun has demonstrated how to overcome the challenges confronting the ruling party in the country."

The leaders emphasized those aspects of Oyegun's contribution which laid stress on internal democracy, unity, expansion, fairness and respect.

They also described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as a disaster.

"What do you want Oyegun to learn from PDP". The party's fortunes have plummeted. The opposition party is in disarray. It cannot heal itself. The party is hated by Nigerians for entrenching poverty, unemployment, corruption, insecurity and deprivation. The party has been shown the way out of government at the national level and will never return to power again" the leaders said.

Credit: Henry Ovie